The Energy Secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh, said Labour’s choices on renewable-energy subsidies are among the factors increasing household energy costs, alongside international gas prices and conflict. The comments have intensified political debate over whether the Government’s Net Zero strategy raises bills in the short term or is needed to reduce reliance on volatile fossil-fuel markets over time.

Ofgem has announced a 4 per cent increase in the energy price cap from October, taking the typical annual dual-fuel bill to £1,723, after a 13 per cent rise between July and September. The Government’s planned removal of VAT from electricity bills is expected to save about £45 annually, while forecasts cited in the article suggest a further 9 per cent rise in January could lift the cap to £1,872; Labour disputes Conservative claims that green policies are adding hundreds of pounds to bills.