Ministers face appeal for £10billion energy bailout fund to save Britain's small businesses

Amid growing fears that soaring prices of energy forces widespread closure of pubs, restaurants and shops, the Liberal Democrats have appealed for a £10billion bailout fund to save Britain's small businesses.

The Leader Ed Davey's Covid-style support program would see 1.4 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) offered grants of up to £50,000 to help pay their gas and electricity bills. /p>

The proposal comes after major pub and brewery companies said profits were 'wiped out' by rising juice energy prices 400% on 2020, while takeaway operators warned of a threat to the future of UK chip shops and curry houses.

Funded by a £10billion increase in levies on big banks, Sir Ed said his plan would help prevent local high streets from being turned into 'ghost towns'.

He demanded the action by the new Prime Minister - Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak - as soon as parliament returns from its summer break on Monday.

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