Oral Answers to Questions

Wendy Morton Excerpts

Tuesday 28th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gagan Mohindra (South West Hertfordshire) (Con)]

7. What assessment she has made of the potential impact of fuel duty on the cost of living.

[Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills) (Con)]

14. What assessment she has made of the potential impact of fuel duty on the cost of living.

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Dan Tomlinson)]

The Government have already taken action on fuel affordability at the pump. In last year’s Budget they extended the 5p per litre cap for a further five months, and they have also cancelled the increase that would have otherwise taken place in line with inflation at the start of this financial year.

--- Later in debate ---

[Dan Tomlinson]

Before the conflict in Iran started we saw inflation falling, we saw unemployment falling and we saw growth increasing by 0.5% in one month at the start of the year. That showed that our economic plan was the right plan for this country, and it is important that we stick to it rather than returning to the bad old days of the high borrowing and high interest rates that the Conservatives brought us when they had a chance to run the economy.

[Wendy Morton]

Labour is at war with motorists, and Reform’s idea of protesting about fuel prices was revealed at their non-event yesterday—and, indeed, its members are not even here today. Only we on the Conservative Benches are standing up for our motorists and our constituents. Will the Chancellor take this opportunity to help our constituents, our businesses and our motorists, and adopt our plan to extend fuel duty relief—yes or no?

[Dan Tomlinson]

I agree with the right hon. Member that Reform’s rabble yesterday was deeply underwhelming. As for fuel duty, the rate is currently lower than it was at any point under the last Government, or, at least, it was never lower under the last Government than it is now. In real terms, it is lower than it has been at any point since 1993.