Robert Jenrick has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to introduce an emergency cut to VAT on fuel, warning that households are “suffering” as rising prices driven by the Iran conflict squeeze living standards.
Speaking from a petrol station in Nottinghamshire, the Reform UK Treasury spokesman urged the Chancellor to “stop being a bystander” and take immediate action to ease the burden on motorists, he told GB News.
Joined by fellow Reform MP Lee Anderson, Jenrick said conversations with drivers highlighted the scale of the pressure facing households, from care workers and parents to HGV drivers and farmers.
“People are suffering right across the country,” he said. “Everyone is finding life challenging at the moment.”
Jenrick said a temporary VAT cut could reduce the cost of fuel by around 13p per litre for petrol and 16p for diesel, and called for the measure to be introduced for an initial three-month period while instability in the Middle East continues.
He also urged Ms Reeves to abandon a planned rise in fuel duty later this year, arguing it would further exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis.
“Our message is very clear: you are the Chancellor, you’re not a bystander. Do something now,” he said.
The intervention comes as rising oil and gas prices, linked to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, feed through to higher costs at the pump and renewed inflationary pressure across the UK economy.
Jenrick accused the Treasury of benefiting from higher energy prices by increasing tax receipts, claiming ministers were failing to use the windfall to support struggling households.
He also criticised the Chancellor’s international engagements, suggesting she should prioritise domestic economic pressures.
The Treasury has so far resisted calls for further intervention on fuel costs, arguing that targeted support must be balanced against wider fiscal pressures, as ministers seek to contain borrowing while navigating a deteriorating global outlook.
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