Labour launches local elections campaign with focus on cost of living – UK politics live 30. March 2026 (11:53) UK PM to chair meeting in Downing Street on how government responds to economic consequences of Iran war later on MondayKeir Starmer is speaking now.He thanks Sarah, and say he has the cabinet with him in the room. There is a lot of energy there, he claims.People look at their screens and they’re worried when they see explosions, infrastructure blown up, the rhetoric that goes with it, worried about whether this is going to escalate even further.And therefore it’s really important that I reiterate where I stand and where this government stands, because this is not our war and we are not going to be dragged into it. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Sexual assault survivor calls failure of Travelodge boss to meet MPs ‘shocking’ 30. March 2026 (11:51) Woman assaulted after man was given key card to her room criticises CEO Jo Boydell over cancelled meetingA woman who was sexually assaulted by a man who was handed a key card to her room at a Travelodge has said she was shocked to learn the hotel chain’s boss cancelled a meeting with a group of MPs seeking to discuss concerns about the case.More than 20 MPs had demanded the meeting this month to discuss the matter – including details of the chain’s security processes and procedures that led to it offering the victim an “insulting” £30 refund after the incident. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Mounjaro maker wants NHS drug price rises in return for more investment in UK 30. March 2026 (11:34) US firm Eli Lilly, which is also pushing for end to rebate scheme, optimistic about talks with ministersThe US pharmaceutical group behind the Mounjaro weight-loss drug has said it will unpause its UK investments if ministers agree to regularly increase NHS drug prices and end a rebate scheme.Patrik Jonsson, the president of Eli Lilly’s international business, said the company was in talks with UK ministers and that he was optimistic about reaching an agreement this summer for Britain to pay more for its medicines. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Weather tracker: Thunderstorms drench UAE and Saudi Arabia 30. March 2026 (11:31) Abnormally strong jet stream triggers deluge in Middle East, while north Africa braces for 60-80mph gustsAn unusual weather pattern unleashed severe thunderstorms across parts of the Middle East last week, battering countries including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The Arabian peninsula – typically dominated by arid desert climates – received up to 150mm of rain in just a few days.The deluge was caused by an abnormally strong jet stream, which helped form a deep area of low pressure to develop north of Saudi Arabia. This, in turn, drew moist tropical air from the Indian Ocean and triggered intense storms. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Russell Brand’s rape trial delayed until October 30. March 2026 (11:05) The court heard it would be a struggle to find jurors who could sit through the start of the summer holidays.(London News)
