British Prime Minister Liz Truss is set to present a package of measures on Thursday aimed at helping households cover electricity and gas bills in the months ahead. The plan was approved at the start of the weekly session in the House of Commons, with Truss promising immediate action to ease the burden of bills and to announce during the Assembly to reassure the public that winter costs will be managed.
The energy crisis remains the most urgent challenge for the country, pitting the governing Conservatives against Labour leader Keir Starmer. Both major parties, along with smaller groups, have suggested imposing a cap on energy bills, but there is widespread debate about how the plan would be funded — with estimates reaching well into the hundreds of billions of euros. The central question is who should bear the bill and how the government will secure the necessary funding without destabilizing the economy.
Who pays the bill?
The discussion includes potential debt financing, tax measures, and the possibility of capturing extraordinary profits from energy companies. Starmer has criticized the Conservatives for shifting the burden onto workers and households while maintaining a similar economic philosophy. He argued that the government has repeatedly prioritized industry profits, suggesting that those profits could be tapped to cover the crisis without placing the entire load on ordinary people. He framed the situation as a long-standing issue where sound public policy should drive growth rather than simply balancing books on the backs of citizens. In response, Truss emphasized a growth-focused approach: attracting investment, keeping taxes competitive, delivering reforms quickly, and creating jobs and opportunities to strengthen the economy.
Government of allies and friends
Before the first full Cabinet meeting at Downing Street, considerable attention was given to outlining aims for tackling the energy crisis and establishing a cap on household income. Truss has relied on a trusted circle within the government, drawing on close allies while navigating differences with international partners. Some critics have questioned the consistency of the party’s economic strategy, pointing to shifts within leadership and policy direction over recent years. The new arrangement has sparked debate about how loyalties, talent, and experience will shape decision-making in the long run, especially as the government faces external pressures and internal expectations alike.
Theresa Coffey, serving in the notable role of deputy prime minister and health secretary, is cited as a key ally close to Truss. Her stance on balancing loyalty with the need for capable, experienced leadership has been a recurring theme in discussions about the cabinet’s effectiveness. Observers note that rapid changes in personnel can impact internal discipline and the functioning of the government over time, particularly when it comes to assembling a cohesive team ready to tackle large-scale policy challenges.