Energy Bills

Christopher Chope Excerpts

Monday 2nd December 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davey]

It was the last Labour Government’s Energy and Climate Change Secretary who said that

“alarming people about energy issues is not a mature way to conduct politics”—[Official Report, 13 January 2010; Vol. 503, c. 773.]

If only he had kept to his word. This coalition Government have taken energy bills seriously, unlike the previous Government. They killed competition, whereas we are increasing it. They did not take the measures that we are taking, and they should be ashamed of their appalling record.

[Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con)]

Why has the Secretary of State not taken the simple and straightforward option of abolishing VAT on household energy bills? That would deliver greater benefits to householders and be far less complex.

[Mr Davey]

I think my hon. Friend knows that that would be illegal.