Keighley and Ilkley’s Member of Parliament Robbie Moore has joined dozens of MPs from across the country campaigning to stop a possible rise in fuel duty at next week’s Budget.
In a joint letter to Rachel Reeves, over 70 MPs tell the Chancellor to consider the impact of a rise in fuel duty on low-income families, small businesses and the logistics industry.
The group, which presented a petition signed by over 130,000 to Downing Street, argue that instability in the Middle East will continue to make oil prices volatile, meaning it is essential the Chancellor helps to keep the cost of fuel down at the Budget.
Working with FairFuelUK and Saqib Bhatti MBE MP, Robbie Moore MP and other MPs claim that hiking fuel duty slows economic growth, costs jobs, stokes inflation and reduces consumer spending.
Latest evidence from the Centre for Economic Business Research predicts that raising fuel duty will only bring about short-term benefits for the Treasury and the long-term impact of raising fuel duty could lead to a collapse in revenue by 60%, within five years.
Analysis from FairFuelUK indicates the impact on family finances if fuel duty is increase by 5p is estimated to add £160 to annual fill-up costs, whilst the average commercial van could see costs spiral by £500.
Mr Moore also called for the Government to continue the delivery and roll-out of the Conservative Government’s PumpWatch scheme, which allowed motorists to locate the lowest forecourt pump prices.
Commenting, Robbie Moore MP said: “The prospect of a fuel rise in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget would have a devastating impact on families and businesses across the UK in a time when families are already struggling with the cost of living.
The previous government stood by Britain’s 37 million motorists and kept fuel prices down at the Budget for consecutive budgets, however there is yet to be any indication from the Government that Labour’s budget will do the same.
“That’s exactly why I backed this campaign with over 70 of my colleagues to demand the Chancellor does not punish motorists at the Budget and not to punish motorists, families and businesses across our area and the entire United Kingdom.”