This week, Dame Rebecca Harris MP has backed an Official Opposition Motion to demand a vote on Labour’s plans to hike Fuel Duty for the first time in 15 years.

The motion comes as Rachel Reeves plans to increase the fuel duty by 5p a litre in stages from September, whilst global instability pushes up oil prices.

The Chancellor has chosen to punish motorists at a time when she should be helping them. They now face a higher fuel tax in addition to rising petrol prices.

War in Iran has sent the price of oil and gas surging, with prices reaching levels not seen since mid-2022, amidst Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Households will soon begin to feel the impact on their energy bills and fuel costs.

Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch, along with Dame Rebecca as her Chief Whip and the Shadow Transport Secretary, Basildon and Billericay MP Richard Holden, has tabled a form of Motion in Parliament to try to force the Government to overturn its decision by forcing a vote in the Commons.

The Conservative Party has already committed to prioritising energy security over ideology by restarting North Sea Oil and Gas production and maximising extraction.
Labour on the other hand, has crippled our oil and gas industry. Domestic production of oil and gas in the North Sea is set to halve by 2030, risking 200,000 jobs.

Only the Conservative Party has the plan to ensure our energy security, rebuild confidence in the economy and support households and businesses.

Commenting, Rebecca said: “The Government has chosen to punish Castle Point residents with a hike in Fuel Duty at a time when global pressures are already driving up the costs of oil and gas, forcing an unacceptable double hit on motorists.
 

“I am proud to support the Motion, demanding a vote to scrap the Chancellor’s plans, and stop the punishment on hardworking families during a cost-of-living crisis.”