Nadhim Zahawi has denied the federal government has “gone missing” as Boris Johnson enjoys his second overseas vacation of the summer season.
Speaking to broadcasters, the chancellor was requested whether or not the prime minister is absent “at a time of national emergency”.
Mr Zahawi replied: “I don’t agree with that, nor do I recognise that.”
The chancellor mentioned his division’s officers are “literally working night and day” to ensure choices for relieving the burden of rising dwelling prices “are on the table for the incoming prime minister”.
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He added: “If I don’t get that £400 out the door in the next couple of months to reduce those energy bills – in Great Britain, but also the equivalent in Northern Ireland – then I would have failed those people.
“If I do not guarantee that in case you are a pensioner, [you] get the extra £300 within the subsequent few months, I might have failed.
“If I don’t make sure you get the £150 if you are disabled, I would have failed.
“So we’re working night time and day to ensure we get this finished and have all of the choices for the incoming prime minister for extra assist for each households which are actually struggling and for small companies.”
On Monday, Downing Street confirmed Boris Johnson isn’t anticipated to participate in any engagements this week as he enjoys his second overseas summer season vacation in lower than a month.
Over the weekend, Mr Johnson was noticed in Greece as UK households grapple with the deepening impression of the price of dwelling disaster.
The prime minister took a vacation earlier this month regardless of warnings of additional inflation and the specter of a recession later this yr.
The PM’s official spokesperson advised reporters that the PM “is on leave this week” and that he’s not doing daily work.
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab is ready to deputise for him in any conferences, the spokesperson mentioned, however none are presently scheduled.
The spokesperson added that Mr Johnson “will be contactable” and “kept informed of any urgent issues”.
The PM’s official spokesperson additionally confirmed that Mr Johnson is paying for his journey however declined to say whether or not his safety is funded by the taxpayer.
Probed on why Mr Johnson couldn’t wait till his successor is appointed on 5 September earlier than going overseas, the PM’s spokesperson mentioned he couldn’t get into the small print of that however mentioned, “government activity continues”.
“I can’t get into the decision around timings but he is on leave this week. He will be back this weekend,” he advised reporters.
“Over recent weeks we’ve made a number of significant announcements and will continue to do so in the coming days.”
Removal vans have been noticed exterior Number 10 earlier this week.
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The Times newspaper has reported that Mr Johnson is spending a week-long vacation within the nation, with locals recognizing him buying alongside spouse Carrie Johnson in a grocery store in Nea Makri, a city to the east of Athens.
Labour has criticised the PM, accusing him of treating latest months as “one big party”.
A celebration spokesperson mentioned: “On the evidence of the last few months it seems to make little difference if the prime minister is in the office or on holiday as he has continually failed to meet the challenge of the Tory cost of living crisis.
“It’s all only one large occasion for Boris Johnson whereas the nation struggles to pay their payments.”
Analysts have predicted that typical vitality payments might rise to roughly £3,500 in October and greater than £4,200 in January.
Bills are set to price greater than two months of common wages subsequent yr until the federal government intervenes, a report has advised.
Source: information.sky.com”