We have seen clearly the total failure of energy market deregulation, with another round of price increases.
British Gas has jacked up prices by 6%. Npower has also put up gas prices by 8.8% and electricity by 9.1%.
This reveals the big lie told by Thatcher when privatisation took place, that competition would lower prices. What has actually emerged is even admitted by capitalist commentators to be a cartel.
David Cameron responded to the price hikes by announcing plans to force companies to give customers the lowest tariff.
Disgracefully, Labour shadow energy minister Caroline Flint attacked these proposals - because they'd 'damage the industry'.
I am standing in the Manchester Central parliamentary byelection for the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition.
I call for the renationalisation of all utility companies and the provision of affordable energy to all.
No one should have to make the awful choice of whether to have heat for their homes or put food on the table. Yet under both the Tories and New Labour plans this is exactly what would continue.
The New Labour candidate in Manchester, Lucy Powell, is yet another Blairite who puts the interests of big business first.
The TUSC campaign is focused on workplaces and communities across the constituency. We will be the voice of the real opposition to this vicious Tory-led government and show that working class people do not have to put up with the politics of 'lesser evilism' by voting for New Labour.