Strong cross party condemnation of 'energy price rise' package announced by British Government

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a £17 million support package for households in the North as energy prices rise, which would amount to just £34 per household.

There has been strong cross party condemnation of the announcement.

The package was branded a "pathetic pittance" by Derry City and Strabane District councillor Shaun Harkin (PBP).

Cllr Harkin said: "The British government's £17m in energy support for households is a pathetic pittance compared to what is needed.

"The bone Starmer is throwing the North is a far cry from the kind of emergency financial intervention that has been demanded and that is needed to support households facing spiralling energy costs," he added.

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"He says he loves coming here but he certainly doesn't love helping here. 

"Starmer wastes millions everyday by supporting Trump and Netanyahu's latest acts of barbarism in the Middle East. 

"Huge levers exist in Westminster for bolder emergency action, including implementing an emergency wealth tax on billionaires and oil and gas companies to offset the rocketing energy prices and cost-of-living pressures on working-class households.

"Stormont Ministers can't simply sit on their hands and must step-up with further targeted support," said Cllr Harkin.

He added: "If Stormont can find millions for a massive and unjustified MLA pay hike, it must at least match Starmer's pathetic contribution to protect disproportionately hard-pressed households. Westminster and Stormont must ensure price-gouging is stopped. 

"War and the interests of big oil and big gas corporations are intrinsically linked. Neither serve the interests of people here or globally. 

"This latest energy crisis underscores the urgent need to move away from fossil fuel dependence and towards an all-Ireland energy based on locally developed renewables," said Cllr Harkin.

Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy described the funding announced by the British government for those reliant on home heating oil as "an insult to struggling families".

"It 'doesn't even touch the surface' of the rising costs people are facing," said Cllr Duffy," and is frankly an insult to struggling families.

“The reckless war in the Middle East, aided and abetted by the British government, has caused energy prices to skyrocket, with workers, families and businesses left to pay the price," she added.

“If the British government is serious about supporting people who are struggling, a proper financial support package must be brought forward now.

“Sinn Féin will continue to press Keir Starmer and his government for proper support for all families struggling with rising energy bills."