An American F-15E was downed over southwestern Iran during a mission. One crew member was rescued and treated; a search continues for the other. Iranian outlets published debris photos. Officials are also examining reports that a second US aircraft crashed near the Strait of Hormuz.
Ed Miliband is set to approve a major North Sea gasfield to bolster energy security amid regional tensions. The move would expand domestic supply and could create jobs, but critics say it conflicts with climate pledges and risks locking in fossil fuels.
Trump threatened to pull the US from Nato amid a crisis at the Strait of Hormuz, saying severe action would continue until the waterway reopens. Tehran denied his claim of a truce. In London, Rachel Reeves condemned the lack of planning and warned of economic risks.
President Trump urged Britain to secure domestic energy, telling the UK to “get your own oil” and accelerate North Sea projects. His remarks came as pump prices topped £100 to fill a family car, with developers saying new gas fields could supply homes by winter if approved.
Analysis indicates the Treasury is receiving about £20m a day in extra revenue from energy taxes as high oil and gas prices lift VAT and the profits levy. But rising debt interest could absorb much of the windfall, limiting room for tax cuts or new spending.
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.
Washington has given Tehran ten more days to reopen a key shipping strait, pausing planned action while talks continue. UK officials warn of diesel shortages by mid‑April and higher prices if flows don’t resume. A senior US figure also said London is within range of long‑range missiles.
After Tehran rejected a proposed peace plan, the US president issued a stern warning, signalling tougher sanctions and possible further measures. Washington says the offer would ease tensions if accepted, but diplomats fear talks could stall.
Washington has deployed elite paratroops to the Gulf for a potential operation to secure Kharg Island, a strategic oil hub. The president claims pressure has already shifted the leadership’s position. Talks are ongoing, but rapid‑deployment units are primed if required.
Trump said he’d “bet on” reaching a deal with Iran, dialling back earlier threats against its power infrastructure. He suggested progress could allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen, easing pressure on energy markets, while warning there are no guarantees and conditions apply.
Washington gave a 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of military action against energy sites if ignored. Tehran said it would target regional infrastructure in response. Shipping and oil prices face rising risk as forces in the Gulf increase readiness.
The PM has granted President Trump permission to use UK bases, including RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, for operations to counter missile threats to the Strait of Hormuz. Framed as self‑defence, the decision prompted a Cobra meeting to assess energy market risks and potential cost‑of‑living impacts.
Israel’s PM said the regime in Tehran cannot be removed by air power alone, arguing any campaign would need a ground element. He linked the crisis to rising risks for oil and shipping and sought continued Western backing, while critics warned of escalation and economic fallout.
UK officers are working with the US on plans to reopen and secure the Strait of Hormuz, keeping shipping moving and protecting energy supplies. The step follows recent incidents affecting Gulf infrastructure and a rise in oil prices.
Health authorities have declared a national incident after a meningitis B outbreak linked to a Canterbury nightclub. Two students have died and more than a dozen are in hospital. UKHSA is tracing contacts and rolling out urgent MenB vaccinations for students to curb further spread.