NORTH East MPs have called for action to curb rising fuel prices, with one Labour MP slamming the government as a ‘failure’.

MPs are increasing pressure on Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, to announce more support for families struggling with the cost of living crisis, after fuel prices rocketed over the last week.

The price reached 183.16p per litre for unleaded and 188.82p per litre for diesel while the average cost of refilling a family car hit £100 for the first time on Wednesday (June 8)

It was branded a ‘dark day’ for drivers by motoring organisation RAC who called for ‘drastic action to help soften the impact for drivers’.

Read more: Stanley Travel boss calls for tax changes after huge jump in fuel bill

Andy McDonald, Labour MP for Middlesbrough, has called out the government’s ‘failure’ to act on the cost of living crisis.

He told The Northern Echo: “Fuel prices are going through the roof and drivers are paying the price at the pumps for the Government’s failure to deal with the cost of living crisis.  

“The rise in filling the tank affects all areas of life making it harder for people to afford travelling to work.

“The increase in food prices to cover the rise in transportation costs means the impact of fuel price hikes has an even wider impact on spiralling household budget pressures.

“People in my constituency need a pay rise and less distractions aimed at protecting the Prime Minister and more meaningful action from this Government.” 

Read more: Care workers are calling in sick because they cannot afford fuel

Matt Vickers, who was elected as Tory MP for Stockton South in 2019, said: "I have had many constituents understandably contact me expressing concern at the spiralling costs at the forecourt.

“Thankfully, since the government's 2011 fuel duty freeze, we are no longer stuck on Labour's fuel duty escalator, saving the average family around £2,000.

"Fuel duty was also cut in the Spring Statement, representing a £5 billion saving over the next 12-months. This is the biggest cut that has ever been applied across all fuel duty rates at once.

"Even so, I would welcome a second fuel duty cut. Taxes on fuel are too high, however we must make sure that this is done at the right time so that it doesn't just end up fuelling inflation even further."

Meanwhile Mary Foy, Labour MP for City of Durham reported more and more constituents contacting her about increasing forecourt prices.

She told The Echo: “Growing numbers of people are contacting me and expressing their utter dismay that the Government appear unaware that ordinary people are struggling to get by as the price of fuel, energy and food spiral but wages stagnate. 

“I supported the Government cutting fuel duty, but it did nothing to ensure companies passed this saving on at the pump.

The Northern Echo: BP at Washington Services on the A1(M) was spotted charging over £2 per litre earlier this week. Picture: DANIEL HORDONBP at Washington Services on the A1(M) was spotted charging over £2 per litre earlier this week. Picture: DANIEL HORDON

“Household budgets are being stretched from every angle and that’s why it's clear we need an emergency Budget to cancel the atrociously timed rise in National Insurance.

“The Prime Minister is more focused on saving his own skin rather than saving those struggling money.”

On Thursday (June 9) morning Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove told Sky News: "We have taken action to try to deal with the situation - the Chancellor has reduced fuel duty - and of course we keep under review all the measures necessary in order to help people with the cost of living.”

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