Households across the UK face another hike in energy bills this April, with the Labour Party under fire for failing to deliver its pledge to cut bills by £300.
Energy analysts Cornwall Insight have forecasted a third consecutive rise in the energy price cap, pushing typical household bills up by £194 annually to a staggering £1,762.
SNP energy spokesperson Dave Doogan MP has challenged Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to clarify when his government will deliver on its election promise to tackle spiralling costs.
Starmer previously vowed to “tackle the root causes of the cost-of-living crisis” and cut bills by £300, but since taking office, energy costs have risen by 10%.
Compounding the issue, Labour abolished the combined £600 Winter Fuel Payment and Pensioner Cost of Living Payment for most pensioners, leaving many struggling to stay warm.
Doogan criticised Labour for failing to act, highlighting that the party must now cut bills by £494 per household just to meet its original commitment.
In October, Labour MPs voted against an SNP amendment to the GB Energy Bill, which sought to force the UK government to reduce bills by £300.
Doogan accused Labour of abandoning voters, particularly in energy-rich Scotland, where many households already face the highest energy bills in the UK.
The SNP has taken steps to support Scots, including introducing a unique Winter Fuel Payment, but Doogan argues Westminster policies continue to exacerbate financial pressures.
Sub-zero temperatures are gripping Scotland as households face impossible choices between heating their homes or putting food on the table.
The SNP spokesperson called for Labour to publish a clear timetable for implementing its £300 energy bill cut or admit to breaking yet another promise.
Doogan also slammed Scottish Labour MPs for voting against measures that could have alleviated the financial strain on pensioners and working families.
As gritters hit the roads in freezing conditions, many Scots are left wondering how they will afford to stay warm this winter.
The SNP continues to advocate for fairer energy pricing and greater action to protect vulnerable households from the soaring cost of living.
Westminster’s energy policies, Doogan argues, are failing Scotland, with Labour complicit in perpetuating the crisis.
The question remains: will Labour honour its promise to cut bills, or will the UK’s energy crisis deepen further?
