Lib-Dems call for show of support on energy

OLDHAM Lib-Dems are urging three local Labour MPs to back a campaign to help cut energy bills for the poorest families and save the lives of up to 20,000 pensioners a year.

MPs Michael Meacher, Phil Woolas and David Heyes are being urged to attend Parliament on Friday to lend their support.

The bill also calls for a programme to make homes more energy efficient — saving residents money and protecting the environment. Elwyn Watkins, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “Energy bills have nearly doubled in recent years and many local families and pensioners are struggling to heat their homes. Some 20,000 pensioners a year are dying because the Government refuses to tackle fuel poverty.

“It is horrific that in this day and age so many people are having to make the difficult choice between heating and eating.

“The energy efficiency proposals in the bill will also help save residents money and cut the emissions that cause climate change.”

The Fuel Poverty Bill being proposed by Liberal Democrat MP David Heath is being enthusiastically backed by leading charities including Age Concern, Friends of the Earth and the Child Poverty Action Group.

It aims to deliver a massive home insulation programme which would halve the energy needed to heat the average home.

And it hopes to end the scandal of those who use pre-pay meters — generally the least well-off — paying higher rates for their gas and electricity.

Mr Watkins added: “I urge our local MPs to be there on Friday. Labour and Conservative MPs have a moral duty to join this campaign and vote for this bill.

“We simply cannot let a situation continue where people are dying because they cannot afford to heat their homes.

“It is vital that as many MPs as possible are in Parliament to support it. If less than 100 MPs turn up, it could be blocked undemocratically.”