Millions cannot afford to heat their homes as temperatures plummet to as low as -10C this weekend, prompting fears of a winter energy crisis.
Ministers said they were taking advice on how to protect vulnerable people as arctic weather for at least the next seven days will bring wintry downpours and “freezing fog”.
Nearly four inches of snow could fall in southern England within days, while temperatures could plummet to as low as -10C causing travel chaos.
