LABOUR is set to force a debate in Parliament today over the rising cost of living by challenging MPs to back past promises on cutting VAT.

The party plans to put forward a motion in an opposition day debate in the Commons which, if passed, would force MPs to vote on the proposals.

Labour has proposed slashing VAT on energy bills for a year, alongside a windfall tax on the North Sea oil and gas industry, to help support those struggling as energy prices rise.