Andy Burnham's new Energy Secretary has been accused of 'legitimising' a surge in petrol station fuel thefts by linking it to the UK's cost of living problems.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, who replaced Net Zero enthusiast Ed Miliband after his promotion to Foreign Secretary, was challenged today over a sharp rise in forecourt thefts.
And she suggested it was at least partly prompted by energy firm price hikes - leading to criticism from Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice, accusing Labour of being 'soft on crime'.
The furore comes after it was revealed how drivers have stolen £200,000 worth of fuel each day from UK forecourts amid a hike in prices sparked by the Iran war.
Thefts have leapt by 20 per cent in the five months since the conflict began on February 28, compared to the previous same length of time.
