Julian Knight MP will champion motorists as he takes up the chairmanship of the APPG for Fair Fuel for Motorists and Hauliers.
In the last Parliament this influential group was supported by 146 MPs from several parties, and played a leading role in defending the interests of drivers against excessive fuel duties.
Now Julian, a former consumer rights journalist for the BBC has pledged to speak up for those who bought diesel cars in good faith, and risk being punished by Government policy in the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal.
After his appointment, Julian said:
“As an MP for a car-making town, I was scandalised to learn how some car manufacturers had deceived customers and regulators by faking their green credentials.
“It’s right that the Government takes action to put this right. But it would be wrong to punish those drivers who, in good faith, bought diesel cars in the honest belief that they were making the environmentally-conscious choice – especially after the previous Labour government encouraged them to switch away from petrol.
“Diesel emissions are only a small part of the green challenge, and we must find a solution which punishes the manufacturers concerned, not their victims.”