Harrogate and Knaresborough MP calls for 'emergency transport plan' to mitigate impact of Iran war

Tom Gordon MP has called on the Chancellor to bring forward an emergency package of support to help families, pensioners and businesses in North Yorkshire as part of a bold new transport plan.

The Lib Dems emergency transport package would include the following measures to “keep Harrogate and Knaresborough moving and tackle the cost-of-living crisis”:

Slashing bus fares to £1, from the current £3 cap.

Cutting rail fares by 10%.

Making it cheaper to drive electric vehicles, by cutting VAT on public charging and reviewing the unfair network costs that push up charging prices.

Cutting fuel duty by 10p, bringing down prices at the pump by 12p per litre.

“I’ve spoken to so many families, pensioners and businesses across North Yorkshire who are worried sick about the skyrocketing costs of getting around, caused by Donald Trump’s idiotic war with Iran and cheered on by Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage,” said Mr Gordon.

“We desperately need an emergency transport package to keep Harrogate and Knaresborough moving, including bus and train fares slashed and electric vehicle charging costs cut, to help everyone in the area save money, no matter how they travel."

As part of a new national initiative by the Lib Dems, the MP is pressing the government to introduce this package for three months at first.

But Tom Gordon MP say it should be kept under review and could be extended if the crisis drags on for longer and fuel prices stay high in North Yorkshire.

“Two Australian states have made public transport free, in response to the situation in Iran and the ensuing fuel crisis,” said Mr Gordon.

“This is something the UK government should urgently consider, too.

“We also need immediate cut in fuel duty to bring down prices at the pump by 12p per litre to help rural residents who rely on their cars.

“We can’t afford for the Chancellor to stand back and watch our brilliant community here in North Yorkshire struggle.”