The SNP has written to Boris Johnson demanding an immediate recall of Parliament in order that MPs can vote to support an energy price freeze.
In a letter today, Ian Blackford MP challenged the Prime Minister to “come out of hibernation” and finally use the UK government’s reserved powers to block an energy price cap rise as one of his last acts in office – arguing there is a majority in parliament for a freeze.
The SNP Westminster Leader said it was ‘unforgivable’ that Scotland is being forced to pay the price for Westminster’s failure to use its reserved powers to tackle the cost of living crisis.
Commenting, SNP Westminster Leader Ian Blackford MP said:
“The UK government is making the case for independence by refusing to use its reserved powers to tackle the Tory-made cost of living crisis – leaving Scottish families and businesses in the lurch not knowing what, when, or if help will come.
“Any government of an independent Scotland would already have introduced an emergency budget by now – using the powers and levers currently reserved to Westminster to deliver vital help for households and small businesses.
“It’s unforgivable that people in Scotland are being forced to pay the price while the UK government sits on its hands and refuses to act.
“If he wants to restore any of his obliterated reputation, Boris Johnson must come out of hibernation, recall parliament, and freeze the energy price cap as one of his final acts in office.
“I am strongly of the opinion that there is a majority in parliament for a freeze to the energy price cap. The UK government must allow parliament to have its say.
“This must be quickly followed by a full emergency budget to deliver the help families and small businesses need – scrapping VAT on fuel, doubling support for households and introducing an energy price cap and grants for small businesses.
“Families and businesses need right help now – not months down the line.
“Westminster refused to devolve key powers to Scotland – so it must act.
“The UK government cannot just come to a complete standstill, and abandon households, while the Tory leadership contest drags on.
“With every day it delays, the UK government is hammering households and underlining the need for Scotland to become an independent country with the powers and levers to act.”
