Howard fuels petrol protest row

Go slows in 2000 hit the UK

Tory leader Michael Howard has said he may well support future fuel protests provided they are lawful.

He was speaking after recent oil prices rises and with a 1.92p hike in fuel duty due to be introduced 1 September.

But his words drew fire from opponents, with the Liberal Democrats branding them the "height of irresponsibility".

Labour chairman Ian McCartney told BBC News Online: "It is worrying that he is prepared to go to this extent - encouraging disruptions."

'Anger'

A wave of fuel protests all but brought Britain to a halt in September 2000 amid concern over prices.

Some of those involved in the 2000 fuel protests say they are planning further action, including go-slow demonstrations.

WHAT IS LEGAL? Refinery blockades: could fall foul of laws on obstructing a public highway or trespass, depending where protesters stood Go-slows on motorways: Police could possibly charge protesters with dangerous driving if creating hazard for faster drivers, or perhaps with obstructing highways Demonstrations: No problem if on common land and causing no obstructions Source: Home Office spokeswoman

Asked if the Conservatives would back new protests, Mr Howard replied: "I think that as long as they are peaceful and within the law they may well be supported."

The government is refusing to comment on whether Chancellor Gordon Brown could rethink September's planned fuel duty rise.

But the Tory leader told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I can understand that people might be very angry indeed if the government were to proceed with an increase in fuel duty at this time - it would cause great hardship to many people.

"I would entirely understand if they wanted to protest peacefully and within the law."

Mr Howard has already pressed Tony Blair to ensure the tax hike would not happen in the wake of the oil price rises.

"Just last year Gordon Brown said because of the high level and volatility of oil prices the increase in fuel duty he was then proposing should be put off," he told Today, stressing that prices were now higher.

He later qualified his remarks further during a visit to Kent, saying: "Protesters should not stop people going about their daily business."

The Tory leader's comments were condemned by Liberal Democrat spokesman Ed Davey.

"For a former home secretary to incite such disruption is astounding," said Mr Davey, although he defended the right to protest.

Oil prices eased on Wednesday by 71 cents to $38.28 (£20.89) in London at 1610 BST after Saudi Arabia said it would raise daily production by up to two million barrels.

Oil exporters' cartel Opec will meet on Thursday to discuss the issue. The latest price fluctuations followed a weekend terror attack in Saudi Arabia.

The rising price of oil had already helped to push petrol prices in the UK back above 80p a litre for the first time in four years during May.

Continued rises suggest the average price could approach the 85.32p recorded in June 2000, which sparked that year's widespread fuel protests.

Overseas focus

The chancellor is continuing to talk to Opec countries to urge an increase in oil production, says the Treasury.

A spokesman refused to be drawn, however, on speculation about whether fuel duty would rise as planned in September.

WHAT MAKES UP PETROL PUMP PRICE IN UK? 75% duty and VAT 18.5% oil cost and processing 6.5% transport, marketing and retailer profit Source: Esso Analysis: Howard fuels debate Have your say: How much does your petrol cost?

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said: "The problem is rising international oil prices, which have gone up dramatically over the last few weeks.

"What we are doing, and what all parties ought to be supporting, is working with Opec, the oil production countries, to increase production and so reduce the pressure on prices.

"That is the way to resolve the problem at the pumps."

Green Party spokeswoman Jenny Jones urged the government to be more courageous in moving Britain from a "fossil fuel culture" to sustainable energy sources like wind, solar and water.

Ms Jones told BBC News 24: "We have to look to the future. It's too easy to panic at one particular rise in prices."

During the 2000 fuel protests, oil refineries were picketed to prevent the delivery of supplies to petrol stations and there were go-slow convoys on motorways.

A rush for fuel caused 90% of garages to run dry before supplies eventually arrived.

The Treasury says fuel duty has been "reduced by 13% in real terms" since 2001.

Economists say that, accounting for inflation, oil prices are below the levels of the late 1970s.