THE SNP called for Scotland’s energy to be placed in Scottish public control today ahead of the price cap rising by an average of £221 to £1,862 in July.

The party cited Labour’s pre-election promise to cut annual fuel bills by £300, saying they are now set to be £594 higher than what they pledged.

SNP energy spokesman Graham Leadbitter MP said: “It is the price Scotland pays because Westminster controls our energy.

“The Labour Party promised ‘change’ but have continued the Westminster chaos, they promised to cut bills but under their watch the cost-of-living emergency has gone from bad to worse.

“People in energy-rich Scotland pay some of the highest energy bills in Europe while up to 1,000 energy jobs are being lost a month — it is a disgrace.”

The Scottish Parliament was due to debate an SNP motion for Scotland’s energy to be placed in country’s hands today.