Labour responds to new RSA figures showing 85% of 2019 Conservative voters back a VAT cut on home energy bills

Labour’s Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves, responding to new figures from the RSA that show that 85% of those who voted Conservative at the last election back a VAT cut on home energy bills, said: 

“In a week where Conservative MPs voted down plan to cut VAT on energy bills – despite the Prime Minister and senior figures previously backing the move – these figures will make tough reading.

“Instead of backing Labour’s plan to scrap VAT on home energy bills – paid for by a one-off windfall tax on north sea oil and gas – Conservative MPs would rather leave hard working people to face the cost of living crisis alone. 

“It tells you everything you need to know about this Government that they believe we should prioritise oil and gas companies making huge windfall profits that they say are ‘struggling’, rather than the British people who face the true struggle to pay their energy bills.”

“Labour’s fully-funded plan would save most households around £200 or more on their energy bills, targeting up to £400 of extra support on top of that for the squeezed middle, pensioners and lowest earners.”