As inflation ‘balloons’, Lib Dem MP Vikki Slade urges Government to introduce an emergency fuel duty cut to help Dorset residents.

MP Vikki Slade is urging the Government to introduce an emergency 10p cut to fuel duty, saving 12p per litre at the pumps, as a Lib Dem poll reveals Brits are stockpiling fuel and cutting back spending to afford petrol.

In a Westminster Hall Debate on the ‘Cost of Heating Oil’ last week, organised by Vikki’s Liberal Democrat colleague Steff Aquarone MP, Vikki raised the plight of those families living in Charborough Park and in Shapwick already facing huge costs to heat their homes because of the solid-wall and thatched styling. Commenting, Vikki said “these properties are beautiful, but highly inefficient as a result of their age. The last thing these owners and renters needed was a hike in the costs of heating oil, which threatens to make some of these homes almost unliveable.”

On Wednesday, the Lib Dems unveiled a giant inflated balloon of Donald Trump on Whitehall, flanked by “cheerleaders” Farage and Badenoch as part of a major new campaign highlighting the impact of “Trumpflation”. 

Trump’s war on Iran has caused the biggest rise in fuel prices in more than three years, according to the ONS.

Latest figures show inflation rose to 3.3% in March, up from 3% in February. The ONS said fuel prices saw their biggest increase since January 2023.

Polling commissioned this week by the Liberal Democrats has revealed the British public are taking drastic action to afford spiralling fuel prices as the impact of “Trumpflation” bites.

Among those who drive a car regularly, nearly a third (30%) say they have cut back on other spending to afford fuel. 1 in 10 say they are stockpiling fuel, nearly half have driven less because of soaring fuel prices (49%), while over a quarter (28%) say they have delayed or cancelled non-essential journeys, such as visiting friends or family.

Vikki has been a consistent voice against President Trump, questioning his reliability as an ally and highlighting the damaging impacts of his policies and random proclamations on the people of the United Kingdom.

Liberal Democrat MP, Vikki Slade said:

“It is extremely unfair that the hardworking people of Mid Dorset and North Poole are being punished for a war they want no part of, as we’re seeing yet another rise in inflation caused by Trump’s idiocy in Iran.

“People shouldn’t have to think about stockpiling fuel or heating oil, these are basic essentials that are now adding to an already devastating cost-of-living crisis.

“It’s only the Lib Dems who are putting pressure on the government to protect British families from Trumpflation and cut fuel prices and bring down the cost of living.”