The Welsh Liberal Democrats have hit out at Brecon and Radnorshire’s MP Fay Jones after she voted against a motion in the House of Commons that proposed a ‘windfall tax’ on the super-profits of oil and gas companies.

The Conservatives blocked the ‘windfall tax’ in Parliament on Tuesday evening, May 17, which would have imposed a one-off tax on energy companies.

Energy companies made record-breaking profits this year on the back of the world emerging from the pandemic and due to supply concerns because of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Liberal Democrat claim that under their plans, the income from a windfall tax on oil and gas companies would be used by the Government to fund greater support for those struggling to pay energy bills, including doubling and expanding the warm homes discount.

Leaked Government polling this week showed a windfall tax has wide public support with 8/10 people backing the idea including 82 percent of Conservative voters.

Oil and gas companies have been making record-breaking profits over the last few months as energy prices spike globally. BP has recorded a profit of £4.9 billion, double what it was a few months ago while Shell profits have tripled over recent months to £7.3 billion.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds claimed that Fay Jones’ rejection of the idea shows that they are more interested in playing politics rather than standing up for the needs of their constituents.

Commenting Jane Dodds MS said: “It is shamefully politicking that neither of Powys Conservative MPs decided to support a windfall tax last night. If either Fay Jones or Craig Williams were interested in standing up for their constituents they would have backed this plan.

“We already know Powys has one of the highest fuel poverty levels in the country, with inflation reaching a 40-year high today at 9 per cent, we needed to see action from our MPs, not indifference.

“Oil and gas companies are behaving like corporate cowboys, taking advantage of current events. They need to be reined in.

“This Conservative Government and the MPs that back it are ever-increasingly out-of-touch with the public who are struggling to make ends meet.

“Both Fay Jones and Craig Williams should urgently revaluate their opposition to a policy we know has widespread public support. The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to push for a windfall tax in addition to other measures to try and mitigate spiraling costs.”

The Brecon & Radnor Express has approached Fay Jones for a comment on why she voted against the windfall tax, however, she has not yet responded.