Winter deaths toll shameful - Hughes
November 26, 2009 4:59 PM
Commenting on ONS figures showing the number of extra deaths in England and Wales last winter was the highest since 1999/2000 at around 37,600, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Simon Hughes said:
"Ministers should hang their heads in shame at these figures which are worse than many other European countries who face much colder weather.
"In a civilized society, old and vulnerable people should not have to worry about whether or not they can afford to heat their homes.
"When fuel bills threaten to wipe out the winter fuel payment, it is time for the Government to force energy suppliers to pass on lower wholesale energy prices in the form of reduced bills."
ENDS