Reform UK demands action from Rachel Reeves with 'emergency cut' to fuel prices - 'Do something NOW!'

The latest data from the RAC shows that fuel prices across the UK have remained stagnant in recent days, although they could soar again in response to concerns around the Strait of Hormuz.

At present, drivers are forking out an average of 158.3p for unleaded petrol and 191.54p for diesel.

While this represents a 19 per cent jump in petrol prices since the start of the war in Iran at the end of February, diesel car owners have seen a 34.5 per cent spike, adding almost 50p to the average cost of a litre.

Reform UK's Treasury spokesperson, Robert Jenrick, told GB News that the party was calling on the Government to launch emergency support because "people are suffering".

He said: "Lee Anderson and I have spent the morning here talking to punters and we've met care workers that are doing visits across the county, we've met mums and dads who have driven long distances to take their kids to schools, farmers, HGV drivers, white van men.

"Everyone is finding life tough at the moment, so our message to Rachel Reeves is very clear: You are the Chancellor, you're not a bystander, do something now to help people with the cost of living.

"Do an emergency cut in VAT on petrol and diesel, save people 30p a litre on unleaded, 16p on diesel, and do not go ahead with the increase on fuel duty that's coming down the line in September.

"Only someone as out of touch as Rachel Reeves would go ahead with that right now when everyone wants to see some action on the cost of living."

Mr Jenrick said the emergency cut should be in place for three months, then reviewed once it expires, which is similar to what other nations have introduced.

He noted that other governments were taking action to help drivers, before accusing Rachel Reeves of "raking it in" from extra taxes, adding that she was "wasting it" on net zero policies and benefits.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, highlighted how pump prices have stopped rising after 43 days of increases, thanks to a fall in wholesale oil costs.

He suggested that drivers could soon see "some relief" at the pumps, adding that it would be "very interesting to see if this plays out as the data indicates".

Labour has consistently said it was keeping fuel prices "under review", noting that other measures taken by the Government would aid Britons with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The cut to fuel duty set for September is still expected to go ahead, as the Government looks to reverse measures launched in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Fuel duty will be reversed by 1p in September, 2p in December and a final 2p in March next year. At this point, the Chancellor could hike fuel duty in line with inflation.

Independent MP James McMurdock has also called on the Government to cut fuel duty in response to soaring costs felt by drivers, families and businesses around the country.

He said: "At a time when many families and businesses are already under financial pressure, there is a strong argument that fuel duty should be reviewed, especially when oil prices are high.

"Fuel prices do not just affect drivers. They affect the cost of transporting goods. This includes the price of food in supermarkets, the running costs of businesses and overall cost of living. When fuel prices remain high, the impact is felt across the entire economy."