Sutherland MP leads debate aimed at tackling rip-off delivery charges to the Highlands calling on governments not to be side-tracked by 'blame games'
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Easter Ross MP Jamie Stone proposed solutions to tackle unfair delivery charges in the Highlands and Islands as he led a debate in Westminster.
The Liberal Democrat called on the UK and Scottish governments to work more closely together on the issue, rather than getting side-tracked by “blame games” and “constitutional arguments every five minutes".
Mr Stone suggested extending the Royal Mail’s “one price goes anywhere” rule to other companies and increasing regulation in the delivery service industry and increased support for local couriers.
He also wants to reduce driving times – and therefore costs – by properly investing in road infrastructure while increasing penalties for companies who do not comply with the guidelines laid out by the Advertising Standards Authority.
“Highlanders pay the most absurd delivery surcharge prices – and often, they only find out after they have made their purchase thanks to some of the dodgy advertising compliance we see by online retailers in particular,” he said.
“We know it’s bad. I know it from my chats with constituents, and both the UK and Scottish governments know it from their own data – and data produced by independent third parties.
“Parties from across the political spectrum know it’s a problem and yet here we are: in the same boat.”
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