MP supports calls to recall Government for energy price freeze vote

Gordon MP Richard Thomson is backing calls for an immediate recall of Parliament in order that MPs can vote to support an energy price freeze.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, SNP Westminster Leader MP Ian Blackford has challenged Boris Johnson to "come out of hibernation" and finally use the UK Government's reserved powers to block an energy price cap rise as one of his last acts in office – arguing there is a majority in parliament for a freeze.

Mr Thomson said: "There is growing anxiety as we approach the date of the announcement of the latest rise in the energy price cap.

"The current paralysis in the UK Government while it awaits the outcome of the Conservative leadership contest and continues to refuse to take action to help people is an abdication of responsibility which simply adds to people’s worries.

"We can be sure that any Scottish Government of whatever colour with the powers to do so would already have introduced an emergency budget by now – using the powers and levers currently reserved to Westminster to deliver vital help for households and small businesses.

"It's shocking that people in Scotland are being forced to pay the price while the UK Government sits on its hands and refuses to act.

“I strongly support calls for Parliament to be recalled, the price cap frozen and an emergency budget to deliver the help families and small businesses need – scrapping VAT on fuel, doubling support for households and introducing an energy price cap and grants for small businesses.

"Families and businesses need right help now – not months down the line. Westminster refused to devolve key powers to Scotland – so it must act.

"The UK Government cannot just come to a complete standstill, and abandon households, while the Conservative leadership contest drags on.”

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