I’m very grateful for the Minister bringing forward today’s statement, and also for the Minister’s written statement during the Christmas period, updating Members on her meetings with energy suppliers. Poverty is all-consuming in people’s lives. It causes stress, it causes ill health, and it leaves scars that last a lifetime. Quite frankly, Deputy Presiding Officer, too many politicians, particularly those of the UK Conservative Party, think it’s appropriate to lecture residents who are struggling. They should try walking a mile in their shoes before making comments about whether or not they should need to use a foodbank.

Minister, if we focus on pre-payment meters for this particular questioning, I’ve been leading the campaign for a ban on the installation of pre-payment meters in properties, but under the current rules, energy providers can force residents onto pre-payment meters when they can’t pay their bills. This ultimately means they pay more. I’m grateful for you, Minister, calling for the removal of standing charges, but do you agree with me that we need a ban on the installation of these pre-payment meters? And will you meet with me to discuss the findings from my own investigations that show that the Conservative Party aren’t quite up to scratch when it comes to sorting this crisis out?