The leader of the Labour Party claims he is not claiming “great poverty,” but he can identify with those who struggle to pay their bills.
Sir Keir Starmer disclosed that his family’s phone was disconnected for “months at a time” when he was a child because they were unable to pay their expenses.
The leader of the Labour Party told that he was not claiming to have lived in “extreme poverty” as a child, but that he could empathize with those today enduring hardships as the cost of living problem affects homes.
“I fully comprehend,” he said. “Because my father worked in a factory and my mother was a nurse, I know what it’s like to sit at the kitchen table unable to pay the bills.
“I recall when our utilities and phone were off because we couldn’t pay the bill, so I understand what others are thinking.”
Last full day of the leadership contest between Truss and Sunak.
Sir Keir responded, “For periods…months at a time, but we reached a point when we were unable to pay for the utilities.
“I am not claiming extreme poverty, but I do know what it’s like to sit around the table and wonder how we’ll make ends meet.
“Millions of people are having this tense conversation as we speak, so I completely understand.”
In October, Ofgem said that the price cap would increase by 80%, resulting in the average household paying £3,549 a year for gas and electricity. As a result, there is growing worried among people across the country about the upcoming energy bill increases.
As businesses are not protected by the household cap, they are equally affected by the increase in energy costs.
Inflation is at its highest level in forty years, and food costs are soaring.
The government is under increasing pressure to take action and provide consumers and companies with additional assistance.
On Monday, either Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss will be appointed the new leader of the Conservative Party, despite the insistence of Boris Johnson that it is up to the next prime minister to decide what steps to implement.
Ms. Truss, the leading candidate, had previously ruled out “handouts” and instead promised tax cuts to stimulate growth.
Last night, though, during the final leadership race debate, she hinted at more direct support.
Mr. Sunak has previously pledged to provide targeted assistance to low-income households if he is elected prime minister, though he has not disclosed the specifics of his proposal.
In the meantime, Labour has proposed freezing the energy cap at its current level for six months to assist people during the winter, claiming that a windfall tax would pay for the multibillion-pound move.
In addition, it intends to insulate 19 million homes nationwide and accelerate the adoption of wind, solar, tidal, and nuclear power.
Sir Keir told that his party will not “look the other way” in the face of “eye-popping inflation.”
