Energy debt fears plaguing UK households

Robert Palmer, deputy director of Uplift, said: “This research shows the grim reality of a system that puts profits before people.

“It’s outrageous that around 30 per cent of people in the UK are either worried about or are in debt to energy companies, and even skipping meals.

“To rub salt into the wounds, companies like Shell and BP are celebrating their ‘war bonus’ profits.

“People are fed up with an energy system that sees oil and gas companies rake in billions while the rest of us are saddled with higher bills.

“This is not the first time we have seen the gas price soar off the back of conflict and it won’t be the last. While we remain dependent on gas, a handful of oil giants will continue to get rich at our expense.

“More North Sea drilling will do absolutely nothing to lower energy bills and only make a minimal difference to energy security. After 50 years of drilling, we have burnt most of the UK’s gas reserves.

“Politicians need to learn the lesson of the last five years – that the only way to insulate ourselves from these risks is by doubling down on renewables and helping households and businesses make the switch to clean electricity. This is just common sense in today’s world.”