Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said the British government should abandon its attack on public services and get on with cutting rip-off fuel costs for struggling workers and families.

The East Derry MLA was speaking after figures from The Consumer Council showed fuel prices climbing again across the north:

“Since mid-June, fuel prices have continuously increased and in the last week alone, people are paying an eye-watering average of almost £400 for 500 litres of home heating oil.

“Workers and families simply cannot afford it. They are already struggling with rising living costs, and now these rip-off prices are adding to the huge financial pressure they are facing.

“The British government can and should act now to cut the cost of fuel to help support people who are facing the cruel decision whether to heat their homes or feed their children, rather than lining the pockets of energy giants who are doing very well from this crisis.

“Ordinary families are paying the price for Tory inaction on cutting fuel costs and savage cuts to our public services, and one party’s reckless blockade of the Assembly.

“People’s patience is wearing thin, they cannot wait any longer for an end to the DUP’s refusal to form an Executive. They should get back to work and stop standing in the way of locally elected ministers doing their job to support people.”