Fuel duty freeze a 'political fix'

7:46pm Wednesday 16th July 2008

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Gordon Brown has been accused of playing politics with petrol prices after finally confirming this autumn's planned 2p rise in fuel duty has been scrapped.

With just a week to go before the crucial Glasgow East by-election, the Government said it was suspending the planned hike to "help motorists and businesses get through what is a difficult time for everyone".

The move followed months of pressure on ministers amid soaring oil prices which have been reflected at the pumps.

It was warmly welcomed by road users' groups - although they insisted more still had to be done to ease the strain on drivers.

But opposition parties branded the freeze a "political fix", and claimed Mr Brown was desperately trying to avoid defeat in next week's poll.

Scotland's first minister Alex Salmond - whose SNP are Labour's closest challengers in the contest - said it showed that Chancellor Alistair Darling was a "worried man".

Shadow chancellor George Osborne said the Government had "dithered" for months before conveniently making the decision in the run-up to the ballot.

"Instead of short-term political fixes, what the Government should be doing is adopting our plans for a fair fuel stabiliser so that motorists get automatic relief when the price of oil goes up, rather than relying on the political whims of the Chancellor," he added.

But the Prime Minister told MPs the timing had nothing to do with the forthcoming poll - which many believe will decide his fate as leader.

"It is right to announce, as we have done previously, our decision before the House rises," he said.

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