Energy Firms Profiteering 'Scandalous'

The DUP have been urged to end their blockade of Stormont to allow for immediate action on the cost of living crisis.

Green Party Deputy Leader, Mal O'Hara, made the call following the news that bp posted its biggest quarterly profits in 14 years, which he described as "scandalous".

Cllr Mal O'Hara said "Meanwhile households face continuously increasing fuel bills. It is expected that by the winter, these bills will be over £3,500 per year. British Petroleum is no outlier, as other big oil and energy companies post record profits. The continued addiction to fossil fuels means we accelerate toward a climate and biodiversity crises, people choose between heating and eating and a small number of shareholders make record profits. This is fundamentally wrong."

Cllr O'Hara continued: "The Green Party advocates the immediate restoration of the Universal Credit uplift which will support the most vulnerable continuously. This is a rainy windswept Island and there is no reason why we cannot be energy self-sufficient. Tidal, solar, onshore and off shore can meet our longer term energy needs. They will also provide skilled, well paid jobs and apprenticeships and help address poverty and inequality. The Executive have the powers to end our reliance on fossil fuels, alleviate the cost of living crises and address poverty and inequality. It is political will which is lacking.

"The DUP must end their boycott of the Executive and prioritise emergency action to support households in Northern Ireland. There is finance available to do so."

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said news that BP has recorded huge profits is "a slap in the face to families struggling as a result of the cost of living crisis".

Mr Eastwood is seeking an urgent meeting with the British government to discuss their windfall tax plans and what more can be done to protect families from energy price rises.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: "Families across the North are rightly incredulous that BP's profits have hit £6.9bn at their expense while many people are struggling to make ends meet, with minimal support forthcoming from the British government while Stormont fails to function.

"The British government promised a windfall tax on oil and gas firms by implementing an extra 25% in tax on profits to help households, but because the Tories are totally distracted by their own in-fighting and the race to the bottom to elect a new Prime Minister, progress has stalled. Their inaction ensures that corporations can continue to profit from the hardship being experienced by many in communities across these islands.

"I have written to the British government to request an urgent meeting for an update on their windfall tax plans. We can't underestimate the severe pressure that people are under and cannot allow a situation where families are rationing their heating heading into the autumn, while CEOs and shareholders enjoy huge bonuses and dividends. The British government should be more concerned with protecting people from this crisis than looking after their mates' businesses interests."