West Dunbartonshire’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes is backing calls for the recall of the UK Parliament, as the cost-of-living-crisis continues to hit households across Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale.
It comes as outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces criticism for being ‘missing in action’, with the UK government rejecting calls for additional help to tackle soaring energy bills.
Industry groups are predicting the energy price cap to soar to over £3,600 in October, and then £4,200 annually from January 2023 – meaning the average household would be paying energy bills of £355 a month, instead of £164 currently.
The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has warned that more than 60% of households in Scotland could be living in fuel poverty by this winter due to the Westminster government’s failure tackle rising gas and electricity prices.
This news comes on top of recession warnings, mounting fuel and food costs, and the Bank of England attempting to tackle soaring inflation by increasing interest rates at an historically fast pace.
The SNP is pressing for the UK Parliament to be recalled, demanding an emergency budget be introduced to cancel the energy bill price cap rise and deliver additional financial support for struggling households.
Commenting, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“The UK’s worsening cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating impact on households in West Dunbartonshire and across Scotland.
“Every week I hear from vulnerable families across Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale deeply worried about the soaring price of gas and electricity. Without further help my constituents face crisis as winter approaches, unable to heat their homes or put food on the table.
“Powers to tackle the cost-of-living crisis are reserved to Westminster, yet the Tories refuse to take the action needed to help struggling families in Scotland and across the UK.
“UK government ministers are not paid to sit on their hands. Parliament must be recalled and an emergency budget must be brought forward this month; cancelling the energy bill price cap rise and delivering meaningful help for families.
“With every day the UK government fails to act, they are demonstrating why Scotland needs independence, so we can have the powers and resources to take the action required.”
