MP James Cleverly has joined colleagues, including six government ministers, in calling on Chancellor Philip Hammond to cut fuel duty in the Autumn Statement – and to put more money in the pockets of the people in Braintree.

James is also urging the Chancellor to set up a powerful PumpWatch watchdog to stop motorists in Braintree getting ripped off at the forecourt by big oil companies.

James is among more than 50 MPs who have signed a letter to Mr Hammond, urging him to help hard-pressed families and small businesses. The letter was sent by Dover MP Charlie Elphicke, chair of the FairFuel APPG, this week.

James said: “I’m backing this letter as cutting fuel duty would be a huge boost to drivers in Braintree– and of massive benefit to local businesses.”

James is also urging drivers in Braintree to sign a Government ePetition (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/170006) to get a Government debate in the House of Commons on PumpWatch. The new watchdog would ensure motorists could see who their money is going to when they fill up.

Cleverly added: “When prices rise at the pump, it’s hard-working families and businesses that are hit hardest.”

Chancellor Philip Hammond is due to deliver the Autumn Statement on 23rd November. 

This graph of fuel price indicators for October clearly shows how falling oil and published wholesale prices are not being passed onto to consumers quickly enough