Tory revolt over rising fuel prices

15/11/11

By Emma McFarnon

The spiralling cost of fuel is aggravating MPs as well as the general public, as David Cameron faces a revolt by Tory MPs over the issue.

MPs will vote in the House of Commons on a backbench motion, tabled by Rob Halfon, which calls on ministers to consider implementing a "price stabilisation mechanism" to operate alongside Chancellor George Osborne's fair fuel stabiliser.

The motion does not represent Government policy, and is therefore quite controversial.

More than 100 MPs across the political spectrum - some 83 Tories and five Liberal Democrats - have already signed the motion. No 10 would not reveal if the three-line whip would be enforced.

Mr Halfon said he had been told the iron-first whip would be used, effectively forcing Tory MPs to fall in line with party policy.

Labour MPs are said to be backing an amendment tabled by backbencher Dave Watts to cut the cost of fuel - one of the suggested ways to do this is to reverse January's VAT rise.

The Times newspaper recently reported that Downing Street was considering ditching the planned 3p a litre rise in petrol duty due in January, in what appears to be an attempt to placate the Tory rebels.

Mr Halfon secured the debate after a No 10 petition pulled in more than 100,000 signatures.

A Tory revolt over the issue would be damaging for Prime Minister David Cameron.