UK Energy Minister sidesteps a written parliamentary question on fuel supports for the fishing industry, replying instead with a statement on motorists.
The UK Energy Minister has sidestepped a direct parliamentary question on fuel support for the fishing industry by issuing a response focused entirely on motorists, retail fuel competition and pump‑price transparency.
The written question was submitted by Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Wendy Chamberlain, who asked what steps the Government was taking to help the fishing industry cope with fluctuating diesel prices.
Her question did not refer to motorists or general pump prices. It specifically concerned support for fishing vessels, which have been heavily exposed to market volatility.
However, the minister’s reply made no mention of the fishing industry, marine fuel, vessel operating costs, or sector‑specific support measures.
McCluskey, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, answered instead with a broad statement about consumer fuel markets, saying:
“Fuel markets are governed by competition and consumer protection law, overseen by the Competition Market Authority. The Government and the CMA are closely monitoring petrol and diesel prices in light of instability in the Middle East, and the Chancellor and Secretary of State recently met with fuel retailers to set out a clear message: drivers must get a fair deal at the pump.”
He added that the Government was engaging with refiners, importers and distributors to manage risks and emphasised that the UK had no issues with fuel supply. The response concluded by promoting the Government’s Fuel Finder scheme, a transparency tool designed to help motorists compare forecourt prices.
None of these points addressed fishing fuel, despite the question explicitly asking about support for the sector.
The omission is likely to frustrate an industry already dealing with sharp swings in marine diesel costs, rising operational pressures and diminishing margins across many segments of the fleet.
The written question now stands without a direct answer on whether any targeted assistance will be offered to fishing vessels facing ongoing fuel market volatility.
