The Upper Bann MLA has written to Caoimhe Archibald to urge her to help deliver support similar to that seen following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

“With such a high proportion of homes using home heating oil, and Northern Ireland remaining so reliant on fossil fuel imports, local families have felt the shock of recent global price spikes more acutely than almost anywhere else in these islands,” said Mr Tennyson.

“These rises promise to have catastrophic consequences for many local families, with around 40 per cent of households estimated to be in fuel poverty even before this conflict began. For many, they will now have to choose between heating and eating.

“When Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine happened in 2022, the UK Government rightly stepped in with a support package to help struggling families, and there is clear need for similar action today.

“The Economy Minister needs to urgently engage with the UK Government to deliver that, maximising the role of the devolved institutions, and prioritising those who are already struggling to make ends meet due to fuel poverty.”