SIR Keir Starmer has finally broken his silence over the cost of living crisis touting a plan to reduce energy costs for those on prepayment meters and reimburse profit-making firms.

According to Mirror analysis, the new Labour pledge would save just £46 a year on the current price cap - but officials say there will be more announcements coming soon. 

The Labour Party leader has faced criticism in recent weeks for taking a holiday break at the same time as “caretaker” Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi while the cost of living crisis escalated.

Last week, the Bank of England predicted that inflation could peak at 13%, while energy bills rise to £3500 in October and more than £4200 in January.

READ MORE: UK economy shrinks amid recession predictions, with GDP down 0.1%

Ahead of an appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe, Starmer took to social media to tout his party’s plan to intervene in the cost of living crisis.

Prior to this, Starmer's last written post was on July 31 - congratulating the Lionesses on their Euro win.

It comes as the SNP challenged Starmer to "respect Scottish democracy" ahead of his visit to the capital. 

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said on Thursday that Labour would end the “unjustifiable and morally wrong” higher energy prices facing consumers who use prepayment meters, compared to those who pay by direct debit.

Labour said they would reimburse energy companies for the difference this winter - at an estimated cost of around £113 million between October and March.

The National: Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said the policy would include a reimbursement to energy firmsShadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said the policy would include a reimbursement to energy firms

They say this would be funded by using cash raised through fixing loopholes in the windfall tax (Energy Profits Levy) which was introduced by the UK Tory government earlier this year.

According to Ofgem, around 4 million people currently use pre-payment meters, and the price cap for those consumers is 2% higher than for those on direct debit.

Labour claim that based on current forecasts, this would mean pre-payment customers could pay £84 more for their energy than direct debit customers, and £100 more in the first three months of 2023.

READ MORE: Glasgow makes the Eurovision host city shortlist as Aberdeen and Edinburgh lose out

Starmer, who has been criticised for his silence over the cost of living, took to social media on Friday, writing: “Those with the least shouldn’t pay more to heat their homes and turn on their lights. But under the Tories, they do.

“Labour would end energy prepayment premiums, giving 4m households relief on bills.

“This is part of our energy package to tackle the cost of living crisis.”

Labour say the policy is the “first strand in a fuller package on the energy crisis” put together by Starmer, Reeves and shadow energy secretary Ed Milliband which is set to be rolled out “in the coming days”.

Social media users were quick to point out Starmer had been silent in recent weeks.

One wrote: "Weeks of silence. A policy-free-zone. Finally, you come with something that amounts to a paltry £43 off bills. Your party isn't fit for purpose."

Another joked: "Oh, there you are! Welcome back. Um, this is a bit awkward but Gordon Brown has been doing your job while you’re away and it turns out he’s much better at it than you. So we don’t actually need you anymore. Sorry about that, thanks, bye."

While one user said simply: "Oh, there you are! Where have you been?"

It is understood that consumers using prepayment meters are more likely to be in low-income households.

Announcing the policy, Reeves said: “It’s outrageous that people on prepayment meters have to pay more for their energy. Why should those with the least have to pay more to heat their homes and put the lights on? This is unjustifiable and morally wrong.

“We’re in the midst of an energy emergency that is only going to get worse. A crisis like this requires strong leadership, but instead the Conservatives have lost control of the economy and have nothing to offer. They need to get a grip and take urgent action.”

It comes as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon agreed to a package of measures to combat the cost of living crisis on Thursday, adding that lives will be lost if the UK Government does not act.

READ MORE: Kwasi Kwarteng plans extra energy bill help for BUSINESSES while UK households suffer

The plan will include an emergency budget review, but the FM pointed out the “key powers” like with Westminster.

Outgoing PM Johnson has also been criticised for a lack of action and visibility during his last months in office, with opposition politicians claiming the UK is being ruled by a “zombie” government.

He has refused to recall parliament to tackle spiralling costs or to implement an emergency budget, with Number 10 insisting that any decisions will be taken by the next prime minister.

The battle for Downing Street between Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak is set to rumble on until September 5, but many critics have called for urgent action now.