Think about what we're offering, says Brown
Chancellor urges fuel protesters to mull over the details of his pre-budget statement
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chancellor Gordon Brown has asked fuel protesters to look closely at his pre-Budget package before they reject them.
Chancellor Gordon Brown has asked fuel protesters to look closely at his pre-Budget package before they reject them.
Protest leaders have said they are not impressed with Brown's proposals for a new environmentally-friendly low-sulphur fuel, abolition of road tax for farm vehicles, a freeze on fuel duty and reductions in the cost of tax discs for cars with engines under 1500cc, calling them "an insult to motorists".
They have resolved to continue with a planned demonstration due to start tomorrow featuring a go-slow truck convoy travelling from the North East to London over the course of four days.
But Mr Brown has asked them to think of people who were already struggling due to flooding and speed restrictions which are bringing the railways to a standstill.
He said: "This is not a time to bring Britain to a halt by protest. I think the whole of business and most of Britain wants to keep Britain moving.
"I hope the protesters will look at the detail of my proposal because there is a totally new licensing system for lorries which will get us down to about the lowest in Europe for licence fees.
"It has been based on the environment and that has been important because we want to have cleaner fuels."
Protestors do not appear to command the levels of public sympathy which were garnered by the previous blockades, are angrily defending their right to stage the march after North Yorkshire Police won an injunction banning them from entering the flood-hit York city centre but to remain on dual carriageways. It is believed Northumbria police are also seeking an injunction.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments