Theresa May facing major rebellion over failure to cap energy bills
2 min read
Theresa May is facing a major rebellion from Tory MPs over her failure to tackle high energy prices.
Some 76 Tories and 116 Labour, SNP and Green MPs have written to the Prime Minister to demand she honours a commitment to cap consumers' energy bills.
Some backbenchers are reportedly considering tabling an amendment to Philip Hammond's next Budget to force the Government's hand.
The letter is signed by a number of former cabinet minister, including Stephen Crabb, Andrew Mitchell, David Jones, Caroline Spelman and Maria Miller.
The Prime Minister had been expected to include a price cap in her party's general election manifesto, but only pledged to commission an "independent review" of rising costs.
That was despite saying on the campaign trail that the Government "should be doing something to curb rip-off energy bills".
Following the election when the Tories lost their majority, Mrs May passed on responsibility to Ofgem who then published diluted proposals which would only protect two million households..
John Penrose, who organised the letter, said: “For decades the Big Six energy companies have ripped off 17 million consumers. And yet Ofgem have chosen to stand idly by, leaving 15 million customers on [standard variable tariffs] to be preyed upon.
“If Ofgem won’t challenge the Big Six and stand up for consumers, the Government should replace it and implement the energy price cap itself.”
A BEIS spokesperson said: “The Government is determined to see the huge detriment suffered by loyal energy consumers addressed. The Business Secretary asked Ofgem to advise on what measures it will take to safeguard consumers and, while we await the regulator’s proposals, we remain prepared to legislate if necessary.”
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