Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has met with MPs from across the various Westminster parties this week to garner support for a joint approach to the Treasury for a red diesel rebate rethink.
Carla Lockhart said:
“The debate I hosted in Parliament last week had cross-party support – Conservative, Labour, Lib Dem, SNP MPs all spoke out expressing concern about the impact the proposed changes to the rebate will have.
What we need now is for those MPs to encourage their colleagues to come on board this campaign. DUP MPs are clear – we want the Government to pause this change, take away the cliff edge, and support the industry to move through a transition period when new fuel sources can be developed. I would also encourage other parties from Northern Ireland who have not shown support for the local construction sector to also join the campaign.
I spent time this week working with MPs from across the political spectrum planning next steps. I also spent more time engaging with the industry in Northern Ireland. The message is a stark one. This change will devastate business, increase cost, and ultimately impact on the provision of public services like new schools, roads, and hospitals.
It was also good to meet up with Gareth Gault from Grassmen. Everyone knows the fantastic charitable ethos of Grassmen and their support for tractor runs, helping groups to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes. That HMRC are putting this at risk by changing red diesel rules is scandalous and I am raising this specific issue with the Government as well.”
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 