Brits should reduce their energy use as bills spiral out of control, the Chancellor has suggested.
Nadhim Zahawi said everyone needs to “look at our energy consumption” – days after No10 insisted people should not feel they should cut down after grim warnings about gas supplies and spiralling prices.
After Ofgem confirmed the energy price cap would rise to an eye-watering £3,549 a year for households on default tariffs in October, the Chancellor promised “more help is on the way”.
“We know that’s not enough. We’ve got to do more,” Mr Zahawi told broadcasters.
He said options were being prepared for the new Prime Minister, but wouldn’t go into detail on what they were.
Keir Starmer said it is “absolutely unforgivable” that the Government is “missing in action” over the crisis.
Asked if Brits should reduce their energy use, Mr Zahawi said: “The reality is that we should all look at our energy consumption. It is a difficult time.
“There is war on our continent.
“Very few people anticipated war. Wars happen in far-flung places. It is now here with us. We have to remain resilient. My responsibility is to deliver that help.”It comes after No10 said on Monday that people shouldn’t panic or cut back on their energy use.
A spokeswoman for the PM said: “These decisions, in terms of energy consumption, remain decisions for individuals.
“Households, businesses and industry can be confident that they will have the electricity and gas that they need.”
Meanwhile, Mr Zahawi was forced to deny that the fractious Tory leadership contest had left the Government paralysed. (Mirror)