MP says UK Government must support business through fuel crisis - as PSNI prepare for NI protests
The government must act now to support businesses with soaring fuel costs to prevent a repeat of protests in the Republic of Ireland, a DUP MP has warned – as police prepare to deal with any disruption from similar protests here.
Carla Lockhart says pressure is building in Northern Ireland and across the UK, with the possibility of a series of major routes being blockaded by protestors on Tuesday.
She has urged the government to “back the industries that hold this country together” by introducing targeted fuel support, to prevent the situation escalating.
The Chancellor said at the weekend that “best protection we have against higher costs at home” is the ceasefire between the United States and Iran holding. Rachel Reeves said “plans to boost Britain’s competitiveness” would be outlined by the government later this week.
Labour has so far resisted calls to cut fuel duty to help businesses and consumers with the soaring cost of petrol and diesel – and won’t commit to keeping a temporary 5p cut in the tax due to expire later this year.
Last week, Northern Ireland’s two joint leaders wrote to Prime Minister Keir Starmer demanding action over escalating fuel costs. Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly asked the government to cut fuel duty and introduce “targeted support” aimed at farmers and hauliers.
They said families and businesses “cannot continue to absorb these sustained increases without intervention”.
As of Thursday, the average cost of petrol in Northern Ireland was 153.1ppl (up 22.6% since the start of the war) with diesel at 185.6ppl (up 39.9%).
The PSNI says it is “maintaining an ongoing assessment” of social media posts calling for planned protests across Northern Ireland from tomorrow (Tuesday).
A spokesperson said: “A policing response has been prepared, if needed, to ensure public safety and to help minimise any potential disruption to the wider community”.
Carla Lockhart says the government must take “immediate action to support key sectors” as pressure builds for agriculture, construction and haulage firms.
The DUP MP said the “warning signs are already clear, with growing frustration and the potential for widespread protests if meaningful support is not delivered”.
“If the UK Government doesn’t act now, it is heading straight into a crisis of its own making. The momentum for widespread protests is mounting. Across Northern Ireland, pressure is building. In Great Britain, the same forces are gathering pace. This is not background noise, it is a clear signal that the people who keep this country running are being pushed to the brink.
“Agriculture, construction, and haulage are being hit from every direction. Diesel costs are crippling. Fertiliser prices remain sky high. Margins are gone. The support is non-existent.
“These sectors are not optional. They are the foundation of food, infrastructure, and supply chains across the UK. Look at what is happening in the Republic of Ireland. When these three sectors move together, they do not just make a point, they force a response. They have the power to bring a country to a standstill.
“The question is simple. Why is the UK Government waiting for the same here? This is where leadership is tested. Not with statements, not with delays, but with action that actually lands.
“Targeted fuel support. Meaningful relief on input costs. Policies built around the real pressures these industries face every single day.
“Because if these sectors are allowed to fail, the consequences will not be isolated. They will hit food supply, infrastructure, jobs, and every household in the country.
“Step up now, back the industries that hold this country together, and prevent escalation. Ignore it, and what is coming next will be far harder to control.”
Writing in the Times newspaper at the weekend, the Chancellor said the government is taking action to “keep costs down for families and provide support for those who need it most.”
Ms Reeves added: “I know that rising energy bills are not only felt by households. They are felt by business too, including the UK’s manufacturing sector that has faced uncompetitive energy prices for too long.
“So later this week I will be setting out the next phase of our plans to boost Britain’s competitiveness. I will also set out the principles that will guide how we support businesses in the months ahead.”