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Windfall taxes are nothing new. Conservative Chancellor Geoffrey Howe imposed one on major banks in the early 1980s. New Labour imposed one on privatised utilities in 1997 and this very Government imposed something very similar on North Sea Oil companies two years ago.

When you actually listen to all of what John Major said, it's not particularly objectionable. John Major is one who recognises the basis for the original theoretical idea of the 'free market' was that it should help the majority. His view is that if the Government has to disproportionately assist those who can't afford power, then those benefitting hugely should pay up to redress the balance.

It probably won't happen, the problem is the energy companies would increase prices by 20% next year to make up for what they've lost. John Major may just be softening the ground for David Cameron of course, if the Government now u-turns and does something, Cameron won't look like he's bowing to Ed Miliband on the issue.

I found it incredibly amusing that Cameron yesterday said 'we need to roll back the green taxes he [Miliband] put in place as energy secretary.'

David Cameron is the man who said adverts for 4x4s should be banned. He said 'vote blue to go green.' His father-in-law makes substantial money from allowing wind turbines on his land. He pledged for his Government to be the greenest ever and he is 100% committed to the European Union's climate change project which forces us to pay for 'renewables.'

This man's flip flopping cannot be taken seriously.

Sometimes we talk about 'privatised' and 'nationalised' industry but I think it's more complex than whether the majority shareholder is the State or not.

Think about it. These big six energy firms are the type of companies who have the ear of Government. They have the best lobbyists and they have access to the politicians. Sometimes companies can become so big, with such massive influence that they effectively become State Institutions anyway.

These are the same sorts of companies who say EU membership is vital for Britain - because these major companies have the lobbying power to get the regulations they want out of Brussels, which are usually designed to put smaller competitors out of business.

Don't think for one moment a big businessman is a capitalist. All the major financiers want an oppressive monopoly all to themselves.

The supply of energy in the UK is a monstrous c o c k up caused by politicians with no understanding of the real issues. Decisions need to be taken by Engineers, not classics graduates scoring points in a comical debating society.

My action to ameliorate the situation so far (no direct debits from me - ever) is to exploit the faceless mechanised meter reading hotlines and to "read" my own meter - creatively. I've just bought enough gas and electricity to see me through the Winter at the old price. I can't get 8.5% interest on my savings, so it's a fair bet. After the Winter, I'll change supplier if necessary, depending on their retrospective performance.

The politicians' suggestion to "shop around now" just displays both their collective ignorance and complete lack of understanding of the issues. We all know that every supplier will increase their prices in line with their "competitors". It seems to me that the Energy Secretary doesn't even understand the difference between energy and power. Words fail!

659.

Edited by 659FBE on 23/11/2013 at 00:10

Solid fuel AGA. I have enough anthracite to last the Winter.

659.