Cameron Licks Self-Inflicted Fuel-Strike, Pastygate Wounds

Prime Minister David Cameron has had one of his worst weeks since coming to power. Now he’s looking to Britain’s biggest union and trucking companies to sort out a dispute that threatens even bigger trouble.

The Labour opposition said a cut in the top tax rate in the March 21 budget only helped Tory millionaires. The Conservative treasurer quit after suggesting access to Cameron could be bought. The press branded a freezing of pensioners’ tax allowances a “granny tax.” Cameron and his finance minister looked out of touch on another budget measure that slapped tax on hot take-out snacks -- “pastygate.” Then ministers contradicted each other on whether motorists should stockpile gasoline as a fuel-truck drivers’ strike loomed.