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.
Solar and home battery sales have jumped 62% as households seek protection from rising energy bills. Analysts link the surge to oil and gas price hikes tied to US policy under Trump. Installers report supply bottlenecks, while experts urge faster planning and grants to speed uptake.
Distressed investors say turmoil in private credit offers the biggest opening since 2008. With rates high, borrowers face refinancing stress and forced sales, while cash calls pressure major managers. Software firms reliant on leveraged loans are seen as particularly exposed to valuation resets.