Immediate action vital in tackling national crisis

By the Editor

NEXT week about 200,000 UK voters will have picked who should lead the United Kingdom out of an unprecedented economic and social crisis.

But many millions more will have to live with that decision – even if they don’t agree with it and are completely in the dark as to what is being put forward on their behalf.

For those who are not normally Conservative loyalists, the vague promises of help – but without any firm proposals – are less than reassuring.

Both MPs for Gosport and Fareham – never noted for their opposition to unpopular government policies – have remained typically tight-lipped on what is clearly a thorny subject.

Labour, the Liberal Democrats, SNP and Green Party have all aired plans aimed at making soaring energy bills affordable – at least in the short term.

In dismissing them out of hand, the two Tory leadership finalists have yet to set out their own stalls, while the disgraced current occupant of Number 10 Downing Street has nothing of any value to contribute to the debate.

Whether it is Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak who formally takes over the reins next Tuesday, it is essential that the incoming prime minister hits the ground running and in such a way that the public can get behind them.

So far, the signs are not promising.

And the best we can hope for is an early general election and a new administration capable of uniting the country in one of its darkest hours.

PICTURED BY ALAMY (DED4RX): Elderly woman counts the pennies as bills mount, which will be felt up and down the country by millions this winter.