News from Southampton Labour

Whitehead pledges to continue the fight against fuel poverty

Dr Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton Test, this week signed a pledge with other members of parliament to continue to support the eradication of fuel poverty.

Dr Whitehead, who is a long-term campaigner against fuel poverty, has backed this new pledge written by the Parliamentary Warm Homes Group, which has also been signed by actor Sir Ben Kingsley and TV presenter Claudia Winkleman.

Speaking from Westminster Dr Whitehead said: “Although the Government have made huge advances in combating fuel poverty, many of which I have campaigned for, such as negotiating social tariffs with energy companies and offering grants for cavity wall and loft insulation, there are still an estimated 4 million people in fuel poverty in the South East. This means 4 million people in our region alone who cannot afford to adequately heat their homes.”

He added: “I am glad that so many MPs and other prominent figures have signed up to the Warm Homes Group campaign to fight fuel poverty – it is a complex issue and it is imperative that we ensure it remains at the heart of the UK political agenda, whatever happens after the general election.”

Other news from Southampton Labour

• Water bills hiked as Southampton Council and Southern Water waste public money - 2 February 2012
• Southampton Labour MPs urge constituents to claim free heating and insulation help - 1 February 2012
• Welfare changes hit poorest areas in Southampton hardest - 1 February 2012