Tuesday April 14th 2026
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
Midlothian Council’s leader has called on the UK Prime Minister to follow the lead of Ireland and take action to reduce fuel costs for residents immediately.
In a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, Councillor Kelly Parry accuses the UK Government of being ‘passive’ in the face of surging fuel prices which, she says, are paralysing local people.
And she points to the actions of the Irish Government who introduced a 10% cut in prices of petrol and diesel in response to the increases.
Councillor Parry tells the Prime Minister:
“The unprecedented rise in fuel prices is not just a ‘cost of living’ statistic; it is a direct hit to the pockets of workers who have no choice but to commute, and to families already choosing between heating and eating.
“While we appreciate the global complexities involved, there is a growing sense of disappointment across our communities that the UK Government has remained largely passive. It is difficult to justify this inaction to Midlothian residents when they look across the Irish Sea and see proactive governance.”
The council leader calls for urgent action to help people who are watching their disposable income “evaporate at the pump”.
Councillor Parry has also criticised Midlothian Labour MP Kirsty McNeill who she accused of being nowhere to be seen during the crisis.
She said: “Despite the escalating crisis in a reserved policy matter our ‘local’ MP Kirsty McNeill appears to be Missing in Action. At a time when our residents are struggling to fuel their cars and heat their homes, it appears our MP is too busy within the halls of the Scotland Office to stand up for the people who elected her.
“Now more than ever, Midlothian needs strong voices championing our causes, not absentee representatives.”
However Ms McNeill hit back at the criticism saying the UK Government was helping people.
She said: “This month, millions of people will see energy bills go down by £117, wages go up for the lowest paid and a 4.8% boost to the State Pension – because of the decisions our Labour Government has taken.
“In terms of fuel prices, the fuel duty cut has been extended until September, helping to keep costs down for families.
“The Prime Minister is also continuing to work with allies to push for de-escalation in the Middle East, which is the surest way to bring down pressures on fuel prices.
“Given the SNP council leader has raised concerns about family finances in Midlothian, she might want to explain to residents why she is clobbering them with yet another council tax increase – 9% this year, following a 10% rise in 2025 – while at the same time planning to spend over £15 million on new offices for her and her fellow councillors.”
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