PLAID CYMRU leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has warned of a “winter of deepening hardship,” accusing Labour and the Tories of “showing more interest in fighting each other than fighting for Wales.”

Mr ap Iorwerth said that the impact of wages not keeping up with the cost of living and stubbornly high utility bills already causing anxiety for most households in Wales would be more harshly felt over the winter months as energy usage rises.

Speaking ahead of the first Senedd sitting since the summer recess today, he said: “Wales needs politicians to be on their side when times are hard.

“The reality at the moment thanks to Tory chaos and Labour inaction is bills increasing, real-terms wages decreasing and faith in government’s willingness to help evaporating.

“As a new parliamentary term gets underway, the Welsh and UK governments have a moral obligation to focus on preparing a comprehensive plan to support struggling households over the coming months.”

Mr ap Iorwerth proposed a raft of measures including extending the Energy Bills Support Scheme to prevent more households from being dragged into poverty and the insurance of fair wages for all workers.