Unions and Labour MPs vote for windfall tax

Union leaders and Labour MPs have stepped up pressure for a £910m windfall tax on energy companies, saying current efforts to tackle fuel poverty are not enough.

The Labour conference yesterday voted in favour of the issue of a windfall tax being sent to Labour's National Policy Forum for further consideration.

Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of Unite union, said ministers must " sweep away vested interests" to help the most vulnerable.

Ministers have said they have no plans at the moment for a windfall tax.
Chancellor Alistair Darling who addressed conference on Monday, said energy firms were doing their bit.

He defended the government's energy efficiency and insulation plan, announced earlier this month, saying it had secured more financial support from power companies than would have been forthcoming via a one-off tax.