A sharp exchange at Westminster has put energy costs back at the centre of the Scottish election campaign, with Labour accused of failing to act as bills rise.

Stephen Gethins challenged Douglas Alexander during Scotland Questions, pressing for answers on why households in Scotland face some of the highest energy costs in Europe.

The issue has become a defining line of attack in the campaign, with pressure growing over support for households dealing with rising heating and fuel bills.

Gethins pointed to international comparisons, highlighting support measures introduced elsewhere as part of the argument that more could be done.

He said:

“There is a straightforward question that has dominated the Scottish election campaign that the Labour Party has no answers to, why do people in energy rich Scotland face some of the highest energy bills in Europe?

“Douglas Alexander had precisely zero explanation for that injustice and it’s exactly why more and more people are concluding that Scotland needs a fresh start with independence.

“Keir Starmer has failed to lift a finger as fuel and energy costs soar on his watch while independent, European, Ireland has delivered a €750m support package for their citizens.

“£350bn has flowed from our North Sea to the Treasury, yet when heating oil bills spiral out of control, all that the Labour Party sent north in support was £35 per household, it is a disgrace.

“To make matters worse, Labour, Reform and the Tories are completely aligned on Brexit that is hammering families the length and breadth of Scotland.

“If Keir Starmer won’t act as the cost of living crisis becomes a cost of living emergency then he should hand over the powers to an SNP Scottish Government that will.”

The exchange reflects a wider political battle over how energy policy, cost of living pressures and constitutional questions are being framed ahead of the vote.

With energy bills continuing to rise, the issue is likely to remain front and centre in the weeks ahead.