Cost of living - live: Johnson's 'lame duck' vacation as Labor energy plan pressures next PM

Close

Related video: Labor to present £29bn plan to avoid rising energy bills

Labour's plan to freeze energy bills for six months would bring a 'double win' by countering soaring inflation, said Sir Keir Starmer as he prepared to formally propose the 29 billion sterling to halt the next rise in the energy price cap.

The plan is "fully costed and comprehensive" and would be partially funded by expanding the windfall tax on oil companies and gas companies, the Labor leader told ITV's Good Morning Britain.

Questioned why Labor had chosen a policy that would stop rising prices for all households instead than prioritizing the poorest, Sir Keir said: "Doing it across the board brings down inflation" - pointing to what he called the "double win" of slowing the rise in prices while keeping bills at a lower level.

Meanwhile, schools are said to be discussing three- or four-day weeks due to inflationary pressure and rising teacher salaries.

Previously, overwhelmed food banks have told The Independent that they were unable to cope with unprecedented demand and were being forced to turn away families in need as more people struggle due to the crisis cost of living in the UK.

RecommendedKeir Starmer unveils £29bn work plan to freeze energy price cap