Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar slammed the UK’s “zombie government” for its failure to reign in household energy bills, saying the “inaction” by Westminster angered him.
He also reminded the devolved administration of Scotland of its “moral duty” to help people whose savings were squeezed by the high cost of living.
His condemnation of the government follows an announcement by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) last week that the domestic energy price cap would be increased by 80 per cent to £3,549 from October 1.
“I have struggled to contain my anger since Ofgem announced the latest increase to the energy price cap”, the Pakistani-origin politician wrote in the Daily Record, calling the situation “a national emergency”.
Petrol prices continued to rise and purchases from supermarkets were getting more expensive, he noted.
“This is not a minority issue, it is a majority issue with millions being plunged into poverty,” he said and warned that people “will lose their lives”, unless the government acted.
He said it was “unforgivable” that while energy firms were posting record profits, consumers faced soaring costs.
The member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow suggested that household energy bills be eased by the government by imposing a windfall tax on the “excessive profits” of the energy companies.
“Where the hell is our government? They should be out there right now cancelling this increase and making sure we are supporting families across the country,” the Independent quoted him as saying.
He urged Westminster to support businesses which were struggling in the absence of a cap on energy prices. He feared that “lots of businesses will go bust, unemployment will go up, (and) families get pushed into destitution,” if the government failed to act now.
The current government of outgoing prime minister Boris Johnson has abstained from taking any major decisions leaving them to his successor who will be chosen early next month.
Meanwhile, incumbent chancellor of exchequer Nadhim Zahawi said he was preparing a plan of action to enable the next government to take action swiftly.
Anas Sarwar slams UK’s ‘zombie government’ for failing to rein in energy bills
The Scottish Labour leader said he has struggled to contain his anger since Ofgem announced the latest increase to the energy price cap.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)