Government 'watches' fuel protesters as support falls
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I by Sally Hash
With fuel protests threatenIng to break out tomorrow (Friday), haulage sub-contractors have revealed they are being threatened with the sack if they get involved with the demonstrations.
One haulier, who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of a reprisal, says his employer, a large and wellknown firm though not itself a haulage company—has sent letters to all sub-contractorS warning that their contracts will be "terminated" if they take part In the protests. There is also pressure from the British Airports Authority, which is threatening to take out injunctions against hauliers if motorway disruption affects its business.
Meanwhile, rumours are rife that fuel campaigners are under scrutiny by government authorities. Some reports have suggested that Special Branch is monitoring the activities of the Peoples Fuel Lobby. But PFL chairman David Hanley hit back: if they are tapping my phone, what are they going to find outP We've been very open about what we say" Trans-Action has also told CM that it has been under investigation by the authorities",
As the government continues its research into the fuel campaigners' plans, organisers are loath to give too much away for fear of intervention, and are having to hold secret meetings to thrash out their campaigns for action.
Members of the Fuel Forum are meeting today to discuss the prebudget statement, and the Road Haulage Association's regional council in Scotland is meeting at a secret venue today to discuss the best way forward.
Although the PFL still plans to go ahead with its Jarrow to London rally, there are signs that the protesters' former gung-ho approach is softening. PFL member Mark Francis stresses that protest organisers are anxious not to cause additional pain to people affected by the recent flooding, and have no plans to cut off fuel supplies. "We are very conscious that a lot of home owners and businesses are in upheaval, and the country does not need further disruption." PFL campaigners could be joined by dock workers, the Association of Careworkers and parts of Unison, and by fishermen, who plan to send a flotilla along the Thames on 14 November, when the deadline is up.
Recent surveys suggest that public support for the protests is waning dramatically, with only 55% prepared to back them, according to a Guardian/ICM survey.
II AS CM went to press, speculation was growing that the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, would announce huge cuts in vehicle excise duty and a freeze on fuel duty among measures designed to head off the protests.
Brown was expected to bring in a simplifed VED system from next year, which could mean savings of about E1,000 a truck. Other ideas being considered include the Introduction of a Brit Disc and a scrap allowance, where the government would pay hauliers to leave the industry.