Margaret Greenwood MP has spoken out in Parliament saying that people are frightened about how they are going to get through this winter, and she has called on the government to come forward with a major increase in support for people in the face of rising energy bills.
The Wirral West MP was speaking in response to a statement given to Parliament by the Conservative’s energy minister Greg Hands.
The statement was described as one of “astonishing vagueness and complacency” by Labour’s shadow energy minister Alan Whitehead, who added that “we need urgent action now.”
Margaret Greenwood called on the minister to give an assurance that he would impress on the new Prime Minister Liz Truss the scale of the catastrophe we face if the government does not come forward with a major increase in support for people in the face of increasing energy bills.
Last month, Labour announced a plan to freeze energy bills in a move that the party said would save households £1,000 this winter. It would be paid for by taxing oil and gas producers who are making record profits.
It has been reported that, under plans currently being considered by the government, a typical energy bill could be capped at around £2,500, but it is unclear how long that support would last. An announcement from government is expected later this week.
Margaret Greenwood MP said, “Many people are very frightened about what this winter holds because of the steep increase of energy costs.
“People I have spoken to have told me that they are facing stark choices when it comes to their household budgets.
“One woman with long term health conditions wrote to me to say that she will probably have to get rid of her car – which is vital for her to get to medical appointments – in order to pay her bills. Others are saying they will simply not be able to heat their homes.
“It is desperately worrying for so many people, including elderly people, those with children and those with long term health issues and disabilities.
“We are potentially facing a humanitarian catastrophe.
“It is vital that the government puts forward a plan to address the crisis in energy costs as a matter of urgency.”
Image: Pixabay
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