Analysis indicates the Treasury is receiving about £20m a day in extra revenue from energy taxes as high oil and gas prices lift VAT and the profits levy. But rising debt interest could absorb much of the windfall, limiting room for tax cuts or new spending.
The BBC has reportedly dismissed a high-profile Radio 2 presenter over an alleged decade-old relationship, citing personal conduct. Managers are seeking a replacement and staff were surprised by the move. The presenter is taking legal advice amid leadership changes at the corporation.
The BBC has removed a Radio 2 presenter following a historical police inquiry into alleged misconduct. He was questioned and the case was later dropped. A colleague is tipped to take over the show.
An American leader warned he would order military action to disable Iran’s energy infrastructure, including power and desalination sites, and said oil prices could surge for months. The remarks, shared online and in an interview, were criticised as excessive and unrealistic.
A BBC radio presenter has been dismissed following a historical allegation. He was questioned by police in 2016 over alleged misconduct involving a teenager; prosecutors later said evidence did not meet the threshold for charges. The broadcaster acted after reviewing the earlier case.
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.
The PM met energy, shipping and banking chiefs at No10 as pump prices rise. They discussed measures to stabilise costs and secure fuel supplies, with assurances there’s no need to panic buy. Ministers seek a joint plan to protect motorists and airlines from further increases.
Starmer gave junior doctors 48 hours to suspend strikes or 4,000 planned training posts will be scrapped. He says the move protects patients and stabilises NHS finances, urging the BMA to talk. Ministers call the 35% pay demand unaffordable; medics insist pay and conditions need major improvement.
French AI group Mistral has secured $830m in debt to build European data centres, boosting compute for its models and supporting a push for digital sovereignty. The plan offers an alternative to US providers, though analysts warn of possible overcapacity and high financing costs.
With petrol prices surging, campaigners are pressing the PM and chancellor to scrap September’s planned fuel duty rise and introduce relief such as a temporary cut and caps on retailer margins, following moves by several European neighbours to hold down pump prices.
Investigators say a tenant deliberately triggered a gas explosion after being told his rent would rise by £80. He died in the blast, which destroyed his home and damaged neighbouring properties. Police and fire services concluded he had tampered with gas appliances.
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.
Campaigners urge the government to evacuate hundreds of Afghan allies left at risk after an MoD data breach exposed their details. Around 400 former UK partners and about 1,900 relatives remain stuck months on, despite promises of sanctuary.