ENERGY Watch says the Government's green targets are going to push up energy prices for years to come, but we are so used to being ripped off by the privatised power crooks and speculators that it is nothing new.

The latest con is to say; "The billions of pounds required to meet the cost of new energy technology can only come from the consumer in future."

How do all energy suppliers manage to recruit spokesmen who all suffer memory loss? It seems none can recall the years of increases culminating in average price hikes of 45% last year, but what we all know is massive profits have continued to be enjoyed by them.

What about investment for the future of every citizen of Britain rather than fat cat bosses and gamblers? Let's face it, without public money all of these companies, including the banks, are effectively bankrupt.

We, the consumers, bankroll every business but have no say over to what extent we are prepared to invest, but with utilities we are a captive audience conned into believing switching suppliers will solve our growing debt problems.

Nothing could be further from the truth and the trend in business is always up even when savings could be made. Watchdogs watch but their bite must be kept in a tooth cup.

Even the Government plan to surcharge the worst offending companies rips us off because if the threat is carried out it is a fine which does not harm the company and gives nothing back to the consumers directly. A fairer way would be to order the greedy companies to pay back directly to the consumer all which has been overcharged. Failing that free supplies until the offending company's indebtedness has been met, followed by a reasonable charge set for the future, preferably independently.

Margaret Thatcher said socialism and nationalism was too costly but under that system jobs were protected, consumer costs controlled and purchasing power was that of a government, not national fragmentation.

We, the people, held governments to account for the condition of our service industries and transport but now not only are we held to ransom we still bail them out as if we are a socialist nation but with none of the benefits.

Wake up Britain, we are all being consumed by global free trade and greed.

GEOFF CUBLEY

Poolfields