Liberal Democrat MP for Wokingham, Clive Jones, has called on Rachel Reeves to cancel her planned fuel duty increase, warning that local motorists face a “perfect storm” of soaring global prices and new tax hikes.
Jones has called on the chancellor to reverse her fuel duty hike, set to hit UK drivers with a 1p rise this September: the first such increase in 15 years.
The call comes as experts suggest the ongoing conflict in Iran will push petrol prices to record highs. AA president Edmund King warned that price spikes could hit drivers in 10 to 12 days.
The Wokingham MP said he is “deeply concerned” that the soaring cost will hit local commuters and families who rely on their cars to get to work and school, especially in areas where public transport alternatives are limited.
Jones said: “People in Wokingham are already struggling with the cost of living, and the prospect of record-breaking prices at the pumps could be disastrous.
“I’m deeply concerned that spiralling petrol costs will land on the shoulders of already-strained local commuters, families and businesses in my community who can’t rely on delayed or irregular public transport options to get to work, school or their weekly shop.
“The chancellor must scrap this planned increase.
“It’s the least she can do to help local families in Wokingham weather this perfect storm and keep the cost of the daily commute under control.”
