Dumbarton's MP has called for the UK Parliament to be recalled and for an emergency budget to be brought in to help people survive the cost-of-living crisis.

Martin Docherty-Hughes has accused outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson of being 'missing in action' - and has called for the energy bill price cap rise to be cancelled.

The plea comes as industry groups predict the energy price cap will soar to more than £3,600 in October, and then to £4,200 annually from January 2023 – meaning the average household would be paying energy bills of £355 a month, instead of £164 currently.

Warnings of recessions and recent interest rates rises have led the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) to predict that more than 60 per cent of households in Scotland could be living in fuel poverty by this winter.

Mr Docherty-Hughes said: “The UK’s worsening cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating impact on households in West Dunbartonshire and across Scotland.

“Every week I hear from vulnerable families across Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale deeply worried about the soaring price of gas and electricity. Without further help my constituents face crisis as winter approaches, unable to heat their homes or put food on the table.

“Powers to tackle the cost-of-living crisis are reserved to Westminster, yet the Tories refuse to take the action needed to help struggling families in Scotland and across the UK.

“UK government ministers are not paid to sit on their hands. Parliament must be recalled and an emergency budget must be brought forward this month; cancelling the energy bill price cap rise and delivering meaningful help for families.

"With every day the UK Government fails to act, they are demonstrating why Scotland needs independence, so we can have the powers and resources to take the action required."

Parliament in London is currently in the middle of its summer recess, which usually lasts two and a half months, with MPs returning in early autumn.