Labour's Energy Plans Will Lead to Higher Bills and Taxes, Energy Secretary Warns

Key Takeaways:

Sir Keir Starmer's energy proposals criticized by Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho

New price cap set to save households £122 annually starting July 1

Labour and Tories clash over energy policies on the campaign trail

SIR Keir Starmer's ability to keep the lights on has been called into question by Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho, who insists that Labour's energy plans will result in increased taxes and bills.

The Energy Secretary clashed with the Labour leader over their party's contrasting proposals for reducing gas and electricity bills.

According to Coutinho, Labour's plan to establish a publicly owned renewable energy firm, GB Energy, will lead to a surge in bills and taxes. She emphasized that the plan could undermine energy security and burden people with higher costs.

However, Starmer defended the proposal, stating that GB Energy would lower bills in the long term and generate revenue for taxpayers. He also pledged not to immediately shut down North Sea oil as the UK transitions to 100% renewables.

On July 1, a new price cap will come into effect, reducing the average annual bill for dual fuel customers by £122, marking the lowest level in two years.

As the election campaign continues, both Labour and the Tories are at odds over their energy policies, with each party outlining their stance on the critical issue.

Today, Sir Keir Starmer will kick off Labour's election campaign in Scotland, aiming to shift the country's political direction after years of Conservative and SNP governance. Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak will wrap up his tour of the UK nations with a visit to Northern Ireland.