The UK's efforts to transition from gas boilers to heat pumps are facing challenges due to a lack of consumer interest and a shortage of skilled installers, as revealed by a recent industry survey. Nearly a third of installers surveyed cited difficulty in finding skilled fitters as a barrier for customers, while 40% noted a general lack of interest in heat pumps among households. This survey, the most comprehensive of its kind, highlights the primary obstacle to widespread adoption of heat pumps in the UK: a low uptake by homeowners.

During the general election, there has been controversy surrounding Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to leave early, with some members of his own party expressing anger over the move. Second Minister Mark Harper admitted that it was a mistake for Chancellor Rishi Sunak to be absent during a crucial time. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has been accused of making misleading claims about Labour's tax policies. Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds refuted Johnson's statement that Labour would raise taxes by £2,000, stating that it is a lie. Reynolds clarified that if Labour were to win the election, they would adhere to the government's existing spending plans, which include some tax increases already outlined. However, he emphasized that there would be no additional taxes imposed on households. In light of the upcoming general election on July 4th, Reynolds highlighted that Labour would inherit the government's spending plans, which include freezing the personal allowance for income tax for several years. Despite the tax rises outlined in these plans, Reynolds assured that there would be no extra burden on households under a Labour government.