A RISE in fuel duty would be catastrophic for drivers and the economy, the four Tory leadership contenders have warned.
Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat have joined forces to issue a dire warning against any attempt to push up prices at the pump.
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Backing The Sun’s Keep It Down campaign, the four are demanding the Chancellor keeps the 5p fuel duty cut intact and abandons any plans for a rise in the Budget.
In a joint letter, they argue the rumoured 10p-a-litre hike would pile enormous pressure on millions of cash-strapped families.
They also insist the move would “increase inflation and damage our economy”.
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Their plea comes amid mounting speculation Chancellor Rachel Reeves will hit drivers to help plug a £22billion “hole” in public finances.
In a rare show of unity ahead of their party conference, the Tory leadership contenders said: “Labour has constantly refused to deny that October’s Budget will end the UK’s 15-year freeze on fuel duty.
“A predicted 10p-a-litre rise in duty will bring misery to Britain’s 37 million motorists.
“It will not only add £5.50 to the average fill-up, but will also increase inflation and damage our economy, jobs, business investment and freedom of movement.”
A Treasury spokesman said: “We do not comment on speculation around tax changes outside of fiscal events.”
