Fuel campaigners prepare for protests

Fuel protesters are preparing for a peaceful campaign this weekend.

The demonstrations are being spearheaded by a group of farmers and hauliers calling themselves Transaction 2007.

The are expected to target oil refineries and depots across the UK.

Prices on the forecourt passed the £1-a-litre mark several weeks ago.

Fuel protesters brought the country to a halt seven years ago with a strategic blockade of oil refineries which forced the Government to cut tax on petrol.

David Hanley, chairman of protest group Farmers for Action, warned that similar scenes could be repeated unless the Government takes action.

He added: "We really don't know what else to do. Something has to be done to try and ease the situation, otherwise essential users will have to put up their prices.

"If that happens, food prices will go up and everyone will suffer."

He said the Government has had massive extra tax revenue as a result of the oil price and the tax on petrol.

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