UK food inflation ‘could hit 9% this year’ as Iran war drives up energy prices 01. April 2026 (10:13) Food and Drink Federation almost triples forecast, even allowing for possibility of strait of Hormuz reopening soonBusiness live – latest updatesFood inflation could hit 9% in the UK this year, even if the strait of Hormuz opens within the next few weeks, figures suggest, as the war in Iran pushes up energy prices.The Food and Drink Federation, which represents 12,000 food and drink manufacturers, has predicted that prices will rise by “at least” 9% by the end of 2026, almost tripling a forecast made before the Middle East conflict of 3.2%. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Anthony Albanese addresses the nation on the Middle East crisis – read the speech in full 01. April 2026 (10:00) Prime minister says months ahead ‘may not be easy’ and urges Australians to ‘think of others in your community, in the bush and in critical industries’Australian PMs have addressed the nation only a handful of times. Anthony Albanese will join their ranksFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMy fellow Australians.By nature, we’re an optimistic country. But I understand that right now it’s hard to be positive. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Artemis II launch: crowds gather for glimpse of historic Nasa moon mission 01. April 2026 (09:00) Fully crewed rocket will head to moon from Florida – first time since 1972 that humans will have left lower Earth orbitA little more than an hour before sunset on Florida’s space coast, up to 400,000 people packed on beaches and causeways will look to the heavens on Wednesday to witness a fiery spectacle not seen in almost 54 years: a fully crewed Nasa rocket heading back to the moon.The launch of Artemis II, scheduled for 6.24pm ET if weather and any late technical gremlins grant their consent, marks the first time since the Apollo 17 mission of December 1972 that humans will have left lower Earth orbit. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Middle East crisis live: Trump claims war will end in ‘two or three weeks’; Houthis claim responsibility for missile attack on Israel 01. April 2026 (08:59) US president to address the nation later today; Houthis say attack was a joint operation with Iran and Hezbollah‘Get your own oil’: Trump launches tirade against Europe for not joining Iran warHouthi forces in Yemen have claimed responsibility for a missile attack on southern Israel this morning, saying it was a joint operation with Iran and Hezbollah.In a statement, the Houthi movement said it carried out its third missile attack in the conflict “in conjunction with Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australia wants to sell its social media ban to the world – but are the measures even working? 01. April 2026 (08:52) Two-thirds of teenagers are still on social media platforms included in the ban, according to the eSafety commissionerFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastWhen the age assurance technology trial released its final report before Australia’s under-16s social media ban came into effect last year, its first finding was: age assurance can be done privately, efficiently and effectively.Four months since the ban came into effect, we can say that was – to paraphrase Yes Minister – a courageous statement. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
