TRUCKERS NEED THE EUR!
Page 20
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The decision of the Fuel Forum to call for massive tax cuts across the board for all and sundry is naivety at best and crass stupidity at its worst. There is no way that this or any other government is going to give such enormous benefits to the people, even after the impact of the fuel duty protests.
The meeting at Peterborough on 21September should never have been declared open—a serious misjudgement by the RHA.
All manner of groups, some newly formed, were given a platform to air their views, and a vote to ultimately influence the outcome.
The HFA had three committee members present who were all bemused by the variety of speakers and their respective aims. In our opinion, this should have been a hauliers' meeting, making decisions for hauliers by hauliers, and not being influenced by outside bandwagon-jumpers who take every opportunity to further their causes.
When a committee to meet ministers was being selected, people who had been forwarded but had not taken part in any protest were asked to return to their seats, which they did.
Unfortunately, when the others were asked who they were and what they had done, no mention was made of RHA connections, so we now have an unhealthy bias of RHA hierarchy representing the entire industry, when the vast majority are not affiliated to the RHA.
Standing on the picket line at the Jarrow terminal, there was certainly a scarcity of RHA representatives and members, which lam sure was mirrored at the other protest locations around the country.
Of course we are eternally grateful for the help of the farmers, taxi drivers and members of the public for their generosity and steadfast support throughout the campaign. However, the farmers have far more complex issues to sort out, and the general public can use the ballot box to show their dissatisfaction.
The HFA implores the Fuel Forum to change its stance on the Essential User Rebate. The hauliers have no choice—unlike the public, they have to pay.
We need one voice shouting one message, loud and clear.
We need the EUR and we need it now!
Michael Dodds,
For and on behalf of the 1-FA Committee.