Families hardest hit by energy crisis could be given funds dispensed by councils in England 30. March 2026 (16:46) As Iran war continues, ministers debate several options for extending support to householdsBusiness live – latest newsFamilies hardest hit by the looming energy crisis caused by the Iran war could be given funds dispensed by local councils, under plans being considered by UK ministers keen to keep a lid on costs.As concerns increase about the impact of rising fuel and energy costs in response to a drawn-out conflict in the Middle East, a government official said several options for extending support were being debated inside Whitehall. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Putin likely to stage another Salisbury-style attack, exiled oil tycoon says 30. March 2026 (16:25) Mikhail Khodorkovsky says Russian security services may seek to create a ‘sense of vulnerability’ in BritainVladimir Putin is likely to stage another Salisbury-style attack on UK soil unless the government adopts more aggressive tactics against the Kremlin, the exiled Russian billionaire Mikhail Khodorkovsky has said.The former oil tycoon has emerged as a leading figure in Russian diaspora opposition circles and claims to be well-informed about current thinking and developments among Moscow’s elite. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Starmer pledges to tackle new cost of living crisis at May elections campaign launch 30. March 2026 (16:11) Prime minister says 7 May vote is coming at time of ‘war on two fronts’ as Labour braces for heavy losses at pollsUK politics live – latest updatesThe 7 May elections are taking place against a backdrop of “war on two fronts”, Keir Starmer has said, as he pledged action to tackle the resurgent cost of living crisis.Launching Labour’s English local elections campaign in Wolverhampton on Monday, the prime minister said: “We’re facing a war on two fronts – the Ukraine war, now four and a bit years in … and now the Iran war, which I know is causing huge concern. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australians may not see cheaper fuel for weeks despite Labor’s excise cuts 30. March 2026 (16:00) Flow-on effect will depend on how quickly service stations sell more expensive fuel, experts warn, leaving Easter travel plans up in the airGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralians expecting relief from punishing fuel prices in time for Easter travel are set to be disappointed, with the industry predicting the effects of Labor temporarily halving the excise will take days or weeks to reach some bowsers around the country.The halving of the fuel excise, which begins on Wednesday and lasts until the end of June, means the federal government will now collect 26.3c from every litre over the next three months instead of 52.6c a litre. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
