Ruffley claims victory in Brown’s temporary climbdown on fuel tax

David Ruffley MP, today attacked the Chancellor over the extraordinarily high fuel prices in Suffolk and warned the Chancellor may raise tax again. The Chancellor has now bowed to enormous pressure from both the public and the Conservative Party and deferred for two months the latest fuel tax rise. HOWEVER THE CHANCELLOR HAS REFUSED TO RULE OUT THE RISE ALL TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE.

Mr Ruffley said:

“The level of fuel tax under Labour is a disgraceful attack on rural dwellers by an urban-minded Government. They have continually shown a complete disregard for rural people. For my constituents living in rural areas the car is not a luxury - as the Labour government claims it is - it is a necessity.

“The Chancellor said it was not appropriate to raise fuel duty when fuel prices were volatile. They remain high and volatile and I am glad he has accepted our view, for the moment, that any rise would be unacceptable at present.

“Given the recent increases in the price of oil it is simply unacceptable for the Labour Government to hit motorists yet again with a further tax increase that will once more be particularly tough for those on low incomes. Mr Brown must reverse this stealth tax and I will continue the campaign on behalf of my constituents to have this stealth tax abandoned completely and not simply deferred.”