Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore, has warned that UK Government decisions to scrap the Universal Credit uplift and increase National Insurance at a time when energy prices are soaring could lead to a weaker energy infrastructure and a fuel poverty crisis.  Working families will face a tough winter if support is not provided to help with soaring energy prices.

Elmore is also pushing for more investment into greener energy, to decrease the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels and to make future supply of energy more reliable.  This would mean less pressure on family finances and more green jobs for local people.

Reports from the IPCC and the IEA are clear that the majority of oil and gas reserves must stay in the ground to keep global warming below 1.5C. For this to happen the Conservatives must provide a hard-edged timetable to end oil and gas exploration, and focus on stabilising energy infrastructure to make energy more affordable and secure for working people.

Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore, said:

“With cuts to Universal Credit, National Insurance hike and now soaring gas prices all due to come into effect at the same time, the Tories are willingly setting working families in Ogmore up for a really challenging winter.

Time and again the Tories like to talk a big game about all things green, but it never delivers with nearly the same scale or ambition.  The climate crisis is only going to grow more urgent, with the current energy crisis showing the stark reality of the UK’s continued dependence on fossil fuels.

The £20 uplift to Universal Credit has never been more needed as we head into winter with insecure energy prices and supply.  For so many families this extra £20 would mean the difference between having to choose between eating and heating, and the fact the Tories don’t realise the gravity of this shows just how out of touch they really are.”