Expert views
Commentary submitted by Simon Francis in their own words.
Back to profileTories and Reform would destroy energy sector in ‘pincer movement’ – SNP
Polling in the run-up to the Scottish elections found voters across all parties supported the Energy Profits Levy.
UK economy set to show Iran war impact in April from surging fuel prices
Energy debt is already climbing and bills rising again from July will push thousands more households over the edge.
Ovo to pay out more than £10m over prepayment meter rule breaches
Customers on the Priority Services Register are there precisely because they are most at risk.
Government commits to 87% cut in UK’s climate emissions by 2040
The Iran conflict, like the Ukraine invasion before it, is a reminder that as long as our homes run on gas, our bills will be set by decisions made in Riyadh, Moscow and Washington.
‘More important than ever’ that Scotland gets control over energy, Gethins says
Hundreds of thousands of Scottish homes are already trapped in fuel poverty, and the structure of the UK energy market continues to fail them.
Household energy prices to jump by 13% from July
Behind every energy price rise are households whose direct debits are about to rise, families whose energy debt is harder to clear, and pensioners whose summer is already overshadowed by the winter ahead. Meanwhile, the energy industry has posted more than £3 billion in profits from its UK operations in the first three months of 2026.
UK endures ‘tropical night’ after heatwave breaks May record for second day
The extreme heat we’re experiencing is not just uncomfortable, it can be a serious health risk.
Cut in VAT on summer attractions in Rachel Reeves’ cost-of-living plan
The forecasts show it is the cost of gas which is driving up bills with unit rates likely to go up 13% year on year and 25% up on current prices.
Worsening climate extremes putting British way of life at risk – advisers
Fuel poverty is not just a winter problem.
Household energy price cap is expected to rise by £209 a year from July
Households are being asked to absorb an increase driven entirely by conflict and instability in the Middle East.
British Gas agrees £20m payout and compensation for prepayment meter failures
The results of the Ofgem investigation are truly shocking.
David Beckham is Britain’s first billionaire sportsman, according to rich list
As the combined wealth of Britain’s 350 richest has risen, the rest of the country faces a renewed cost of living crisis.