Energy crisis: Treasury slaps down Kwarteng over help for firms claim

Source close to Rishi Sunak accuses business secretary of making up' talks over support for manufacturers

Treasury sources have hit back at the business secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, after he suggested Rishi Sunak was involved in negotiations over aid for struggling manufacturers hit by soaring energy bills.

In a highly unusual slapdown, which occurred during a round of broadcast interviews with Kwarteng, sources close to the chancellor cautioned the business secretary against making any promises to companies and said there had been no approach to the Treasury.