When I lived in Britain in the 70s, many homes had heating "elements" attached to a meter. Drop in a 5-10-20 pence piece and you had heat come on for 15-30 minutes - like a parking meter. The rest of the time - just wear 2 sweaters.

I think the Tories operate on the assumption that - "Brits are used to this shit, used to suffering. Stiff upper lip and all that. They'll be fine and love us anyway - always have."

This is kind of repulsive