Taxes drive gas prices to over $7 a gallon in UK, mass boycott coming soon
04-21-10, 07:29 AM
#1
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Taxes drive gas prices to over $7 a gallon in UK, mass boycott coming soon
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/21/t...***-boycott-c/
Through the power of Facebook, up to a half a million drivers in the UK are expected to boycott gas next month shortly before the nation heads to the polls for a general election in which Prime Minister (PM) Gordon Brown is fighting stiff competition for the win.
Many Brits are upset with recent gas tax increases that were supported and passed by PM Brown. Protesters hope that the mass demonstration will be the nail in the coffin for his chances of winning. Gas prices have soared in Britain, reaching U.S. $1.87 a liter (about $7.06 a gallon) last week. The numbers are a significant increase from a year ago when gas was only $5.55 a gallon. Further upsetting residents, the government pockets a whopping $4.42 from each gallon sold, yet still insists that more taxes are needed. Another government-mandated tax increase is scheduled for this fall followed by one more next winter and, frankly, many people are fed up.
On May 1st, protesters will go into action by blocking entry into local gas stations. As boycott organizer Jo Slater said, "We need to take action, the only way we'll see petrol prices fall is if we hit someone in the pocket." Additional protests are scheduled across the nation with support from the trucking industry and farmers.
Here in the states, we constantly hear complaints of gas prices that are astronomical. Sure, $2.80 might seem like a lot to us, but it's like a slap in the face compared to the UK's knock-out blow. Ouch. Our thanks go to Andy for this one!
Many Brits are upset with recent gas tax increases that were supported and passed by PM Brown. Protesters hope that the mass demonstration will be the nail in the coffin for his chances of winning. Gas prices have soared in Britain, reaching U.S. $1.87 a liter (about $7.06 a gallon) last week. The numbers are a significant increase from a year ago when gas was only $5.55 a gallon. Further upsetting residents, the government pockets a whopping $4.42 from each gallon sold, yet still insists that more taxes are needed. Another government-mandated tax increase is scheduled for this fall followed by one more next winter and, frankly, many people are fed up.
On May 1st, protesters will go into action by blocking entry into local gas stations. As boycott organizer Jo Slater said, "We need to take action, the only way we'll see petrol prices fall is if we hit someone in the pocket." Additional protests are scheduled across the nation with support from the trucking industry and farmers.
Here in the states, we constantly hear complaints of gas prices that are astronomical. Sure, $2.80 might seem like a lot to us, but it's like a slap in the face compared to the UK's knock-out blow. Ouch. Our thanks go to Andy for this one!
04-21-10, 08:33 AM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
On May 1st, protesters will go into action by blocking entry into local gas stations.
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04-21-10, 09:31 AM
#8
Lexus Fanatic
Probably true. The majority of the Northern and Western European population is addicted to the nanny-state, and apparantly don't mind the taxes that come with it.
Still, as I pointed out above, for Britain, a demonstration like this is something that is not often seen on a taxation issue, like it often is for, say, immigration. Ineffective or not, the government needs to start paying attention. Elections are just a couple of weeks away, on May 5.
Still, as I pointed out above, for Britain, a demonstration like this is something that is not often seen on a taxation issue, like it often is for, say, immigration. Ineffective or not, the government needs to start paying attention. Elections are just a couple of weeks away, on May 5.
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-21-10 at 09:34 AM.
04-21-10, 12:29 PM
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London is a good place to tour, but horrible place to live in. bad food and things are ridiculously expensive. big mac meal is like $9 with only small drink with no refill. sad.
04-21-10, 05:23 PM
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04-21-10, 05:47 PM
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If that's the case, then David Cameron and the British Conservatives could make some substantial gains in the British elections coming up on May 5, but, of course, that is a subject maybe (?) better left to another forum, not CAR CHAT.
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