With petrol prices surging, campaigners are pressing the PM and chancellor to scrap September’s planned fuel duty rise and introduce relief such as a temporary cut and caps on retailer margins, following moves by several European neighbours to hold down pump prices.
Investigators say a tenant deliberately triggered a gas explosion after being told his rent would rise by £80. He died in the blast, which destroyed his home and damaged neighbouring properties. Police and fire services concluded he had tampered with gas appliances.
Amid fears of petrol and diesel shortages, the PM will meet major fuel suppliers to secure stability. Ministers are preparing contingency plans and urging the public not to panic-buy, saying stocks remain adequate. Global tensions are disrupting shipping and pushing up prices.
Benefits rise 6.2% this week as part of a package to ease the cost‑of‑living squeeze. MPs, including ministers, will get a £3,300 adjustment, and peers’ allowances rise. Labour will also remove the two‑child benefit cap, with some families gaining thousands, sparking debate over fairness to workers.
Talks on a UK-EU youth mobility scheme have hit deadlock. The UK wants a hard cap on under-30 visas; Brussels offers an emergency brake if numbers surge. Ministers are set to resist concessions over immigration concerns, despite polling that 45% would accept more Europeans for improved trade.
The Government will tighten NHS referral rules to help meet waiting-list targets. GPs will be pushed to use advice and guidance and community pathways before sending patients to hospital. Medical leaders warn this could restrict access to specialists and prolong delays.
Kemi Badenoch proposes scrapping VAT on household energy bills, scaling back green levies and expanding North Sea oil and gas to secure supplies, claiming the package would cut typical bills by about £200 a year and ease pressure on consumers.
Seven were seriously injured after a car hit pedestrians in Derby city centre. A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Streets were sealed off as emergency crews responded and police began inquiries, asking witnesses to share any footage or information.
Parents in Minab describe the day a local school was hit during a US military action on 28 February. Families detail urgent searches and unanswered calls, and are seeking accountability and clarity over how the incident happened and why a civilian site was struck.
Petrol shortages threaten Easter travel, with forecourts running low and queues expected. About 21m getaway journeys from Good Friday face disruption as supply routes are hit by Middle East tensions, though suppliers say deliveries are being restored.