MP calls for oil and gas windfall tax

THE MP for Portsmouth South has said the government is ‘short-changing’ Portsmouth when it comes to helping high streets and the city’s cultural attractions tackle of the cost of living crisis.

MP Stephen Morgan accused ministers of prioritising areas that suit them politically, rather than those which urgently need support.

The north of the city – which is represented by a Conservative Party minister, received £20million for several projects – but proposals for the south of the city have missed out on needed funding, according to the MP.

According to the latest official figures, Portsmouth has lost at least 2,000 retail sector-related jobs, sitting below the regional and national levels, as it was seven years ago.

Mr Morgan said funding was still needed for a regeneration of the city centre, the rejuvenation of Portsmouth Harbour’s transport hub to improve access to the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf Quays, and improving pedestrian access between Fratton station and the football stadium.

The Labour MP said: ‘As energy bills rise by record amounts for families across Portsmouth, it is shameful that Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak still refuse to back a windfall tax that could help tackle the cost of living crisis.

‘Labour will give MPs another chance to support our one-off windfall tax on oil and gas producer profits to bring down bills.

‘Local Conservative MPs must now back this measure to bring down the energy costs of their constituents, or explain why they continue to oppose measures that would ease their cost of living.’