Asda chairman Allan Leighton accuses ministers of having “zero credibility” on fuel prices after claims of profiteering. With petrol above £1.50 a litre, he rejects the charge, citing taxes and wholesale costs, and warns regional tensions could tighten supply.
Police have reopened inquiries into the theft of Morgan McSweeney’s phone. The PM’s former chief aide is under scrutiny for failing to clarify whether a tracker was used to locate the device, with officers reviewing CCTV and timelines around the incident.
Market turmoil linked to Iran drove a rare simultaneous slide in global equities and bonds in March. Yields jumped as investors sought liquidity, while traditional hedges faltered, leaving diversified portfolios under pressure. Analysts warn volatility may persist and havens remain scarce until tensions ease.
A golf icon was involved in a minor rollover crash in Florida. Emergency crews attended, and initial reports suggest no serious injuries. The incident comes five years after a similar crash that caused significant injuries. Officials are investigating the cause.
At a public engagement, the King briefly fumbled an unveiling, tugging the cloth loose before regaining composure and finishing the task. The moment drew laughs from onlookers and caused no damage or injury.
The PM says Britain won’t join a US-led military operation in Iran, resisting pressure from Donald Trump and the White House. He prioritises UK interests and de-escalation, as Washington talks up diplomacy while preparing to send more troops.
Polling finds half of voters have tightened their belts amid global tensions, cutting back on eating out, fuel, big purchases and home energy. Over a third report no change. Many back more North Sea oil and gas, while a majority support targeted energy help for the poorest.
Washington said its campaign against Iran could end within weeks, with no negotiations under way. Israel vowed to press on and may widen operations against sites linked to weapons development, heightening regional tensions despite diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis.
A month into a Gulf crisis, closure of the Strait of Hormuz has driven oil to $120 a barrel, adding £307m to UK fuel costs and threatening £150 on annual food bills. The OECD says £15bn has been wiped from UK growth, the US cost is put at $25bn, and over a million people have been displaced in Lebanon.