Kemi: PM must keep freeze on fuel duty
KEMI Badenoch demanded Keir Starmer act to help struggling motorists fill their tanks amid recent shock rises in petrol prices.
In the wake of the Middle East conflict which has sent oil prices surging, the Conservative leader challenged Sir Keir to extend a freeze on fuel duty.
The freeze is due to end in September and the Cabinet appears to be at odds about continuing it, leaving drivers at risk of an additional price shock.
In the Commons, Mrs Badenoch asked the PM why “now is the right time to increase the cost of petrol”.
Sir Keir insisted he is not increasing the cost and the government is taking the “measures that are necessary to deal with the impact of the conflict in Iran”.
But the Tory leader hit back: “He has said that he wants to help with the cost of living.
“So, does the Prime Minister not understand how important cars are to people in rural areas, or does he just not care?’
Sir Keir said he would “monitor” the situation.
Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, had earlier suggested the Chancellor would look at maintaining the freeze. Rachel Reeves indicated the government could intervene to help with energy costs if the conflict spiralled. She said: “It’s certainly not good for the economy to have trade disrupted.”
RACHEL Reeves must act quickly and extend the freeze on fuel duty.What better way to signal to motorists that you’re on their side?
The war in the Middle East has sent oil prices into a spasm, leaving Britons facing a steep rise in the cost of petrol and diesel.
A freeze on fuel duty is due to end in September, undoubtedly adding to the overall pain for drivers.
It will immediately hike up the cost of petrol, the price of which is likely to have skyrocketed by then because of the conflict.
The hazard warning lights are flashing red. Axing the fuel duty rise would spare millions from a needless hit to their cost of living.
But this Labour government is too scared to make another U-turn, having made so many since entering Downing Street.
Instead, the Chancellor wants to monitor the situation and take other, ineffectual measures to help motorists.
She can do that, but extending the freeze needs to happen now.