"BRITISH GAS PRICE RISE DEVASTATING" - MULHOLLAND

5.17.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 31st Jul 2008

Commenting on the British Gas decision to raise gas prices by 35% and electricity prices by 9%, Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland said:

"For many families, and particularly for the elderly and the vulnerable, this will be a devastating price rise.

The announcement may have been made in a hot spell in July, but when winter comes round thousands will be forced to choose between heating their homes and cooking their meals.

British Gas has thousands of customers paying fixed rates, but when those terms expire they will be hit with staggeringly high bills.

Instead of fighting over who should be sitting in Number 10, ministers need to be dealing with the real issues that are causing real problems for people across the country.

"Energy companies are benefiting from a £9bn windfall yet continue to hike up their prices on the Government's watch. This is unacceptable."