Denver Newsroom, 06 September, 2022 / 8:20 pm (ACI Africa).
In a congratulatory message to new British Prime Minister Liz Truss, Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster has pledged his prayers and the Church’s support for addressing various crises, including in the cost of living.
“I wish to assure the prime minister of my prayerful support,” Nichols said, speaking as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. “Her appointment comes at a time when many crises have to be faced, at home and across the world.”
Truss, 47, succeeds Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson. She was formally appointed by Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 6, after winning the Conservative Party leadership vote. Truss won with about 81,000 votes, 57% of party voters, over rival Rishi Sunak.
She has promised tax cuts of up to $34.5 billion for emergency budget legislation, on the grounds this will grow the economy and prevent a recession. These cuts include a temporary halt to environmental taxes on energy bills and the elimination of a rise in corporate tax.
Annual household energy bills showed a record 54% spike in April. Last month, Britain’s energy regulator said another 80% increase is coming. This means annual bills will rise from $2,332 to $4,089. Costs could rise again in January to over $4,600, the Associated Press reports.