Piers Morgan has said the energy price cap rise is now a 'national emergency' for Britain and has called for immediate action from the Government. The broadcaster and journalist said unless there is 'substantive' action, people will die in large numbers.
Ofgem announced the 80.06% rise in the energy price cap this morning. This means the average household's yearly bill will jump to £3,549, up from £1,971.
In his tweet, Morgan said: "Britain’s energy crisis is now a national emergency, and will get a lot worse. It needs immediate & substantive action by Govt or people are going to start dying in large numbers this winter."
Meanwhile, Katie Schmuecker, principal policy adviser for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said households are “crying out for certainty and security”. She said: “It is simply unthinkable that the price rises announced today can go ahead without further Government intervention on a significant scale.
“To force the burden of rising wholesale energy prices onto households will plunge many into destitution. Millions more will face the threat of bills they simply cannot pay, homes they cannot heat and stomachs they cannot fill.
“It is the job of Government to decide how the burden is fairly shared between families, businesses and the public finances. Whoever occupies number 10 next will be remembered for who they protect – they must make sure energy doesn’t become a luxury only the wealthy can afford.”
Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said the increase in the energy price cap would cause “stress and anxiety” for people, but that the Government was working to develop more options to support households.
“I know the energy price cap announcement this morning will cause stress and anxiety for many people, but help is coming with £400 off energy bills for all, the second instalment of a £650 payment for vulnerable households, and £300 for all pensioners,” he said.
