Broadcasters and opposition parties criticized ministers’ television and radio silence after it was confirmed at 7am on Friday that the price cap was rising in line with forecasts to £3,549. Kate Garraway, one of the presenters of ITV’s Good Morning Britain, said: “What we’re not hearing so far this morning is the government itself and we’d like you to come in and give us some guidance. “I know there’s a leadership election going on there right now, so there’s going to be questions about who’s really going to be at the helm in the week, 10 days that that decision is made, but we’d like to hear your opinion this morning because there are a lot of people who want clarity.” Labor said the ministerial no-show was a “dereliction of duty”, while presenters pleaded with members of the government to appear. Alistair Carmichael, the Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman, said it was “unconscionable” that no minister was willing to discuss the energy price rise. He tweeted: “The whole government is skipping school because they forgot to do their homework. The people are crying out for some leadership. They won’t get it from the Conservatives.” The Treasury issued a statement from Nadhim Zahawi, with the chancellor expected to speak to broadcasters sometime on Friday morning. Zahawi, who could be replaced within days by business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng if Liz Truss emerges victorious in the Tory leadership contest, released a brief statement in which he said “help is coming” from the government. “I know the announcement of the energy price cap this morning will cause stress and anxiety for many people, but help is coming with a £400 discount on everyone’s energy bills, the second installment payment of £650 for vulnerable households and £300 for everyone the pensioners. “While [the Russian president Vladimir] Putin is raising energy prices in retaliation for our support of Ukraine’s brave fight for freedom, I am working steadily to develop options for further support. “This will mean the incoming prime minister can hit the ground running and provide support to those who need it most, as soon as possible.” Boris Johnson, who will leave office in less than two weeks, was also expected to address the media during a visit to Surrey later this morning. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The prime minister has repeatedly suggested that major budget decisions should be left to his successor, prompting accusations from rivals that the UK has a “zombie government” incapable of making any decisions. Truss, who is expected to replace Johnson, was also off the air Friday morning. Instead, a spokesman for the campaign said: “Today’s announcement will cause serious concern to many people across the UK who will be worried about paying their bills. “As Prime Minister, Liz would ensure that people get the support they need to get through these difficult times. He will take immediate action to put more money in people’s pockets by cutting taxes and suspending green energy tariffs.” The conspicuous absence of government ministers drew heavy criticism from Labor. Appearing on BBC Breakfast, shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves accused ministers of being nowhere to be seen on the morning of Ofgem’s announcement. He said people were “worried sick” about the cap increase, which “strikes fear into the hearts of families across the country” and called on the government to freeze energy bills and follow Labour’s proposals. “The fact that no government minister is available to come on your show today is just appalling. They are not here to give assurances. they are not here to dictate what they are going to do. This is a dereliction of duty.”
