Keir Starmer: PM choosing to let people struggle by delaying energy windfall tax

theguardian.com:

Keir Starmer has urged Boris Johnson to “make up his mind” and impose a windfall tax on North Sea energy firms, adding that the prime minister is “choosing to let people struggle” by delaying any further action.

During yet another prime minister’s questions dominated by the cost of living, Starmer used all six of his questions on the single subject. He lambasted Johnson over his refusal to use a windfall tax to reduce energy bills, saying this would inevitably happen, and the “vacillation” was causing significant harm.

“Doesn’t he see that every single day he delays his inevitable U-turn – he’s going to do it – he’s choosing to let people struggle when they don’t need to?” the Labour leader said in the Commons.

The prime minister had his “head in the sand in the middle of an economic crisis”, Starmer argued, citing a series of occasions in recent weeks when Johnson had promised rapid action to help people with the cost of living.

“Doesn’t the prime minister realise that working people across the country can’t afford to wait while he vacillates? It’s time to make his mind up.”

Johnson and his ministers have repeatedly said they oppose the idea of a one-off tax on North Sea oil and gas firms, which have earned significant profits amid higher energy costs, as this could affect future investment.

However, some ministers, notably the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, have held open the possibility of using such a tax if energy firms do not reinvest enough profits.

Johnson, similarly, did not rule out the idea completely, saying: “Of course, we will look at all sensible measures. But we will be driven by considerations of growth, investment and employment.”

He also condemned Labour for seeking “always and everywhere to raise taxes on