A BOURNEMOUTH MP has backed calls for the army to be deployed to help deliver petrol to pumps but said it’s only “one part of the jigsaw”.

Tobias Ellwood, MP for Bournemouth East, said the army could play a role in getting the fuel to the pumps but added the country needed a longer-term strategy.

He said: “I think the country wants to see leadership and a strategy for which I am sure the armed forces are one part of the jigsaw.

“There is the immediate, short-term challenge of getting the fuel to the pumps, the army can play a role in that, it will also help return public confidence.

“That can encourage everyone to get back to a more normal pattern of purchasing behaviour, but it is not the full picture by any means.

“There needs to be a full strategy to alleviate the chronic shortage in lorry drivers. I am sure that will involve EU Visas, looking at the DVLA backlog caused by Covid, again the armed forces can assist providing structure for HGV courses.

“We need to look at the sector, improving pay conditions to attract younger age groups.”

Mr Ellwood said the solutions needed to happen immediately and said it’s “exactly what the army is there for”.

“They support us in times of crisis,” he added. “We can see how this is impacting on drivers and key workers up and down the country. The army will help confidence.”