Expert views
Commentary submitted by Simon Francis in their own words.
Back to profileDeadly climate impact: 2,700 heat-linked deaths in recent heatwaves, experts say
Households with poor ventilation or no ability to implement passive cooling measures are at significantly greater risk.
Trump warns situation could ‘get much worse’ amid renewed attacks on Iran
A breakdown in the ceasefire in the Middle East has sent oil and gas prices soaring again.
Burnham urged to end windfall tax if he enters No 10
Mr Middleton says he’s unaware of a single coherent argument in favour of the continuation of the windfall tax. Clearly he has failed to spot that even with the tax in place, energy firms have made over £3 billion in profits on their UK operations in the first three months of 2026.
15 million adults left feeling unwell by recent heatwave
The third blast of extreme heat in just a few months is highly unusual and is undeniably a serious health threat.
Households urged to send in meter readings as energy price cap jumps 13%
Sadly there is no sign of this stress on households easing.
Household energy prices set to remain high this winter as £221 rise takes effect
The only credible path off the gas price rollercoaster is homegrown renewables and better energy efficiency for buildings.
Burnham plans to ‘rewire’ British state to improve people’s lives across UK
Andy Burnham’s plan to raise living standards has to mean fixing Britain’s coldest, leakiest housing as fast as it builds new ones.
Energy debt reaches record £4.79 billion ahead of 13% price cap jump
The official statistics only examine debt that is more than 90 days old, and the wider picture is much worse.
Starmer’s replacement as prime minister must slash energy bills, SNP says
The Winter Fuel Payment debacle and public perception of inaction on living costs helped bring us to a leadership change.
Bills set to rise 13.5% as households face a difficult summer and a harder winter
Energy bills will increase to levels 79% higher than in 2021 and the cumulative extra cost to households since 2021 stands at £4,800.
Red weather warning issued for extreme heat and humidity
Heatwaves of this magnitude pose a serious health threat. Millions of people are at risk of being made unwell by overheating in their homes.
Energy debt fears plaguing UK households
The figures also show that this is a can’t pay crisis, not a won’t pay one.