Ministers criticised for media absence after UK energy price cap rise
Downing Street has faced widespread disbelief at the refusal of ministers to appear on TV and radio to answer questions about the increase in energy price cap.
Broadcasters and opposition parties criticised the TV and radio silence of ministers after it was confirmed at 7am that the price cap was increasing in line with predictions to £3,549.
Kate Garraway, one of the presenters of ITV’s Good Morning Britain, said: “Who we’re not hearing from so far this morning is the government themselves, and we would love you to come on and give us some guidance.
“I know there is a leadership election currently there, so there will be issues about who is actually going to be at the helm come the week, 10 days when that decision is made, but we would love to hear from you this morning, because there are a lot of people that want clarity.”
Labour said the ministerial no-show was a “dereliction of duty”, while presenters pleaded with members of the government to appear.
Alistair Carmichael, the Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson, said it was “unconscionable” that no minister was prepared to discuss the energy price cap rise.
He tweeted: “The entire government skipping school because they forgot to do their homework. People are crying out for some leadership. They will not get it from the Conservatives.”
The Treasury issued a statement from Nadhim Zahawi, with the chancellor expected to speak to broadcasters at some point on Friday morning.
Zahawi, who could be replaced within days by the business secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, if Liz Truss emerges victorious in the Tory leadership contest, released a short statement in which he said “help is coming” from the government.
“I know the energy price cap announcement this morning will cause stress
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