Socialists in Carlisle set up a petition to call for the nationalisation of energy companies to keep bills down after a recent government announcement that they are going up.

Calling for ‘mass working action to nationalise energy companies’, the local Socialist Party branch also advocates for reversing the energy price cap hikes, cutting prices, and cancelling all debts caused by the inability to pay.

Party-produced literature shared with people on Saturday, August 31, reads: “The privatised energy companies are increasing our bills by another 10 per cent in October, costing an average family another £150.

“In January, when we can’t do without heating, they will put their prices up even higher.”

The petition was set up in response to Labour’s planned withdrawal of the winter fuel allowance to pensioners.

Brent Kennedy, a representative of the party’s local branch, said, citing a You Gov poll: “Two-thirds of the population are in favour of nationalizing all the privatised utilities.

“When it comes to water, for instance, 82 per cent want water renationalised.

“But the Labour Government stands on the side of the minority who want privatisation."