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Gordon MP Claims Further Victory in Red Diesel Campaign - Good Causes No Longer Set to Lose Out as Tractor Runs Exempted
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has expressed his delight on behalf of vintage tractor enthusiasts and good causes as the UK Treasury have confirmed to him in response to a Parliamentary Question he tabled that charity tractor runs will be exempted from changes coming into force tomorrow which would have prevented the vehicles from using red diesel and required their fuel tanks to be flushed if used on public roads.
The SNP MP received a response from the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury last night advising that Excise Notice 75 would be updated by HMRC to reflect this policy.
Mr Thomson recently also helped secure a similar change in relation to ploughing matches, which are an important part of rural heritage but also allow drivers to develop their ploughing skills.
Welcoming this further U-turn on the subject, Richard Thomson MP said:
“I’m delighted for those involved in the heritage tractor scene who raise funds for good causes through organising these events that these can now continue without the need for flushing fuel tanks when they venture onto the road.
““The amount of money the UK Treasury would have made from pushing ahead with this change would have been minimal but would have jeopardised the future of a range of activities such as ploughing matches and tractor runs.
“I’m pleased that the UK Government have seen sense and have agreed to step-back from their earlier position.”
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Photo shows Richard Thomson MP discussing the issue with vintage tractor enthusiast Duncan Morrison.
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