INVERCLYDE MP Ronnie Cowan is calling on the Chancellor to freeze the 'temporary' 5p fuel duty cut in today's Autumn Statement to ease the cost-of-living crisis pressure on local families.

Jeremy Hunt has faced pressure to scrap the 5p cut in duty from last year but the SNP's Mr Cowan says it must be retained.

Mr Cowan has already strongly criticised local supermarkets over their petrol pricing policy in Inverclyde, saying that higher pricing here compared to other areas amounted to a "cartel".

Latest figures show that while margins for supermarkets have fallen recently, prices have gone up by an average of 11p per litre since May.

Mr Cowan said: "We have seen a shocking rise in forecourt fuel prices and we need action.

"Market forces are one thing, but there is action that the UK Government can and should take, and that means keeping the 5p cut in duty.

"When my constituents are facing huge bills to heat their homes, put food on the table, or run a business, the UK government should be doing all in its power to help."