In a joint piece in The Sun during the Brexit campaign, Johnson and Gove wrote: “Fuel bills will be lower for everyone. In 1993, VAT on household energy bills was imposed. This makes gas and electricity much more expensive. … When we Vote Leave, we will be able to scrap this unfair and damaging tax.”

However when asked about the promise on Sky News this morning, Gove repeatedly refused to recommit to his previous pledge.

Ed Miliband MP, Labour’s Shadow Climate Change and Net Zero Secretary, said:

“Broken promises don’t pay the bills.

“Both Boris Johnson and Michael Gove promised to cut VAT on energy bills. But when push comes to shove, when families and pensioners really need support, they’ve broken that commitment.

“While Michael Gove backpedals, Rishi Sunak is missing in action.

“Labour would give families security by immediately cutting VAT on energy bills now – part of our plan to save households around £200 or more, with extra support for those feeling the squeeze the most, paid for by a windfall tax on oil and gas companies facing record profits.

“A Labour government will invest in renewables, nuclear and upgrading homes to solve the long term problem that the Conservatives have created in our broken energy system.”

Monday 10 January 2022 / 8:00 AM Climate Change / Ed Miliband / Energy