Bracknell’s MP has said it’s ‘easy’ to solely blame the government for the cost-of-living crisis affecting millions of people but that would be ‘unfair and wrong’. 

MP James Sunderland said the wholesale inflation on energy prices has been caused by “the war in Ukraine and the reaction to the global energy markets” and it’s incorrect to blame domestic policies. 

The comments on his website were made against the backdrop of forecasts by industry experts indicating that annual energy bills could rise to £5,600 for the average household by next April. 

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Mr Sunderland said no politician “has a magic wand” that can solve the current economic problems the country is facing but understands that people are “deeply apprehensive” about the months ahead and has been “speaking constantly” with ministers about “mitigating the worst effects”. 

He points to the government’s existing £37bn support package, which includes increasing the National Insurance threshold, an energy rebate, a windfall tax on energy company profits and a 5p per litre reduction in fuel duty. 

“I do not believe that the Government has a responsibility to regulate or cushion every aspect of people’s lives […] but I am confident that more support will follow,” he added. 

Having been elected as the new Conservative Party leader and, therefore, Prime Minister, by Tory Party members, Liz Truss is expected to announce a £100bn plan to freeze energy prices over the coming days. 

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Under the proposals, the current £1,971 cap would be frozen for two years, with bills subsidised by energy firms taking out government backed loans. 

It is likely to have to be paid back either through an increase in customers’ bills for the next ten years, through extra government borrowing, or via taxation. 

Mr Sunderland says whilst the UK taxpayer will ultimately have to pay the money back, it “should ease the immediate burden” and “provide some solace for the tough winter that lies ahead”. 

He pledged to raise the concern that energy companies may be “hiking monthly payments to build up cash [and] ensure greater leverage with wholesale purchases” in parliament but recommended residents “only consume what they need” by turning off unnecessary lights, putting the heating and water on a timer, unplugging electrical appliances and using low watt bulbs. 

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Mr Sunderland also called on the government to implement a long-term plan that ensures the UK can be energy self-sufficient in the future, rather than rely on international energy markets. 

“[O]ur strategy needs to include sustainable and green forms of energy such as solar, wind and tidal, as well as nuclear and more traditional forms of energy, such as domestic gas, North Sea oil, coal and even fracking,” he added.