Alex Chapman
Dr Alex Chapman, Head of Economic and Environmental Policy at the New Economics Foundation, working on the economics of energy, transport and climate change.
2
APPEARANCES
2
PODCASTS
Sep 23, 2026
Katrina GaffneyHOST
Alex, can you tell us a bit about the impacts we've seen so far from the war, both around the world and in the UK?
Alex ChapmanGUEST
I think before we jump into the economics, it's important just to remember the human toll of this.
Alex ChapmanGUEST
That is, in my view, the actions of the US have been completely unacceptable and the role of Israel in this as well.
Alex ChapmanGUEST
And as well as creating misery for many people in Iran, they've also created misery for people all around the world.
Alex ChapmanGUEST
The reality is that higher fossil fuel prices, yes, they hurt in the UK, but they hurt a whole lot more in countries with much lower income for obvious reasons.
7 MINS LATER
Katrina GaffneyHOST
We are facing another energy price shock, What do you think the government should be doing to protect us from it right now, Alex?
OlaHOST
And so for those listening to the podcast and me included, for those looking to reduce the cost of their energy bills, where should they start?
Alex ChapmanGUEST
Unfortunately, it's not a straightforward answer, but let's just cover off the fundamentals, right? So make sure that you've got as much insulation in there as you can.
Alex ChapmanGUEST
I know you can't fix everything overnight, but if you've got any drafts coming, put some draft excluders over them.
7 MINS LATER
OlaHOST
And in addition to that, are there any other government schemes, grants or support available for those who might be needing help with the cost of their energy bills?