AT the meeting of the People's Fuel Lobby there was evident unity of purpose among the protesters, in stark contrast to recent Press reports of in-fighting.

The Lobby supports "peaceful protest", not "direct action", nor violence or intimidation. David Hanley, Lobby Chairman, emphasised earnest support for the environment and called for long overdue spending on anti-pollution measures and alternative fuels. The Government really should take the campaigners more seriously.

High fuel taxes unfairly discriminate against less well-off motorists and a worthwhile reduction would address this. Carefully judged, it need not promote excessive use of fossil fuel. Lobby leaders are suggesting a reduction in fuel tax of 26.2p per litre.

This would cost about £10.5bn. Some campaigners suggest that 15p per litre would be acceptable, and this would cost about £6bn.

In view of claims from both New Labour and the Conservatives that more than £60bn will become available for extra spending or tax cuts, to use £6bn for a 15p fuel tax reduction would seem fair and quite prudent.

Fuel protesters could feel justified in asking for such a share without taking away from the health service, pensioners and other priorities.

Fuel protesters can use votes when negotiating with the Government. The Democratic Party, for instance, is offering a reduction of fuel tax of at least 15p per litre and also calls for spending on anti-pollution systems, even for older cars, of incentives for petrol/electric hybrid cars and rapid development of other, new clean propulsion systems.

The Fuel Lobby's peaceful protests are supported by the vast majority of the British people. If the Government does not respond with at least a 15p reduction, one must seriously ask why.

After a peaceful mass protest in Hyde Park on November 14, there will be no further protest until the polls in May.

Can the Government rally afford to be so unyielding? And what is democracy, if not the will of the people?

PHILIP SNOW,

Transport Spokesman of The Democratic Party.