Andy Burnham has faced criticism from fuel campaigners who accuse him of treating drivers like "cash cows" as petrol and diesel costs remain high. FairFuelUK founder Howard Cox said motorists are demanding action on fuel duty, with a new petition calling for cuts receiving support from more than 30,000 people.
Diesel is currently selling for just under £2 per litre on average, while petrol is around 175p per litre. The petition urges an immediate reduction in fuel duty to help families and businesses, and calls for a permanent freeze on the duty alongside direct intervention to lower costs.
Campaigners demand action
Mr Cox warned that drivers across Britain feel unfairly targeted, overtaxed and ignored by officials. He said: "More than 30,000 people have emailed the Prime Minister and Chancellor within just 24 hours because drivers have had enough."
"They are tired of being treated as cash cows while politicians ignore the reality that affordable road transport is essential to every family, every business and every community in Britain. This isn't just about motorists. Every product on every supermarket shelf, every tradesperson, every delivery, every small business and every worker depends on affordable transport."
Pressure on Chancellor
Labour plans to reverse a previous 5p cut in fuel duty, with prices previously expected to rise this year. Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves intervened to push back planned price hikes to 2027, but the legal default remains that costs will rise, with the first 3p increase scheduled for January.
Chancellor John Healey is expected to address fuel duty at his upcoming October budget and faces increasing pressure to intervene. The AA has also called on Mr Burnham and Mr Healey to cut costs for drivers.
VAT windfall highlighted
AA President Edmund King previously said: "The Government could afford to scrap the planned 5p increase and cut off a further 5p as every 5p change draws 1p extra or less in VAT. In the last year, prices have increased by about 40p a litre, so the Government's VAT windfall is approximately 6.5p and so could 'pay' for a cut."
Mr Burnham has not ruled out helping drivers, previously adding: "I'm considering everything that might help people in very difficult times, and I will be honest and say every possible measure is being looked at. The question I've got is, How many can I afford?"
