Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has called on Northern Powerhouse Minister Andy Burnham to cancel the planned 5p fuel duty increase. Badenoch argues that this hike will significantly impact drivers and contribute to rising inflation, deepening the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Highlighting the Conservative track record, she reminded that fuel duty was frozen throughout their 14 years in government and warned against adding fuel duty increases during current economic hardships. “Increasing fuel duty will not only hurt drivers but also affect anyone dependent on deliveries or transport for their businesses,” Badenoch stated. She emphasized that the hike is unnecessary and predicted it would only amplify inflationary pressures.
Badenoch also urged Burnham to clarify how he intends to fund his ambitious spending agenda — which includes a bus fare cap, scrapping VAT on energy bills, and other measures — without introducing new taxes. “He needs to rule out tax rises to pay for his spending spree,” she added.
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In response, a Labour Party spokesperson accused the Conservative Party of failing to manage the economy effectively. They praised Burnham’s approach as a source of hope and condemned Conservative policies for holding Britain back: “More of the same failed Tory politics is a recipe for disaster.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had previously extended the national fuel duty freeze in May to ease financial pressure on households amid escalating costs. The government had planned to introduce the duty increase gradually: 1p per litre in September, 2p in December, and another 2p this coming March.
As debate continues, the potential fuel duty hike remains a contentious issue within the broader conversation about managing the UK’s economic challenges.