SNP MSP for Glasgow Anne McLaughlin is throwing her weight behind a campaign by leading charities for the UK Government to increase cold weather fuel payments for pensioners and vulnerable households.

Charities Age Concern and Help the Aged have warned that support coming from the UK Government is inadequate to deal with the increasing death rate amongst older people.

This week SNP MPs in Westminster are set to raise the issue in Parliament and will be campaigning hard to get the UK Government to act swiftly on the matter.

Speaking today Ms McLaughlin said: "With the people of Scotland facing the worst weather conditions in decades, it will be of no surprise that older people and vulnerable households are, rightly, turning up their heating.

"The sad reality of the situation is that we're in a time of recession, gas and electricity prices have soared in recent years and the UK Government hasn't reacted. As a result many people won't turn their heating on for fear of a huge bill. I don't think that's right.

"That's why I believe it's time for the UK Government to get behind these proposals and take action to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society, most of whom have worked hard all their lives and paid taxes can get through the cold snap, without fearing the financial burden."