Energy Prices: Support for Business

Matt Western Excerpts
Thursday 22nd September 2022

(2 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Jacob Rees-Mogg Portrait Mr Rees-Mogg
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

The major price rises in contracts took place after 1 April, which is why that date was set.

Matt Western Portrait Matt Western (Warwick and Leamington) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

For the last 12 years, Conservative Governments have had the chance to act on energy supply and infrastructure. Manufacturing businesses around the country have been saying to me that they are facing a 59% premium against the EU average for electricity. Why did Governments not act sooner, certainly before this energy spike, to ensure the security of UK businesses?

Jacob Rees-Mogg Portrait Mr Rees-Mogg
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

It is important for our economy that we have competitive energy prices and that we do not go out of our way to burden British business. I agree: the hon. Gentleman is right to campaign for lower energy prices.