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.
An Influence List recognises women reshaping the UK in 2026, spanning sport, culture, science, business and public life. It highlights leaders, innovators and campaigners whose work is shifting policy, boosting creativity and strengthening communities, published to mark International Women’s Day.
Zelensky urges Trump to keep some US defence systems available for his country, saying they’re essential to deter aggression and push for a fair peace. He cautions against using them up elsewhere and notes the personal toll, saying conditions are too dangerous for him to see his children.
The PM sent HMS Dragon and armed helicopters to Cyprus to protect UK personnel after a drone incident at RAF Akrotiri. The US president said he was no Churchill, claiming Britain was not backing his plans enough. The government will charter flights from Oman to assist Britons in the Gulf.
Trump said a larger phase of the US campaign against Iran is imminent, predicting further operations. Energy prices rose and markets wobbled on supply fears, underscoring wider regional risks.
Three US troops were killed as incidents escalated across the Middle East. With casualties across several states, flights were grounded and tourist evacuations planned. The US president signalled talks and claimed naval targets were destroyed, while the UK reviews its threat level.
Greens seized Labour’s once-safe Gorton and Denton in a by-election, electing a local plumber as MP. The result pushed Labour into third behind Reform, triggering calls for the PM to quit. Angela Rayner urged a wake-up call; Starmer vowed to continue and reject what he called divisive Green policies.
Ministry of Justice data show severe court backlogs, with some criminal trials listed as far off as 2030. Victims face waits of four years or more, and over 200 suspects in serious sexual assault cases are not expected to reach a jury before at least 2028. Senior figures say the delays deny justice.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle admitted alerting police that Peter Mandelson might flee to the British Virgin Islands, leading to Mandelson’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office and release on bail. The Met apologised to the Speaker after officers revealed his tip-off to Mandelson’s lawyers.
MPs forced the government to release files on how Prince Andrew was made UK trade envoy in 2001, after a shadow minister said Jeffrey Epstein may have influenced the appointment. Cross-party pressure mounted for transparency. Andrew left the role in 2011 as controversy grew.