Keir Starmer says PM’s ‘failed energy policy’ is causing bills to rocket

theguardian.com:

Keir Starmer has accused Boris Johnson of presiding over a “failed energy policy” which is seeing bills rocket, calling for the government to invest in nuclear and renewable energy sources and insulate homes to cut reliance on Russian oil and gas.

The Labour leader used prime minister’s questions to repeatedly link the impact of the invasion of Ukraine to the cost of living, an issue where many Conservative MPs want to see more robust action from ministers.

Starmer called for more direct help to cut energy bills, including a windfall tax on oil companies, but also demanded urgent action to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons, including an end to a de facto ban on new onshore wind projects.

Johnson argued against a windfall tax, and insisted existing efforts to help with energy bills were generous. Starmer responded with derision, saying: “I don’t think the prime minister understands the mess he’s in.”

The government, Starmer said, should be “starting a new era of energy policy, never again at the mercy of a dictator”, including more nuclear power, “sprinting” for more renewables, and rapid moves to insulate homes.

“So why is the prime minister offering the same failed energy policy that cast us into the security crisis and allowed bills to rocket?” Starmer asked.

Johnson argued the government had already introduced “unprecedented measures” to help with bills, including a one-off £200 loan to offset energy costs, and £150 for some households towards council tax.

Johnson dismissed the idea of a windfall tax, saying: “The net result of that would be to see the oil companies put their prices up yet higher, and make it more difficult for them to do what we need them to do … and that is divesting from dependence on Russian oil and gas.