Andy Burnham has come under fire for his handling of the UK’s fuel crisis as petrol and diesel pumps soar out of control.
Andy Burnham has come under fire for his handling of UK petrol and diesel price hikes (Image: Getty)
Andy Burnham has been blasted over “unbelievable” comments around soaring fuel prices. Petrol and diesel fees have risen into October, with diesel rates now at an all-time high, with costs now exceeding £2 per litre. The new fees are putting pressure on cash-strapped families, with campaigners demanding immediate action from politicians.
The AA and FairFuelUK are among those who have called for fuel duty cuts, although the legal default is for fees to rise from January 1 as part of a reversal of the Conservatives’ 5p cut. However, with families struggling, Mr Burnham has not cut fuel duty rates or VAT fees, instead rolling out updates to Google Maps.
On Tuesday, Mr Burnham issued a rare update on fuel prices, posting: “I know people are worried about fuel prices. And I get it. You get to the pump, watch the numbers climb, and wonder why it’s costing so much more than it used to.
“The reality is that global events are pushing up costs, and families here at home are feeling the impact. But I won’t accept that there’s nothing I can do to help.
“That’s why from today, you’ll be able to see petrol and diesel prices on Google Maps, compare nearby stations and find the cheapest option before you fill up. It’s a small change, but if there’s a practical way to help people keep more money in their pocket, I’ll do it.”
Campaigner James Melville hit back at the decision, calling out the PM for failing to do more for families already struggling at the pumps.
Petrol and diesel fuel prices continue to soar (Image: Getty)
He replied: “This is actually taking the p***. Instead of doing something meaningful to help motorists like cutting fuel duty, the Prime Minister patronises British motorists by telling them to click on Google Maps to find the cheapest local prices for diesel and petrol. Unbelievable.”
However, the war of words continued, with Mr Burnham later adding that his cabinet would make the “basics better for people long-term”.
He added: “I know this isn’t a silver bullet. It might help some people find cheaper fuel, but it doesn’t mean that’s all we’re doing to help people with the cost of living.
“We’re cutting VAT on electricity bills. Capping bus fares at £2 in England. Giving disabled people 24/7 free bus travel. Making it easier to cancel subscriptions. Cutting business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues. Stopping schools from demanding endless expensive branded uniforms. Ensuring if your train is cancelled, you can use your ticket on other operators free of charge. Fuel duty is staying frozen to the end of the year. Yes, on their own, I accept that these things don’t seem like much when people’s lives have gotten harder. There’s a lot still to do.”