Will fuel ever stop being a cause of political discontent? It was the fuel protests of 2000 that first tarnished Blair’s electoral allure, according to some of the advisors who were around him at the time. It was a question about petrol prices that provided Gordon Brown with one of the most awkward moments of his premiership. And it was the same issue that punctuated the build-up to George Osborne’s Budget and Autumn Statement last year, and now to next month’s Budget too. The Mail, the Sun, Tory backbenchers and others are once again lobbying the Chancellor to act.
Of course, there are clear reasons why fuel is always such a hot topic. For starters, its price fluctuations are felt by millions and register, in plain black and white, on their bank statements and credit card bills every month.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in