Hundreds of North Sea licences granted by Conservatives have ‘so far produced only 36 days worth of gas’ 28. March 2026 (08:00) Exclusive: Findings cast doubt on claims new drilling would help cut bills and boost energy security, researchers sayHundreds of licences granted for new oil and gas projects in the North Sea under the Conservatives have so far produced only 36 days’ worth of gas, according to analysis.Research by the energy consultancy Voar and the campaign group Uplift found that between 2010 and 2024, the government handed out hundreds of new North Sea oil and gas licences in seven licensing rounds. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK ‘weeks away’ from medicine shortages if Iran war continues, experts say 28. March 2026 (08:00) Concern that supply chain disruption could hit health essentials – and prices – from painkillers to cancer treatmentMiddle East crisis – live updatesBritain is “a few weeks away” from medicine shortages ranging from painkillers to cancer treatment if the Iran war continues, according to experts, while drug prices could also rise.The conflict has disrupted the supply of a myriad of crucial raw materials, including oil, gas, crop fertiliser and helium – and health essentials could be next. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
End to two-child benefit cap offers £300-a-month lifeline to cash-strapped families 28. March 2026 (08:00) From 6 April, low-income families can claim universal credit payments for all children living in the householdThe two-child benefit policy has been described as a “cap on childhood” and as it comes to an end, Claire* hopes to throw a birthday party for her son.It is a celebration most children may take for granted, but Claire and her partner run out of money at the end of every month, skipping meals so that their three children can eat. Her son, now in his final year at primary school, has never had a party. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Pope Leo heads to Monaco 488 years after the last papal visit 28. March 2026 (07:00) Decision to choose small, wealthy – but very Catholic – state for first European trip has baffled some Vatican observersPope Leo will travel to Monaco, the semi-enclave famous for casinos and superyachts, on Saturday on his first European trip since being elected pontiff, causing bemusement among some Vatican observers, not least because it comes 488 years after the last papal visit.Leo will travel from the Vatican by helicopter for the one-day trip, and will be greeted at Monaco’s heliport by Prince Albert and his wife, Princess Charlene, before being taken to the palace, which has been the residence of the Grimaldi dynasty since the 13th century. It is the first time a pontiff has visited Monaco since Pope Paul III in 1538. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Inside London’s smash and grab crimewave 28. March 2026 (07:00) The capital’s jewellers and luxury stores are under attack from gangs of brazen, machete-wielding robbers. Anthony France investigates what’s fuelling the crisis(London News)
Gulf countries warn of rising threat from Iran-backed militias and proxies 28. March 2026 (06:00) Fears grow that Tehran may start activating sleeper cells across Middle East as part of war with US and IsraelMiddle East crisis – live updatesGulf countries have raised concerns over the prospect of attacks by Iran-backed militias and proxy armed groups in the region, which they fear could destabilise their regimes and escalate the war in the Middle East.In a joint statement this week, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan condemned Iranian attacks on their soil, both as strikes carried out directly from Iran and “through their proxies and armed factions they support in the region”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
