Newton's Third Law

In an attempt to grab a headline or two a fortnight ago, the Labour leader made a promise which surprised many. His promise to freeze energy prices in the event of him becoming PM in 18 months' time wouldn't have looked out of place in Tesco. Very appealing to the punters, it was, on the face of it, a good head turner. Up to a point Lord Copper!

Since that rather pointless promise, I have noticed how the laws of physics can be observed in all walks of life. Newton's third law dictates that "to every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction". Since Milliband made that speech, all of the major energy suppliers have issued their response in robust terms. Their mantra appears to have followed a "we'll get in first just in case he really is elected". If Milliband wasn't expecting their subsequent reaction, he is frankly even more naive than I thought he was.

Respectively, two of the big six energy providers have since announced price rises of 8.2% and 10.4%. Did he really not see that one coming? I bet their price rises would have been a fraction of these amounts but for Milliband's rash announcement. We can now say that he has so far succeeded in increasing prices for people far beyond inflation. Even if he were to be elected and enact his promise, the energy companies would still be way ahead of the game. I said at the time that this policy anouncement was silly and stand by that.

Had he attempted to tackle the real issues instaed of trying to grab a quick headline, he might have actually achieved something. Why are people using so much? Do they need to? Are the energy companies being adequately regulated? Is there enough competition? Could the tariffs be made easier for everyone instead of the just those withy internet access who can understand all the gobbledygook? Are their better alternatives to gas and elctric? He addressed none of these.

The energy companies have now delivered an equal and opposite reaction and Mr. Milliband I fear now has the makings of an ommelette on his face - of his own making.