Andy Burnham slammed as petrol and diesel drivers treated like ‘cash cows’

Andy Burnham slammed as petrol and diesel drivers treated like ‘cash cows’ Andy Burnham and Labour have been called out by campaigners as concerns rise over petrol and diesel fuel costs. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Luke Chillingsworth , Cars Reporter 09:56, Mon, Oct 19, 2026 Updated: 10:33, Mon, Oct 19, 2026 Andy Burnham is coming under pressure to reduce fuel duty fees (Image: Getty) Andy Burnham has been slammed by fuel experts for treating drivers like “cash cows”, as petrol and diesel costs remain staggeringly high. FairFuelUK founder Howard Cox said drivers were demanding action over fuel duty, as drivers continue to be battered at the pumps. A new petition by FairFuel calling for fuel duty cuts is said to have received the backing of more than 30,000 supporters as pressure mounts on Mr Burnham and Chancellor John Healey to cut costs. Diesel is selling for just under £2 per litre on average, with petrol up around 175p per litre. The new petition has called for an immediate cut in fuel duty to provide relief for hard-pressed families and businesses. Motorists also want to see officials commit to a permanent fuel duty freeze and directly intervene to cut fuel costs. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Mr Cox warned that Britain's drivers believe they are being unfairly targeted, overtaxed and ignored by officials. He said: “More than 30,000 people have emailed the Prime Minister and Chancellor within just 24 hours because drivers have had enough. “They are tired of being treated as cash cows while politicians ignore the reality that affordable road transport is essential to every family, every business and every community in Britain. This isn't just about motorists. Every product on every supermarket shelf, every tradesperson, every delivery, every small business and every worker depends on affordable transport.” Get motoring news and advice plus selected offers and competitions I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Labour plans to reverse a previous 5p cut in fuel duty, with prices previously expected to rise this year. Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves intervened, pushing back planned price hikes to 2027. However, the legal default remains that costs will rise in the months ahead, with the first 3p increase scheduled for January. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT I drove eight EVs in a day and there was clear winner – not Nissan or Kia Andy Burnham told to tighten used car rule with all UK ‘buyers at risk’ Petrol and diesel costs remain high (Image: Getty) Mr Healey is likely to address fuel duty at his upcoming October budget, and has come under increasing pressure to intervene. The AA has also demanded action , calling on Mr Burnham and Mr Healey to cut costs for drivers battling rising costs. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT AA President Edmund King previously said: “The Government could afford to scrap the planned 5p increase and cut off a further 5p as every 5p change draws 1p extra or less in VAT. In the last year, prices have increased by about 40p a litre, so the Government’s VAT windfall is approximately 6.5p and so could ‘pay’ for a cut.” However, Mr Burnham has not categorically ruled out helping drivers at the pumps. He previously added: “I’m considering everything that might help people in very difficult times, and I will be honest and say every possible measure is being looked at. The question I’ve got is, How many can I afford?” Fuel duty Andy Burnham Petrol Diesel Cost of living Petrol prices Budget 2026 Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments