Sir Keir Starmer has hinted at what Labour could do with fuel duty if he wins the keys to No10.
The Labour leader, who is well ahead of Rishi Sunak in the opinion polls, spoke about his plan for motorists less than two weeks before polls open on July 4.
Starmer told GB News: “On fuel duty, obviously we are very sensitive to this because we know how impactful it is.
“Every year we’ve supported the position of keeping that frozen.
Fuel duty: Huge hint from Labour at plans for 2025 tax plans
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“It’s a budget-by-budget issue but I would say to anyone with concerns on this to check our track record.
“We’ve always said freeze the fuel duty. That’s our long history and we do it for a purpose.”
Starmer was quizzed on his intention with fuel duty amid speculation Labour might need to raise certain levies to fund its spending plan.
However, the Labour leader said he will not raise income tax, national insurance or VAT.
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Starmer is also hoping to shore up support among motorists after the Tories managed to cling onto Uxbridge & South Ruislip last summer over Sadiq Khan’s Ulez expansion.
Rishi Sunak’s Tory manifesto included references to prioritising fuel freezers, adding that a Conservative Government would oppose road pricing and reverse London’s carbon-curbing levy.
However, Starmer appeared to make his direct pitch to motorists during his exclusive interview with Christopher Hope.
Speaking from the marginal Essex seat of Harlow, the Leader of the Opposition added: “The other thing I would say, is we have a plan for potholes because if you’re a driver because if you’re vehicle you’re driven beyond frustration by potholes.
Labour has pledged to fix one million more potholes every year PA“We’ve got a plan to deal with potholes because if your vehicle gets damaged it costs several hundred pounds usually.
“And if you use a van or vehicle for work you are also without your vehicle for however long it takes to get your vehicle repaired so we’ve got to fix that.”
Potholes have continued to plague British motorists in recent years.
RAC patrols attended nearly 30,000 pothole-related breakdowns over the course of 2023, up by 33 per cent last year.
Keir Starmer
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Sunak’s Government is pledging to put £8.3billion into road repairs between this year and 2034.
Labour’s plan would mean an additional £320million over five years.
Analysis conducted by the Labour Party has shown pothole damage cost drivers nearly £500m last year, with the average repair charge worth around £250.
The roadside assistance firm AA also claimed potholes are viewed as the most important transport issue cited by drivers.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
