CONIME-N'T
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LYING DOWN WITH THE LAMB
Consiclering that it's 10 years since the Road Haulage Association and T&G shared a platform, last week's joint demonstration over diesel prices brought to mind the Biblical reference to "leopards laying down with kids". It looks increasingly likely that both parties will need divine assistance if they're to persuade the Government to jump off its fuel duty escalator. We're certainly not persuaded by Danny Bryan's call for hauliers not to be pessimistic about changing the Government's mind. It might have done a U-turn over diabetes and eyesight—it could afford to. But that didn't cost the Treasury a penny. Nor are we completely swayed by the comments from the vice-chairman of the RHA's Midland and West Region that "our power is absolutely awesome". Power is only awesome if you're prepared to wield it. But let's not be uncharitable. After all, CM has been among those calling for the RHA to do something "visible" about fuel. On the other hand, it's ironic that the spark struck by Trans-Action should now be fanned by the very trade association that previously wanted nothing to do with direct action. It was TransAction's resolve to stand up and be counted that placed the RHA firmly on the spot—a point not lost on director-general Steven Norris last week. So what happens next? It's the same question we asked after the first TransAction demos in April. According to Norris, the RHA plans a series of national rallies that will make Gloucester look small. About time too. Having been reluctant to put its head over the parapet it's high time the RHA led its troops over the top. To return to the bible: "This is the way—walk ye in it."