We will intervene on energy bills 'if necessary', says Ed Miliband

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said "if it's necessary to intervene, we will" if people's energy costs surge due to the US-Israel war in Iran. Speaking the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Miliband left the door open to interventions on fuel duty and energy bills if the impact of the Gulf crisis demands it. "We're going to stand by people in this crisis," he said, adding the government was "preparing for all eventualities". Oil and gas prices have surged due to the US-Israel war in Iran and, with no clear indication of how long conflict will continue, economists have warned about the possible impact on the global economy and cost of living. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to offer a support package to households struggling with higher heating oil costs this week. Petrol prices have jumped to an 18-month high, according to motoring organisation the RAC, leading to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warning his government "will step in" if fuel companies "try to rip off customers" last week. Shown that the largest chunk of petrol cost at the pump was fuel duty at 38%, Miliband was asked whether the government would maintain the current freeze on fuel duty from Septem