Heating or Eating this winter - you decide

Ian Robertson, Liberal Democrat candidate for the Glasgow East by-election, was today joined by Deputy Leader and Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable talking to local residents about their continued concerns over the rising cost of living.

Ian said: "With the cost of living soaring under the Labour government, many people are faced with a stark choice this winter - heating or eating. The rising cost of food and fuel means that some families across Glasgow East cannot afford both. After over a decade of Labour in power, this is a damning indictment of the failings of Gordon Brown and his handling of the economy."

He continued: "The average family food bill has risen by £750 a year. The price of eggs, bread, milk, cheese have all increased by more than three times the rate of inflation in the last year. At the same time the price of fuel and energy bills continue to rise putting further strain on people's pockets. Not enough is being done to help families through this troubled time."

Vince Cable commented: "Even this rose tinted measurement of inflation is now showing the huge strain that soaring food and fuel costs are putting on household budgets. We are now facing the start of an economic climate worryingly reminiscent of the 1970s, with falling demand, rising unemployment and rising inflation. Gordon Brown is now facing the consequences of years of inaction over spiralling personal debt and the unsustainable bubble in the housing market. The Prime Mister bases his credibility on his economic record, yet it is now becoming startling clear he was asleep at the wheel."

From: Glasgow East Liberal Democrats