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Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that the scheduled increase in fuel duty, set for September, will remain under close observation amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The planned rise marks the end of a temporary 5p reduction that was introduced in response to Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine, which has been gradually phased out over six months.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch challenged Sir Keir, predicting that he would be compelled to reverse his position once again by scrapping the planned fuel duty hike. Sir Keir confirmed that the current freeze on fuel duty will last until September but emphasized that the government would continue to monitor the evolving situation in Iran before making any final decisions.
Opposition parties have amplified their efforts to maintain the fuel duty cut following increased energy costs linked to recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, addressing members of parliament, noted the volatility of oil prices and reiterated the government’s commitment to managing the situation sensitively. She also expressed reluctance to use public funds to influence market-driven energy costs, highlighting the uncertainty about petrol prices come September.
In defending the government’s approach at PMQs, Sir Keir stressed the importance of working collaboratively with international partners to reduce tensions in the region. Badenoch, representing the Conservatives, pointed to the government’s previous actions to freeze and cut fuel duty in 2022 as evidence of their commitment to addressing the cost of living. She accused Labour of treating drivers as a source of revenue and asserted that Labour plans to implement the first fuel duty increase in 15 years. When pressed by MPs including Graham Stuart and Sir Ed Davey, Sir Keir reiterated the freeze until September and reassured the public that energy bills would not skyrocket immediately, emphasizing ongoing efforts to manage the situation and support households effectively
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