Keighley's MP praised chancellor George Osborne's stated intention to freeze fuel duty until 2015.

Speaking from the Conservative party conference in Manchester, Kris Hopkins also backed the chancellor’s words reaffirming the Government commitment to a new North-South high-speed rail link – known as HS2.

Mr Hopkins said: “Many of my constituents live in largely rural areas and have little option but to drive to get to work, or just to get around.

“The Conservative-led Government has worked hard to keep fuel duty down and the chancellor has cancelled a number of rises planned by his predecessor.

“I was therefore very pleased to hear that Mr Osborne intends to resist further fuel duty rises between now and May 2015, news that will come as a source of great comfort for hard working families and businesses.

“I was heartened by the chancellor’s commitment not to give in to the heckles of the noisy so-called London elite, and that the Government will instead press ahead with building HS2.

“Londoners will soon benefit from a new £15 billion Crossrail link. It is only right that people and businesses from the north are also able to reap the rewards from a new line, which our country desperately needs."