Tricks learned from the Blair days- it's perhaps a good time to air thoughts of a grab, and after the one brief outing, it seems to have been lost.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-the-papers-36475687 Newspaper headlines: Diesel tax, referendum debate and Hillary Clinton
By Nigel Pankhurst BBC News
8 June 2016
Among a mixed bag of front page headlines, the Telegraph says Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has suggested the need to consider raising taxes on diesel vehicles to cut toxic levels of nitrogen oxides and prevent deaths in cities.
"His comments will worry drivers, many of whom bought diesel cars believing they were the more environmentally friendly option," says the Telegraph.
It says road haulage companies last night warned that any increase would make UK businesses "less competitive and increase prices in the shops".
The Times says Mr McLoughlin signalled that drivers of diesel cars could face tax rises under plans to tackle pollution in city centres.
The paper continues: "He said that it was a mistake for the previous Labour government to have incentivised the sale of diesels, which led to 11 million cars powered by the fuel hitting the roads.
"Many people are now looking at whether they should continue to choose diesel cars because of pollution fears, with some switching to electric vehicles, Mr McLoughlin said."
Image copyright Reuters
The Guardian says owners of diesel cars could face steeper prices at the pump after the government admitted that it is considering reversing tax cuts brought in by Gordon Brown.
"The Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, said that the former Labour chancellor had made a mistake when he cut the duty on low-sulphur diesel by 3p in his 2001 Budget," it reports.
"Brown announced the measure ahead of the general election to help meet climate change targets.
"However, it has since emerged that diesel engines emit up to four times as much nitrogen oxide and 20 times as many particulates, which have been linked with problems in the lungs, heart and brain."
In an editorial, the Telegraph expresses sympathy for those who have bought diesel vehicles.
It says: "Now Mr McLoughlin suggests that diesel drivers should should pay higher tax, to deter them from driving. This will not do.
"People who bought diesels did so in good faith and with the clear encouragement of the government. The government may well have been mistaken, but it does not follow that motorists should be penalised."