Union Votes In Favour Of UK Fuel Strike

Petrol tanker drivers have voted to go on strike, bringing the prospect of fuel shortages across Britain a step closer.

The Unite union, which represents the drivers, said its members voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action in a row over terms and conditions and safety.

Some 61.1% voted to press ahead with the walk-out in the ballot.

Unite has warned that it could bring chaos to the country's forecourts within 48 hours of any action going ahead.

But the Government has vowed to keep fuel supplies flowing and ministers say they will use emergency powers to bring in the army.

It is expected that soldiers would be used to drive tankers and that the police will try to prevent blockades at oil refineries and distribution plants.

Fuel deliveries last ground to a halt in 2000, denting the reputation of Tony Blair's government.

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said the Government had "learned the lessons" of the past.

Before the ballot result was announced he appealed to the union and employers to avert industrial action but said contingency plans were in place involving extra training for an estimated 300 soldiers over the next few weeks. Read More