Political comment: Havant MP Alan Mak calls on Government to continue fuel duty freeze

Havant MP Alan Mak has called on the Government to continue a freeze on fuel duty.

He has joined a campaign along with more than 70 MPs, urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to keep the cost of fuel down in the Budget on October 30.

Analysis by FairFuelUK suggests that a 5p increase could cost Britain’s 37 million motorists £160 each in annual fill-up costs, whilst the average commercial van driver could see costs spiral by £500.

In a joint letter, Conservative MPs have told the Chancellor to consider the impact of a rise in fuel duty on low-income families, small businesses and the logistics industry.

Fuel duty has remained frozen for the past 14 years and currently stands at 6p less than when Labour were last in power. But Shadow Treasury Minister Mr Mak points to instability in the Middle East that will continue to make oil prices volatile, meaning it's essential the Chancellor helps to keep the cost of fuel down in the Budget. Mr Mak says 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. The long-term impact could lead to a collapse in revenue by 60 per cent within five years. Mr Mak also called for the Government to continue the delivery and roll-out of the previous Conservative Government’s PumpWatch scheme, which allowed motorists to locate the lowest forecourt pump prices.

He said: "The Conservatives stood by Britain’s 37 million motorists and kept fuel prices down at the Budget for 14 consecutive years. There is yet to be any indication from the Government that Labour will do the same. “A rise in fuel duty would have a devastating impact on families and businesses in the Havant Constituency.

“That’s why I've signed the letter to demand the Chancellor does not punish motorists, families and businesses with this cynical money grab.”