I am extremely concerned by OFGEM’s announcement of an 80% increase in the energy price cap and its potential impact on households in Battersea. The energy price cap increase will disproportionately affect those with the fewest options and the least money. The energy price crisis is also more pronounced for people in Battersea and inner London because many already face higher private renting, travel, and grocery costs.

We are clearly facing an emergency, the managing director of EDF said this week that half of households could be in fuel poverty and after today’s announcement lives could potentially be lost as people further cut back on heating.

I believe energy should be affordable to everyone and call on the Government to urgently provide support to households. The Government’s previous economic package to households has been dwarfed by the new energy price cap.

I also want to see a holistic long-term plan from the Government that will tackle the energy price emergency.

Labour has outlined a plan to support households with our £29billion plan. We have called for freezing of energy bills for all domestic energy customers, ending the pre-payment disparity, increasing the windfall tax on the oil and gas producers and closing costly loopholes which will save the typical family £1,000 now, get energy costs under control for the future and reduce inflation potentially by 4%.

More can still be done and that’s why I believe we must keep all options on the table including bringing energy supply companies into public ownership.

Finally, it is inexcusable and indefensible that the Government has been missing in action when we are dealing with an economic emergency. The Government has clearly lost control. It has constantly been slow to respond and only acted after it was forced by opposition parties and the public. Both leadership candidates have served in Government and unfortunately haven’t learnt any lessons. We need a government that will govern in the interests of the country instead of engaging in fantasy policies such as tax cuts and attacking support to households that are struggling as “handouts.”

This Government and the leadership candidates are out of touch and out of ideas.