London - The British government, oil companies, hauliers and the police yesterday combined forces to sign a "memorandum of understanding" ensuring the delivery of fuel in the event of further anti-fuel tax demonstrations is a national priority, writes Rachel Donnelly.
Under the proposals drawn up by the Fuel Supply Task Force, established by the Prime Minister, Mr Blair, in response to the fuel dispute earlier this month, the speed and the scale of response to disputes by government agencies and the oil companies will be enhanced.
Heading the task force, the Home Secretary, Mr Jack Straw, said the plan could not guarantee that the fuel pumps would not run dry but did at least reduce the risk of the country grinding to a halt in the face of anti-fuel tax demonstrations.