'Oblivious rogue energy firms are cashing in on people's misery as profits soar'

02 February 2023 , 21:44

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Oil giant Shell was able to make £1,000 every second because Vladimir Putin’s illegal ­invasion of Ukraine (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Nobody minds when a firm makes profit as a result of enterprise and hard work.

But Shell’s record returns came not through honest endeavour but the windfalls of war.

The oil giant was able to make £1,000 every second because Vladimir Putin’s illegal ­invasion of Ukraine sent global prices soaring.

Meanwhile, British Gas, whose profits have also been boosted by the conflict, has sought to squeeze even more money from customers by forcing them on to pre-payment meters.

An exposé by the Times revealed how debt collectors were routinely being sent to break into customers’ homes to fit the meters.

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In many cases this was done even when it was known the residents had mental health issues, were disabled or had young families.

British Gas said “this is not how we do ­business”. Yet it is exactly how greedy firms act when they care more about profits than people.

They appear oblivious to the fact that millions of households have to choose between heating and eating. These moral rogues are cashing in on other people’s misery.

Tory shambles

PM Rishi Sunak (Frank Augstein/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

When so many people are struggling with housing costs the last thing they want is yet another rise in interest rates.

As a result of the Bank of England’s decision yesterday millions of households will be paying more in mortgages, rent and debt repayments.

They are paying the penalty for the Tories’ mismanagement of the economy.

In his short time as Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has overseen the biggest wave of industrial action since the 1980s, the highest NHS waiting lists on record, raised taxes to a post-war high and lost two members of his Cabinet.

Not wearing a seatbelt is the least of Mr Sunak’s crimes.

Shunny money

King Charles III (Getty Images)

King Charles will not be featuring on Australia’s new five dollar note.

The Palace is yet to comment on the ­decision, but you would give a penny for the monarch’s thoughts.

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