SNP MP Stewart Hosie today described Labour's solution to rising prices and increases in vehicle duty as a pathetic response to a real situation.

Mr Hosie said: "A vote for the SNP in Glasgow East is an opportunity for the public to send a message to Gordon Brown that changes in vehicle excise duty, rising fuel taxes and increasing energy costs are not acceptable.

"The SNP is on your side in Glasgow East and a vote for John Mason will send a shockwave to London that will force Gordon Brown's government to take action.

"Whilst people are suffering from rising food and fuel prices and the UK Government pushes ahead with plans that will increase vehicle taxes for 12000 people in Glasgow East all Margaret Curran has to offer are empty promises.

"Labour is utterly out of touch with the concerns of people in Glasgow East and the Labour candidate has given no answers to the pressures hitting domestic budgets.

"Labour's candidate needs to be clear - what will she do to help bring down fuel prices and to support people facing tighter budgets.

"John Mason is on the side of people in Glasgow East and will not only speak up for people in the East End, he will vote for people in the East End.

"Instead of offering secret meetings with Alastair Darling it should be Gordon Brown in the constituency and he should be here during this vital by-election."