Ulster Unionist Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA has called on the UK Government to take urgent action on fuel costs, urging ministers to wake up and smell the coffee at the pumps.

Diana Armstrong MLA said:

“It’s time for the Government to wake up and smell the coffee at the pumps. Working families and businesses across Northern Ireland are being hammered by sky high fuel costs, and it’s time for a meaningful cut in fuel duty to bring real relief.

“I have constituents who are filling up their vans every other day just to get to work sites right across the country. They’re burning through money at the pumps hundreds of £££, and this isn’t sustainable. Higher transport costs will inevitably feed through to consumers in the form of increased prices for goods and services sooner rather than later.

“The hard truth is that a huge portion of what drivers pay for fuel is simply tax, fuel duty plus VAT. While global factors play a role, the Government has been taking more than its fair share for far too long. The only ones consistently profiteering here are the Treasury, not hard working people trying to earn a living.

“We need the UK Government to implement a realistic, long term plan for a substantial cut in fuel duty immediately. Working families and businesses need support. These are the people who are being punished simply for going out to work and keeping our economy moving. Freezing or reversing duty increases is no longer enough; the Government needs bold action now."