Carmichael calls for fuel duty freeze

The MP for Orkney and Shetland, Alistair Carmichael has today called for a freeze on fuel duty in next week’s budget.

Mr Carmichael made the comment — which was directed at UK chancellor Philip Hammond — after attending an event in UK parliament run by Fair Fuel UK, which explored the economic case for a fuel price cut, particularly in rural areas.

Commenting after the event, Mr Carmichael said: “The budget next week is not going to be an easy one, and the chancellor will be looking for ways to boost his coffers ahead of Brexit. I hope he will resist the temptation to bump up fuel duty. Our rural communities are facing economic problems that are at least as severe as those in our towns and cities. This would be a hit that we could do without.

“The Fair-Fuel UK campaign has outlined the mounting evidence that a cut, or at least a freeze, in fuel duty would be good for the wider economy, and could increase the money that the Chancellor get in tax due to growth in the industry.

“We do not yet know what is in the budget, but it is clear that a fuel duty freeze would bring a huge benefit to rural communities like in Orkney and Shetland where cars are an essential part of transport.”