Motoring and business leaders urge the PM to act on soaring pump prices after Gulf tensions disrupted a key route, pushing crude up. Forecourt shortages are reported, diesel hits a record, and industry calls for swift relief, including duty cuts and targeted support.

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.

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.

Official data show 33,005 hospitality firms have closed since the Budget, with pubs, cafes and hotels hit hardest. Critics blame Labour’s tax rises for lost jobs. Ministers say the programme is needed to repair the public finances and will support long‑term growth.