UK: Defence chiefs preparing for further fuel protests

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Defence chiefs preparing for further fuel protests

Defence chiefs are stockpiling millions of gallons of fuel to keep essential services on the move if protests over tax start again.

Military tankers were despatched to strategic bases across the country carrying precious supplies when pickets at oil depots and refineries threatened to paralyse Britain last month.

The tankers, drawn mainly from the Army, would have delivered MoD reserves to hospitals, police and council workers if the action had continued.

The News of the World newspaper says that with the protesters' 60-day deadline for action on fuel prices drawing near, defence chiefs are preparing for the worst and secretly taking deliveries at bases across the country.

The Ministry of Defence refuses to confirm the action, but a spokesman said: "We are working with the fuel task force group on efforts to minimise disruption if that should happen again.

"That would include delivering fuel to essential services as directed by civil authorities."

Last updated: 23:58 Saturday 14th October 2000.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_85604.html?nav_src=newsIndexHeadline

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), October 14, 2000

Answers

Fuel protests go online

The campaign to lower the duty on fuel has gone online.

The Fuel Forum website says it is being inundated with emails from motorists.

Website spokesman Gerald Woodgate said the number of people contacting the site is "snowballing" and he has called on ministers to read its bulletin board.

He told Ananova: "I think that if they are being accused of being out of touch, it's a chance to see what people are saying. They would be very well-advised to read the messages on the site."

The site - which welcomes all shades of opinion - gives the latest facts, figures and information on the continuing dispute.

The Fuel Forum - whose representatives include hauliers, farmers and businessmen - have asked to see Treasury Ministers urgently to discuss the level of duty.

With 30 days to go until protesters have threatened to re-start their demonstrations, the North Wales farmer who sparked last month's protests has criticised the Government's apparent lack of action.

Brynle Williams who spearheaded a seven-night demonstration outside the Shell Oil refinery in Stanlow, Cheshire said: "The Government have done nothing in the last 30 days to suggest that. Mr Blair is playing a game of brinkmanship and it is a very dangerous game."

Last updated: 15:28 Friday 13th October 2000.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_84533.html?nav_src=related

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), October 14, 2000.


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