HAMPSHIRE'S spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned if they are ignored in their request for a reduction in fuel prices, the government risks losing at the ballot box.

Colin Ward said that the issue of the fuel tax revolt is unique in that it united a cross-section of British society.

The government has 46 days to go before the FSB threatens further action if nothing is done to reduce fuel duty.

Mr Ward, from Thames Close, West End said: "It is unique that this issue of the fuel tax revolt has united housewives, trades unionists, small business owners, professional women's associations - in fact, a cross-section of people.

"What is remarkable is that this is the first issue to cross such previously demarcated boundaries in British social history.

"Any government that ignores the FSB's viewpoint will risk losing its workers' support at the ballot box."

Mr Ward expressed his views at the same time as the Cut the Fuel Price All-iance called for Chancellor Gordon Brown to reconsider his position on reducing fuel duty.

The Alliance comprises the FSB and the Road Haulage Association.

Ian Handford, chairman of the FSB said: "Seeing commercial vehicles and ordinary motorists crossing the channel to Europe to fill their tanks makes no sense at all.

"It is a waste of out time, environmentally disastrous and dangerous to boot, as vehicles are returning with full tanks!"

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