Chris Leslie MP, Labour’s Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, responding to reports of energy companies using a loophole to avoid tax and Danny Alexander’s comments on the Andrew Marr Show, said:

“David Cameron needs to explain why he decided not to close down this tax loophole which we now know some energy companies are using to avoid millions in tax.

"And it’s not good enough for Danny Alexander to simply say he is angry about companies exploiting loopholes. As the Chief Secretary to the Treasury he should be acting to close them down.

"While families and pensioners are struggling with soaring energy bills, it’s now clear this government is not on their side, but on the side of the energy companies instead. At a time when families face a cost of living crisis and the deficit is still high, we need a government that’s going to take tax avoidance seriously.”