With pump prices forecast to approach £2 a litre amid Middle East instability, the Chancellor faces pressure to freeze fuel duty. Rachel Reeves has rejected calls to cancel a planned rise, saying her fiscal plans remain, despite warnings of a squeeze on motorists and inflation.
Oil prices have surged after supply disruptions at refineries. The AA urges motorists to cut journeys and drive smoothly to save fuel, recommending proper tyre pressures, steady acceleration and car‑sharing or public transport. Pump prices are expected to rise in the short term.
Tony Blair urged the UK to side with Donald Trump on Iran, saying Starmer should have joined a US‑led operation. Labour figures condemned the intervention, citing his Iraq record. Analysts warn disruption near the Strait of Hormuz could raise UK energy bills.
Iran is poised to elevate Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader’s son, tightening control and shaping succession. The move may strain ties with Washington and unsettle oil markets already on edge after a fuel‑depot incident in Tehran.
After a public rift, the PM held a conciliatory call with the US President to steady the special relationship. They discussed defence cooperation in the Middle East, the PM offered condolences over recent deaths, and both sides agreed to keep channels open.
Clerics have chosen Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader after his father’s death, signalling a harder line. The move challenges Trump and could stiffen positions on sanctions, nuclear talks and regional policy.
Donald Trump accuses the PM of undermining the UK-US special relationship by delaying permission for US use of UK bases amid the Iran crisis. Critics call the response a dereliction of duty, while No 10 says ties remain strong and diplomatic work continues.
Easter getaways face disruption as Middle East tensions prompt airspace restrictions and flight cancellations to Cyprus, Dubai and beyond. Officials warn issues could last weeks or months, with higher fuel costs, rerouted flights and reduced schedules. Travellers urged to check with airlines.
A descendant of a renowned independence leader urges action to stop closure of the UK’s oldest Indian restaurant, widely regarded as Britain’s first curry house and once visited by their ancestor, calling it vital cultural and culinary heritage.
Iran warned it could target regional oil facilities after incidents at its energy sites, raising fears of supply disruption and price spikes. Neighbouring states were cautioned as markets slid; analysts said further escalation could push crude past $100 and weigh on the global economy.
The US and Israel have intensified military operations against Iran, triggering responses across the Gulf. Some producers have cut or halted output, pushing crude towards $100 and raising shipping risks. Markets brace for further disruption as regional partners seek to contain tensions.
Iran’s clerical assembly moved to choose a new ayatollah, a succession with major regional stakes. Neighbours warned against hardline picks, while Washington weighed in. Diplomats prepared for impacts on sanctions, nuclear talks and maritime security in the Gulf.
Escalating conflict around Iran has hit oil and gas infrastructure and disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, pushing prices higher. Analysts warn crude could near $150 a barrel and Britain faces a potential gas shortfall, with supply recovery expected to take months.