Campaigning at the Forge and the Fort Shopping Centre in Easterhouse today (Tuesday) the SNP Candidate in the Glasgow East by-election John Mason focussed on the rising cost of living and urged voters to send a message to the London Labour Government that they want substantial action on the issues that matter to them and their families.

Mr Mason was joined by Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond MSP, the actor James Cosmo and comedienne Elaine C Smith who were supporting Cllr Mason's campaign.
 

Cllr John Mason said: "With reports of food costs rising by 7% and petrol prices increasing by over 20% in the past 12 months, budgeting for household bills is becoming increasingly difficult for many people in Glasgow East. Now the added threat of increased vehicle duty will serve to make life even harder for innocent bystanders in Glasgow East.

"The London Labour Government's response has been inadequate. Labour had the chance in the House of Commons on 2nd July to reduce fuel costs at the pumps, leading to a reduction in people's travel costs, and in the cost of all the goods in the shops transported by road, yet they voted against easing the burden on hard working families.

"In contrast the SNP Government has introduced a range of measures to help with everyday living costs, including reducing prescription charges and freezing the council tax. Voting SNP works for the people of Glasgow East.

"This by-election allows the people of Glasgow East to send a strong message to Gordon Brown that they want action on these fundamental bread and butter issues. The SNP is on their side and by electing an SNP MP they will send a message that they want a change of direction and not more of the same."

First Minister and SNP Leader Alex Salmond commented: "People in Glasgow and across Scotland are suffering from rising energy costs, rising household bills, and a range of other financial pressures.

"Yet Labour are doing nothing to help – instead they're fuelling the fire. Enough is enough, and people in Glasgow East can call a halt in this by-election.

"The Prime Minister is raking in an offshore oil windfall of some £6 billion – £48 per household per week - yet refuses to take the measures needed to bring relief to hard pressed families and business.  And he refuses to give Scotland a fair share of our own oil wealth, which would give the Scottish people direct and long term benefits.

"Compared to the UK Labour government, the Scottish Government have taken decisive action to help people and the economy.

"Among the 140 measures the SNP have taken in government over the past year, we have frozen the Council Tax, begun the phased abolition of prescription charges, slashed business rates, installed a record number of free central heating installations, and restored free education.

"These positive and progressive policies show that the SNP Government are on the side of the people of Glasgow East.

"Our campaign has truly been a campaign fought on bread and butter issues. The costs of filling the trolley at the supermarket; the cost of filling the petrol tank with fuel. These are today's issues and the SNP is fighting a campaign to give the people of Glasgow East the opportunity to send a message to 10 Downing Street that they want real action."