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.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces claims from business figures and opponents that the Treasury is benefiting most from high pump prices via duty, VAT and green levies, after she criticised retailers. Supporters say measures tackle unfair pricing; critics urge tax cuts to ease costs.
NS&I’s chief has been sacked amid claims of a cover‑up linked to a savings scandal. The Treasury knew last year and had already cut his bonus. A review will examine service failings and the scale of affected customers, with compensation and further action possible.
Economists warn the UK faces a triple hit: growth cut to 0.7% in 2026 with recession risk, inflation at 4%—twice the Bank’s target—and an energy crunch from Gulf disruption. The squeeze threatens higher fuel and home energy bills, weaker wage growth, rising unemployment and a £10bn hole in public finances.
Experts warn counterfeit World Cup football kits may contain unsafe chemicals, posing health risks. With official strips costly, some fans could turn to replicas sold online and in markets. Trading standards advise buying from authorised retailers to avoid harm and losing money.
New guidance tells parents to cap under-5s’ screen time at one hour a day to support development. Limits are said to aid sleep, language and attention. Families are urged to favour reading, active play and outdoor time, and to avoid screens at meals and before bed.
OECD cuts the UK’s 2026 growth forecast to 0.7% from 1.2%, the sharpest downgrade in the G20, blaming fallout from a Gulf crisis linked to US policy. It warns of higher inflation and tougher headwinds for Britain.
Trump has extended by 10 days the deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying talks are progressing and suspending planned military action. Washington says Tehran is considering concessions and inspections, while analysts caution shipping and energy markets remain exposed.
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.
The OECD warns the UK will see the biggest G20 hit to growth from the energy price shock, with inflation rising fastest after the US. Elevated bills will squeeze firms and households, making the BoE’s rate decisions harder and posing an early setback for the PM’s economic agenda.
Donald Trump mocked Britain’s new aircraft carriers as “toys”, saying the US doesn’t need them. Made amid reports of setbacks to a US mission in the Gulf, the remarks drew UK criticism for belittling allied capability and the importance of joint defence.
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.
A senior US lawmaker says Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor should travel to America to give evidence about his links to Jeffrey Epstein, urging him to treat testifying as a public service. The intervention increases pressure on him amid ongoing scrutiny of the association.
A teenager, influenced by misogynistic online content, killed his mother after seeking guidance from an AI chatbot. The case has raised concerns over safeguarding, the risks of unfiltered AI systems, and has prompted renewed calls for tighter online safety rules and oversight.
NS&I has misplaced funds for about 37,000 customers, leaving taxpayers likely to cover roughly £400m. The Treasury is investigating record‑keeping and payout failures. Compensation is expected and system fixes are planned to restore confidence in the state-backed saver.
Iran rejected a US ceasefire plan sent via intermediaries, proposing its own five-point blueprint and indicating operations would continue for now. Washington said talks remain open, focused on de-escalation, regional security and nuclear issues, amid concern over key energy routes.
The UK will lead a NATO maritime taskforce next month aboard a German frigate after failing to have a Royal Navy ship available. Ministers face criticism that cuts have left fleets overstretched, prompting warnings from MPs and former chiefs over readiness and credibility.
Luke Littler visited England’s training camp, sharing throwing tips with Jude Bellingham and teammates. He received a personalised shirt and encouraged the squad to hit their target at the World Cup as preparations intensified.
Kemi Badenoch vowed to legislate to make biological sex explicit in law, protecting single‑sex spaces for women in areas such as healthcare and prisons. She says the change would give providers legal clarity and criticised Labour’s approach.
Western officials report a major European power has sent drones, medicines and food to Iran, the first clear sign of military support. The shipments deepen ties and could expand Iran’s capabilities. Tehran denies related claims about contacts over a previous US deal.
A former Conservative ex‑justice minister told a court he used drugs and attended drug‑fuelled parties, saying first‑hand experience informed his policy work. Police reportedly found related items at his home. He denies wrongdoing and the hearing continues.