𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Robert Jenrick has called on Rachel Reeves to slash VAT on petrol by half as a growing number of European governments have stepped in to help motorists. Reform UK’s economic spokesman said the emergency move would lop 12p a litre off the cost of petrol and 14p off diesel for the next three months.

The proposal – estimated to have a £1.5billion price tag for the Treasury – comes amid mounting alarm at the fallout from carnage in the Middle East. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has cut VAT on fuel from 21% to 10%.

Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has cut VAT on fuel from 21% to 10%.

Governments in Portugal, Poland, Ireland and Sweden have all triggered emergency VAT cuts on fuel in recent days.

While India has slashed excise duties on petrol and diesel to protect consumers ​and curb a potential spike in inflation.

Mr Jenrick said: “The UK had been left dangerously exposed to external shocks. Governments around the world are taking urgent action to ease the cost of fuel while our Chancellor does nothing.

“Rachel Reeves is missing in action and people across our country are suffering as a result.

“If the Chancellor cared about helping motorists she would halve VAT on fuel as an emergency measure which would take 12p of a litre of petrol and 14p of a litre of petrol.

“And she could pay for it out of the windfall in extra taxes she is benefitting from. It’s the least she could do at a time of real hardship.

“I have heard first hand how parents, carers, tradesmen and pensioners are getting hammered at the pump. Some are being forced to not make journeys because prices have become so unaffordable.

“The Government should be on their side and lower the burden of taxes, but instead they’re raking it in at their expense.”

As the country struggles with the cost of living, the Government has faced calls to cancel an upcoming 5p increase to fuel duty. It will rise by 1p in September, 2p in December and 2p more in March 2027.

Ms Reeves has also provoked widespread anger for suggesting the petrol retailers have been profiteering from the crisis.

A Treasury source said: “ We took action precisely to prevent companies exploiting this crisis – and if they do, we will clamp down on it – because Labour is on the side of working people.”