The Labour party has failed to protect people from rising energy prices ahead of what could be another “bitter and expensive winter”, SNP MP Graham Leadbitter has said.
It comes as energy consultancy, Cornwall Insight, projected a 9.3% rise in the energy price cap, which is set to be updated on Friday by Ofgem.
The warnings, which come just weeks after Labour-imposed austerity ended the winter fuel payment for pensioners across the UK, show annual energy bills could rise to £1714 – before another expected rise to the cap in January.
Commenting, Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP, Graham Leadbitter said:
“The Labour party, through their inaction and continuation of Tory austerity, has failed to protect people from what could be yet another bitter and expensive winter for people in this area.
“Massive energy price rises, a hallmark of the last Tory government, are now returning under Labour rule.
“The promises of ‘change’ have evaporated as we return to the austerity-driven policies a Labour government should have been an end to.
“Instead of ‘change’ we have more of the same.
“That was made crystal clear with Labour’s callous decision to end the Winter Fuel Payment for millions – cutting crucial funding for the Scottish Government in the process.
“Targeted action must be taken to ensure families aren’t forced into making decisions over whether to heat or eat again this winter.
“We must see a return of the £400 energy bill rebate, at a minimum.
“My SNP colleagues and I will work with Labour to deliver that support – but they must first show a willingness to offer it.”
