 Friends of the Earth Director Charles Secrett
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Listen to Charles Secrett discuss the environmental impact of higher oil production
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Charles Secrett is all for high fuel tax – but blames the government for failing to explain the reasons behind it.
He believes a high tax rate discourages wasteful driving -- meaning less pollution and less congestion. It is also a matter of fairness, those who drive “gas-guzzlers” should pay.
"Why should I subsidise their pollution? Less pollution is good for everyone."
He says about 20,000 people a year die prematurely in Britain from air pollution - much of it caused by road traffic.
Rather than cheaper fuel protesters should be demanding cleaner vehicles, alternative fuels and improved public transport.
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 Self employed courier Andre Brown
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Listen as Andre Brown explains why he supports the fuel protests
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Andre Brown says the price of filling the tank in his van – essential to his livelihood -- has risen dramatically in recent months.
He is fully behind the protest, despite the traffic snarl-ups, saying motorists have been hit in the pocket too hard and for too long.
He believes the government is out of touch and hopes such a large-scale display of anger will make it realise the true strength of feeling around the country.
Driving is not a luxury to Brown and he has little sympathy for environmental arguments.
"If you increase tax on beer you can drink less, but you have to drive."
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