Prime Minster’s energy plan ‘only scratches surface of what we need for energy security’ union warns

The GMB Union has warned that time is running out to fix the Tory mess that has left our country so underprepared and exposed.

The Prime Minister announced on Thursday that the typical households will now pay no more than £2,500 a year on gas and electricity bills from 1 October which will save £1,000 a year.

The new price guarantee will last for two years in addition to the £400 which was pledged by the former Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said, “It is a stain on this Government that our nation’s energy supplies are in such a vulnerable state.

“The Tories have been in office for 12 years; their failures to build new nuclear power stations, to protect and utilise our gas storage capacity and willingness to engage in political groupthink on domestic on and offshore resources, means we are playing catch up in the race to defend ourselves against the global energy crisis.

“Today’s announcement only scratches the surface of what we need for long-term energy security.

“GMB calls on Ministers to move at speed – because the brutal truth is the UK’s energy infrastructure will become even more vulnerable during the next decade, as existing nuclear plants are taken offline.

“Time is running out to fix the mess that has left our country so underprepared and exposed.”

Richard Burge, Chief Executive of The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) also warned that “Six months is not long enough for businesses to forecast accurately or to give them any sense of stability.”

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement of urgent but long-overdue support to address the current energy crisis facing households and businesses.

“However, while businesses will be relieved to have an energy price cap that is the same as households, we are concerned that they are now facing a cliff-edge situation.

“Six months is not long enough for businesses to forecast accurately or to give them any sense of stability, and many businesses will be asking the question, ‘what next?’

“Businesses are facing an unprecedented economic storm and the Government must embark on a total reset of its relationship with business in order to ensure their survival. We urge the new Prime Minister to focus on long-term solutions and prioritise a pro-business agenda that will return the economy to growth.”