Telford MP calls for cut in fuel tax

Telford MP David Wright has criticised the Government over rises in fuel VAT, claiming the increase has hit county families hard and should be reversed immediately.

Mr Wright's call for a postponement of the annual fuel duty rise in April comes a day after a Facebook group planning an April Fools boycott of petrol stations attracted almost 400,000 members.

Mr Wright claimed the hike in VAT in January to 20 per cent had added almost 3p to the price of a litre of petrol and immediate action needed to be taken.

He said: "I've consistently opposed the Government's VAT rise which has hit families in Telford and helped to push up petrol prices to their current record levels.

"It's time the government took immediate action on fuel prices to ease the pressure on families who are already facing a tough year.

"The AA's latest fuel price report shows that across the West Midlands the average cost of a litre of unleaded petrol in February was 128p.

"They should immediately reverse the VAT rise on fuel, which has added nearly 3p to the price of a litre of petrol.

"In the budget George Osborne should look again at the annual fuel duty rise due in April. Now is the wrong time to be making things even worse for hard-pressed families in Telford by hiking up VAT.

"I wouldn't go as far to say I support boycotting petrol stations but the people who are joining the Facebook group are frustrated at the costs, and I understand their anger."

The Facebook group, set up by Shropshire personal trainer Jason Green, is calling for a boycott of petrol stations on April 1.

Mr Green originally invited just 200 friends to join his quest boycott but the campaign has spread.

He said: "Travelling to work and driving to see my girlfriend is costing me an absolute bomb and its the same for everyone in Shropshire.

"It's time to stand up and fight for cheaper fuel."

By Peter Finch