Tory leadership candidate Rishi Sunak told the BBC Radio 4 Today Programme [1]: “I would embark on a programme of massive energy efficiency upgrades in people’s homes. Because there are relatively low-cost, light-touch quick interventions.

“Things like loft insulation and cavity wall insulation – which the government actually already has money set aside for, but I think we can turbo-charge the delivery of – which not only will help us meet our climate objectives, they will save people hundreds and hundreds of pounds off their energy bills – not just this winter but for years to come – but also increase our energy security.

“Now that’s the type of winning policy which if we have a government that can properly deliver that I think could make an enormous difference in helping us get through this crisis.”

Commenting, Doug Parr, chief scientist for Greenpeace UK, said: “Rolling out home upgrades to cut energy bills is the exact sort of policy needed to start tackling the long term crisis in energy bills.  All eyes should now be on Liz Truss to see what she has to offer.

“It makes total sense to bolster UK homes so households aren’t paying massive bills for heat that’s simply disappearing through the roof or out the window.

“Especially when that money ultimately goes into the pockets of greedy energy companies, drilling for fossil fuels that drive the climate crisis. Your move, Truss.”