Sir Keir Starmer has warned there may not be a “quick and early end” to the conflict in the Middle East as he prepares to chair an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday.
Asked how long he thought the crisis would last, the prime minister told the Liaison Committee: “I’ve been really clear with the team that we mustn’t fall into the sort of false comfort of thinking that there will necessarily be a quick and early end to this. We have to plan on the basis there may not be.”
Sir Keir is being pressed by MPs before he later convenes his top ministers, as well as the governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, for a Cobra meeting on Monday afternoon, which is expected to focus on the economic impact of the crisis, energy security and the resilience of industry and supply chains alongside the international response.
The prime minister has vowed to discuss “every lever available” to protect Britons from the impact of the war in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, housing minister Matthew Pennycook told LBC the government “will not accept profiteering” from energy companies. He warned that “prices are soaring in places” and “we’re seeing a huge differentiation in prices across the country, which is why the CMA have put fuel retailers on notice”.
Key Points
- Starmer planning for lengthy conflict between US and Iran
- PM defends approach to defence spending amid accusations of lack of urgency
- Starmer insists Iran war is 'not our war and we are not getting dragged in'
- Cobra to discuss 'every lever available' to tackle cost of living, Starmer says
- Government 'will not accept profiteering' from energy companies: Minister issues petrol prices warning
- Starmer denies suggestions UK is being targeted by Iranian missiles
Kemi Badenoch said an antisemitic arson attack in Golders Green on Monday morning demonstrated “an increase in the hatred of Jews”.
The Conservative Party leader said: “Showing action, not just words, I think, is what Jewish people want to see.”
Speaking to the Press Association on a visit in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, on Monday, Mrs Badenoch said: “It’s quite clear that there is a particular problem with rising attacks on Jewish people. There is an increase in the hatred of Jews.”
She added: “I think that we need to do more than just telling Jewish people to have more security. I think it’s appalling that I go to Jewish primary schools and they’ve got security guards standing outside.”
Ms Badenoch said antisemitism comes from “many places”.
“We need to root out this hatred from its source. It’s coming from many places, a lot of misinformation, and even in some extreme cases, extreme Islamist groups,” she said.
She added: “The rhetoric coming from the Government has to be about ensuring, not just the safety of Jews, but that we will leave no stone unturned in catching the people who carry out these crimes. Showing action, not just words, I think, is what Jewish people want to see.”
Iran poses 'no threat' to UK's mainland from missiles, minister says
17:40 , Tara CobhamIran poses “no threat” to the UK’s mainland from missiles, a defence minister has said.
In response to a private notice question in the House of Lords, Labour minister Lord Coaker said: “Our assessment is that Iran poses no threat at the current time to the UK.”
The question by Labour peer Lord Harris of Haringey came after reports at the weekend that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) had said Iran had weapons with a range of up to 4,000km.
Iran targeted the military base used by the UK and US in Diego Garcia on Friday night.
Lord Coaker said the Government would tell the public what they should do if a threat was to arise to British citizens.
He said the “Nato umbrella” was designed to tackle missiles, and the Government has allocated £1 billion to air defence in the strategic defence review.
He said: “We will take the action it needs to inform the public and tell them what the appropriate action they should take in the event of any such threat coming about.”
Healey warns Britons are 'increasingly worried' about economic impact of Middle East war
17:20 , Tara CobhamJohn Healey warned that “people and businesses are increasingly worried about the economic impact” of war in the Middle East.
The Defence Secretary told the Commons he will attend a Cobra meeting later on Monday, chaired by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, “because Iran is holding the Strait of Hormuz hostage by laying mines, targeting ships, including Red Ensign vessels, and putting lives in danger”.
He later added: “We’ve now deployed UK military planners into US central command to develop options.
“We’re looking to accelerate new UK minehunting and drone technology and on Friday, we confirmed that the current permission we’ve given for the US to use UK bases for defensive strikes against specific Iranian targets extends to their missile sites and capabilities that threaten the Strait of Hormuz.
“We are determined that the UK plays a leading role in securing the Strait so commercial ships can move freely and confidently again.”
Government has resources and alliances to keep UK safe, defence secretary insists
16:58 , Tara CobhamThe government has the resources and the alliances to “keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks”, defence secretary John Healey told the Commons.
On concerns surrounding long-range Iranian missiles, Mr Healey said: “There is no assessment that we are being targeted in the UK in that way. We have the resources, we have the alliances in place in order to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks.
“We operate a layered defence of this United Kingdom – our Navy, our RAF (Royal Air Force), our Army, all involved. And of course, we operate our defence with other Nato allies.”
This came in response to shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge who accused the Government of “extraordinary double standards”, claiming the UK has been “relying on the US to defend us whilst denying them the use of our bases”.
He also asked if the Defence Secretary regrets not sending HMS Dragon “much, much sooner” and when the defence investment plan (Dip) will be published.
Mr Healey said “we have been blunt and we have been open about the threat that Iran poses”, before declining to say when the Dip would be released.
Pictured: Bank of England governor arrives for Cobra meeting
16:47 , Tara Cobham
Iranian ambassador to UK summoned by foreign office over his country's 'reckless' actions
16:34 , Tara CobhamIran’s ambassador to the UK Seyed Ali Mousavi has been summoned by the foreign office over his country’s “reckless and destabilising actions” in Britain and overseas.
What did Starmer tell the Liaison Committee
16:33 , Tara Cobham- Sir Keir Starmer has told his team they must not fall into a sense of “false comfort” in thinking the Iran war will have “a quick and early end”.
- The prime minister has said that the Iran war is “not our war, and we are not getting dragged into this war”.
- Britain has “very effective ways of defending ourselves”, Sir Keir insisted amid questions about whether the UK could intercept long distance missiles shot at Britain by Iran.
- Sir Keir told MPs he was looking at giving the Competition and Markets Authority “further teeth” amid concerns about short-term profiteering amid surging oil and fuel prices.
- The prime minister insisted the government was “nearly there” with completing its delayed defence investment plan but declined to say when it would be published.
- Joining a European Union defence fund will “certainly be on the agenda” of an upcoming summit involving the UK and EU and “intensive discussions” have been had about how to move forward, Sir Keir said.
Defence secretary confirms mines have been laid in the Strait of Hormuz
16:27 , Tara CobhamWhitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
John Healey has confirmed mines have been laid in the waterway, which is crucial for the world’s oil supply.
But asked how soon the strait could be de-mined, the defence secretary told MPs: “I can’t give a timescale”.
UK warship has finally arrived in the eastern Mediterranean
16:13 , Tara CobhamWhitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
HMS Dragon has arrived at its destination, John Healey has told MPs, nearly two weeks after its deployment was announced.
The Type 45 destroyer is capable of shooting down drones and ballistic missiles fired by Iran and its proxies as the Middle East crisis continues.
Officials have insisted the ship was prepared as quickly as possible, with six weeks’ worth of work squeezed into six days.
Starmer insists Iran war is 'not our war and we are not getting dragged into this war'
16:00 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer has insisted that the Iran war is “not our war, and we are not getting dragged into this war”.
The Prime Minister made the remark as he appeared before the Liaison Committee, a group of senior cross-party MPs.
Sir Keir was asked to explain what he was doing to de-escalate the conflict.
He told the committee: “On Iran, the principles I’ve applied throughout is that for any UK action, there must be a lawful basis, and a viable and thought-through plan. That is why we didn’t join the original offensive strikes.
“It is why we did take defensive action, collective self-defensive action on our own behalf, when it came to the work that we are doing with our allies in the region, taking missiles out that are coming from Iran. It is also why we allowed our bases to be used for the purposes of collective self-defence.
“But that’s an important divide. So collective self-defence, yes, we’ve taken appropriate action. But this is not our war, and we are not getting dragged into this war.”
Defence secretary sets out details of Iranian missile attack towards Diego Garcia
15:50 , Tara CobhamWhitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
John Healey, the defence secretary, has confirmed the attempted attack took place in the early hours of Friday morning.
One of the two missiles fell short, while the other was brought down, he said.
But despite claims it showed that Iran now had the capability to hit the UK, Mr Healey said: “Neither got close to Diego Garcia. The UK was not required to take action.”
Having close ties with both US and EU has 'kept Britain safe for 80 years', says Starmer
15:41 , Tara CobhamPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has insisted that the UK is able to have close ties with both the US and the EU, arguing that close links with both of them has kept Britain safe for more than 80 years.
The prime minister told the Liaison Committee that he doesn't accept that Brexit "means we have to operate in the way we did under the last govt which is not to have a particularly good deal with the EU and not to coordinate when it is in our interests to do so".
Sir Keir continued: "That's why we reset the relationship at the UK EU summit last year and we've got another summit coming up this year.
"In relation to the US, when it comes to defence and security, obviously we've had a decades long relationship with the US. That is hugely important for our country and shouldn't be underestimated.
"And I still firmly believe we can have that relationship with the US and a stronger relationship with the EU and that the constant demands on me to choose one or the other are wrong.
"When it comes to defence, security and intelligence, it is having both relationships that has kept us safe for 80+ years and we hold that very closely and very dear."
Starmer addresses concerns about short-term profiteering amid surging oil and fuel prices
15:39 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer told MPs he was looking at giving the Competition and Markets Authority “further teeth” amid concerns about short-term profiteering amid surging oil and fuel prices.
Asked about comments his cost-of-living champion Richard Walker had made calling for a short-term intervention to prevent profiteering, Sir Keir told MPs on the Liaison Committee:
“I’ve just seen him to say we need to discuss those proposals urgently together, but we are looking at measures to deal with profiteering.
“I’ve already asked the CMA to look at this, I think we might look at what further teeth we can give the CMA to deal with this.
“I think there isn’t enough regulation in this area. I want to see more on price gouging or profiteering.
“We absolutely need to bear down on it, and so we’re actively considering whether the CMA should have additional powers to deal specifically with that, but at the moment, we’re making sure they’re focused on anti-profiteering steps that they can take.”
Starmer ratchets up actions to protect cost of living
15:25 , Tara CobhamPolitical editor David Maddox reports:
The prime minister has announced he is looking at giving the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) “further teeth” so it can better protect customers from being ripped off.
Ministers will discuss giving the CMA extra powers to stop firms exploiting the current situation in the Middle East at a COBR meeting this afternoon on the impacts on the economy and the cost of living.
Speaking at the Liaison Committee, Keir Starmer said the government would “look at what further teeth we can give the CMA to deal with this”.
He told MPs on the Liaison Committee: “We are looking at measures to deal with profiteering, I’ve already asked the CMA to look at this. On price gouging or profiteering, we absolutely need to bear down on it, so we are actively considering whether the CMA should have additional powers to deal specifically with that.”
Starmer coming under pressure over British oil
15:24 , Tara CobhamPolitical editor David Maddox reports:
Scottish Lib Dem MP Jamie Stone is pressing the prime minister on the government’s continued refusal to get oil from the Jackdaw and Rosebank oil and gas fields.
Mr Stone, who spent much of his career in the oil and gas sector, argues that the government can achieve net zero “while simultaneously using this British asset”.
The points feed into concerns over the way the UK is reluctant to use UK oil and gas while shipping it in from other countries including Norway.
A lot of focus has been on the energy secretary Ed Miliband’s hardline against fossil fuels.
Sir Keir Starmer pushes back saying the UK is using UK oil and gas from existing fields.
But Tory MP Bernard Jenkin interjects: “The government seems to have an ideological bias against it.”
Starmer insists government 'nearly there' with completing delayed defence investment plan
15:14 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer insisted the government was “nearly there” with completing its delayed defence investment plan but declined to say when it would be published.
Asked how he was going to resolve the hold-up, the prime minister told MPs on the Liaison Committee: “It’s my job to resolve it. What I want to do is to make sure that the investment we need is going in and that it’s sustained over a 10-year period in accordance with the strategic review, and I want to get that right.
“What I don’t want to do is to set out commitments without being absolutely clear where the money is coming from.”
He said there had been a lack of investment over “many, many years,” adding: “We’re nearly there. It’s my job to resolve it and resolve it I will.”
Asked by Conservative MP Sir Bernard Jenkin why the government was not on a war footing, he said: “Because the strategic review commits us to a war footing, and we now need to put the funding in place to increase defence spending to 2.5%, something that didn’t happen under the last government, and where at the election a credible proposition wasn’t put forward by your party.”
Starmer defends approach to defence spending amid accusations of lack of urgency
15:06 , Tara CobhamPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has defended the government's approach to defence spending, insisting he is focusing on "clearing up the mess from the last government", amid accusations that there is a lack of urgency when it comes to Britain's defence.
Asked why the government has failed to ramp up its defence spending with the necessary urgency, the prime minister told the Liaison Committee: "That's why its important that we're clear where the money is coming from. But because of the significant underfunding of the last govt we have to make sure that we get this right."
He added: "I'm also clearing up the mess I've inherited because we can't go on in the way that - when I opened the boks and saw the way this has been done for years I needed to change it."
Pressed on why the government is not yet on a war footing, the PM said: "Because the strategic review commits us to a war footing and we now need to put the funding in place in order to get there.
"I have already announced the increase in defence spending to 2.5 per cent, something that didn't happen under the last government...I'm going to do this and I'm going to do it properly and I want to be able to explain to parliament where the money is coming from."
Pressed again, he said: "With respect, I'm clearing up the mess from the last government."
PM insists UK has 'very effective ways of defending ourselves'
15:04 , Tara CobhamBritain has “very effective ways of defending ourselves”, the Prime Minister has insisted amid questions about whether the UK could intercept long distance missiles shot at Britain by Iran.
Appearing at the Liaison Committee of senior MPs, Sir Keir Starmer was asked by defence committee chairman Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi whether the UK had a means of defending itself against such an attack.
The Prime Minister replied: “We constantly assess this, and we do have very effective ways of defending ourselves.
“I don’t want to raise levels of public anxiety. They are anxious about what they’re already seeing on their television screens. They’re anxious about the impact it will have on them, particularly economically, in their households. And I don’t want to raise their levels of anxiety.
“I can tell you our military personnel, our security and intelligence services, are working literally 24/7 to keep us safe and doing a very good job in that regard.”
Sir Keir also told the Liaison Committee that Britain had “embedded the UK airspace battle management specialists into military commands” in the Middle East to defend against Iranian missile attacks, adding: “We are working with industry to distribute air defence missiles to Gulf partners. We’re deploying short range air defence systems to Bahrain at speed. This was an issue that came up as a matter of some urgency over the course of this weekend, and we are doing the same with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.”
Analysis: Labour defence committee chair does not hold back with Starmer
14:54 , Tara CobhamPolitical editor David Maddox writes:
Tan Dhesi, the Labour chairman of the Defence Select Committee, is not holding back in hard questioning of Sir Keir Starmer over defence spending and apparent shortages in the UK’s capabilities.
Despite being in the governing party, Mr Dhesi is reflecting a growing sense that the prime minister’s rhetoric on increasing defence spending is not being matched by reality.
There were questions on a lack of UK assets ready in the Eastern Mediterranean at the start of the conflict as well as the delays in getting a Royal Navy ship there.
There was an almost sarcastic question on when “the fabled” defence investments plan will be published.
And there were questions over whether the UK will reach the 5 per cent defence and security spending target.
It comes against a background of actual in-year cuts to the defence budget despite more money being made available partly because the Treasury refused to fund a pay rise for military personnel.
Starmer pressed on how UK would defend itself if Iran were to launch ballistic missiles at Britain
14:52 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer has been pressed on how the UK would defend itself if Iran were to launch ballistic missiles at Britain.
When asked what the UK would do if it came under attack, the prime minister attempted to reassure the British public and told the Liaison Committee: “We keep this under constant review.”
Downing St defends approach to disclosing missile attacks aimed at Diego Garcia
14:45 , Tara CobhamDowning Street defended its approach to disclosing the missile attacks aimed at Diego Garcia last week.
Asked about accusations of a “cover-up” and whether the government would share any future incidents of a similar nature with the public, the prime minister’s spokesman said: “What I’m saying is the information about threats is held at a high classification and is only declassified through a rigorous process, and for obvious reasons, we won’t comment on the operation of our allies and our partners.”
Pressed on whether the government would choose not to disclose the information if another missile were fired at the air base, he said: “No, I’m obviously not going to get ahead of hypotheticals.
“The point is we do not always immediately confirm events in fast-moving conflict, particularly where doing so could risk the safety of our military personnel, and that declassifying this sort of information must go through a rigorous process, but the MoD (Ministry of Defence) has been providing regular updates and will continue to do so.”
Starmer planning for lengthy conflict between US and Iran
14:45 , Tara CobhamPolitical editor David Maddox reports:
The prime minister has said that it is “hard to tell if I am honest” to say when the conflict between the US and Iran will end.
The comment to a question from the liaison committee came as he welcomed talks between the US and Iran but admitted that his government is now having to plan for a lengthy conflict.
This will begin with him chairing a COBRA meeting this afternoon.
He emphasised he wants “rapid deescalation” but admits “it is a little early to be too concrete” on any of the planning or possible outcomes.
The comments rather underline how much this situation is out of the control of the government.
PM insists household energy bills will be cut then held despite Middle East conflict
14:43 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer has insisted that household energy bills will be cut and then held despite the Middle East conflict.
The prime minister told the Liaison Committee: “Obviously the price fluctuates daily. For household energy bills, it is important for me to reiterate that they will be cut because of measures we took in the Budget, and then held until the end of June.”
He said the key question for households will be: “Does that still hold if the conflict goes on?” “Yes,” he said.
Starmer warns Middle East conflict could 'go on for some time'
14:40 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer has warned the conflict in the Middle East could “go on for some time”.
The prime minister told the Liaison Committee: “We've got to plan on the basis it can go on for some time... There won’t necessarily be a quick and early end to this – we have to plan on the basis there won’t be.”
Starmer condemns 'horrific antisemitic attack' on ambulances in Golders Green
14:38 , Tara CobhamPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the "horrific antisemitic attack" on four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, saying the "idea that ambulances could be considered a target is simply horrendous".
The incident in Golders Green, north-west London, is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime by the Metropolitan Police but not as terrorism at this stage, the force said on Monday.
Opening the Liaison Committee, the prime minister said: "Can I start by expressing my disgust at this horrific antisemitic attack in Golders Green in the early hours of this morning.
"The idea that ambulances could be considered a target is simply horrendous and I know the impact that that would have had on so many individuals, not just those in the area - and I've been with Sarah Sackman this morning, the constituency MP but also the neighbouring MPs - but also frankly the whole Jewish community across the country.
"Not least because this is not an isolated incident and the rise of antisemitic hatred is there for all to see."
Trump suggests price of oil 'will drop like a rock' if deal struck with Iran to end war
14:30 , Tara CobhamDonald Trump has suggested the price of oil “will drop like a rock” should a deal be struck with Iran to end the war.
Speaking to reporters in Florida as he boarded Air Force One, the US president said: “The price of oil will drop like a rock as soon as a deal is done. I guess it already is today.”
But then the US president cautioned that a deal was far from ready, adding: “No, we have a very serious chance of making a deal. That doesn’t guarantee anything. I am not guaranteeing anything.
“I’m not going to come out here in a week or two weeks, and have you all say, ‘Oh, you said’ – I didn’t say anything. All I’m saying is we are in the throes of a real possibility of making a deal.”
Mr Trump suggested the US and Tehran were discussing 15 points of agreement to end the war, of which the Iranian regime giving up its nuclear weapons programme were points “number one, two and three”.
The president said he wanted to see joint control over the Strait of Hormuz, with he and Iran’s supreme leader both having a stake in it, though he also claimed he wanted to see “a very serious form of a regime change”.
Iran's blockade of Strait of Hormuz has plunged global financial markets into turmoil
14:15 , Tara CobhamIran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has plunged global financial markets into turmoil and caused a spike in oil prices, raising fears of a further increase in the cost of living.
Oil prices fell sharply following Mr Trump’s announcement on Monday.
Having hit 114 US dollars a barrel earlier in the day, the oil benchmark Brent crude fell back to 98 dollars before rising again to around 106 dollars just after midday.
Downing Street welcomes ‘postponement’ of US strikes on Iranian power plants
14:00 , Tara CobhamDowning Street has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s decision to “postpone” strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure following talks with Tehran.
Mr Trump had threatened to obliterate Iran’s power plants if the country did not reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz by just before midnight on Monday night.
But in a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president said he would delay the strikes by five days following “very good and productive conversations” with Tehran over the previous two days.
He added that the postponement of strikes was “subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions”.
Following the announcement, Downing Street said reports of productive talks were “welcome”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said: “We have always said that a swift resolution to the war is in global interests and the Strait of Hormuz specifically needs to be reopened.”
Analysis: Traders making bets on markets does not always mean Bank of England will follow
13:45 , Tara CobhamBusiness and money editor Karl Matchett writes:
It is important to note that traders making bets on the markets does not always mean the central bank, in this case the Bank of England, will follow.
Bets on the market by selling off bonds (or gilts) sends the yield higher. Buying them has the opposite effect. The two-year UK gilts yield at 11am GMT stood at 4.7 per cent, just shy of a full 1 per cent higher than the actual BoE base rate, which stands at 3.75 per cent after last week’s 9-0 vote to hold. In very simple terms, that suggests the markets are pricing in for the interest rate to go higher, up to that 4.7 per cent point, which when translated to MPC voting terms means they’d have to opt to raise (almost) four times to reach it.
However, markets can shift very quickly in both directions when external events - such as political leaders making statements - dictate a potential change of course.
As an example, Donald Trump’s comments about having had “productive conversations” with Iran immediately saw the same market drop to 4.55 per cent - in MPC terms, therefore, back to only three interest rate hikes.
Starmer meets with representatives of Jewish community following attack
13:30 , Tara CobhamPrime Minister Keir Starmer has held a meeting with representatives of the Jewish community at Downing Street.
It comes after four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a Jewish community organisation, were set on fire in North London in an incident that the police say is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.
Downing Street refuses to say whether McSweeney had crime reference number for stolen phone
13:15 , Tara CobhamPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Downing Street has refused to say whether or not Morgan McSweeney was given a crime reference number when his mobile phone - containing messages relating to Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador - was stolen last year.
The prime minister's official spokesperson also couldn't say whether or not the phone was backed up, or if the prime minister's former chief of staff recorded the messages in official channels at the time.
Asked whether there was a crime number, the prime minister's official spokesperson said: "I don't have more to add beyond what the housing secretary said on the round. His phone was stolen and he reported it last year. But more broadly we’re working to comply with the humble address and we’re continuing to work with the Met Police and their investigation."
Asked whether Mr McSweeney recorded conversations officially at the time, the spokesperson said: "I cant speak to individuals, but this government is working with all relevant individuals to get hold of information that is relevant."
And asked whether his phone was phone backed up, the spokesperson said: "I cant speak to individuals beyond what I've already said."
Swinney warns Starmer against ‘slide into offensive war’ in Iran
12:54 , Tara CobhamScotland’s first minister has warned Sir Keir Starmer against “sliding into an offensive war” in Iran.
Following a meeting with energy giants, John Swinney urged the prime minister to rally together with European allies and seek a diplomatic solution in the Gulf.
It comes as the UK government allowed the US to use British bases to launch strikes on Iranian sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait is vital for shipping through the Gulf, including oil, with spikes in prices attributed to the hold-up.
“It was obvious last week that a lack of clear, principled thinking by the UK government risked us being drawn ever deeper into this conflict,” he said.
“Now that the UK government has reportedly allowed US operations against Iran to be launched from UK bases, we are sliding into an offensive war that the UK does not want, cannot legally justify and has no clear exit strategy from.
“The prime minister must get off the road to open-ended war and put all efforts into de-escalating this conflict.
“That cannot be done by dropping more bombs. It needs a co-ordinated effort by the UK, in concert with our European allies, to make a difference.
“If he fails, the prime minister will be responsible for the UK being dragged into a conflict without any clear plan. And people across this country will be hammered as everything from fuel to food and daily essentials rise in price.”
Markets bet on three interest rate hikes as Iran stance threatens inflation shock for UK
12:39 , Tara CobhamThe continuing rise of oil and gas prices is threatening another inflation shock for UK households amid fears of multiple interest rate hikes this year.
With the US and Iran locked in a war which has seen the Strait of Hormuz closed off, the rest of the world is set to pay the price with higher energy costs, driving up prices in transport, fuel and production.
Rising costs means inflation figures will be pushing higher once more. It comes just as data was showing inflation returning towards the 2 per cent target after three years.
Business and money editor Karl Matchett reports:
Markets bet on three interest rate hikes as UK inflation shock looms
Government 'will not accept profiteering' from energy companies: Minister issues petrol prices warning
12:22 , Tara CobhamHousing minister Matthew Pennycook has said the government “will not accept profiteering” from energy companies.
Speaking to LBC, he warned that “prices are soaring in places” and “we’re seeing a huge differentiation in prices across the country, which is why the CMA have put fuel retailers on notice”.
Mapped: What countries Iranian missiles could hit after warning they pose ‘global threat’
12:15 , Tara CobhamIran has developed long-range missiles capable of reaching major European cities, Israel has warned, after the targeting of the UK-US base on Diego Garcia.
Iran took aim at the military base on the Chagos Islands before the UK government gave the US permission to strike missile sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, but it is not clear exactly when the two intermediate-range ballistic missiles were fired.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said it was the first time Tehran had launched a long-range missile since the start of the war, and showed it is now capable of reaching cities such as London, Paris or Berlin.
Read here about what countries Iranian missiles could hit:
Met will be 'stepping up' support for Jewish communities following attack
12:00 , Tara CobhamDetective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said the Metropolitan Police will be “stepping up” support for Jewish communities across London following the attack.
He said: “We have already spoken to local community and faith leaders and will continue that work today. A specific policing plan focused on key community locations across the area is under way and will continue beyond the coming days as we move towards Passover in early April.
“This attack comes at a time when fears are already heightened given global events and recent attacks targeting Jewish communities in other parts of Europe.
“The Met Police stands shoulder to shoulder with our partners and communities. Together we take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime.
“We are stepping up our support to Jewish communities across London to engage, offer reassurance and take practical action to protect people and property.”
Counter-terror police lead investigation into arson of Jewish ambulances
11:49 , Tara CobhamCounter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the arson of four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green overnight, Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said.
Speaking at the scene of the fires, he said the attack has not been declared as a terrorist incident at this stage, while officers examine the authenticity of a claim of responsibility made online.
Police are looking for three hooded suspects and no arrests have yet been made.
He said: “We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage. CCTV footage appears to show three people in hoods pouring an accelerant on to the vehicles before igniting them and fleeing.
“While this has not been declared a terrorist incident at this stage, the investigation is now being led by counter terrorism policing with all the specialist expertise they bring, and all lines of enquiry remain open.
“We are aware of an online claim from a group taking responsibility for this attack. Establishing the authenticity and accuracy of this claim will be a priority for the investigation team but it is not something we can confirm at this point.
“There have been no arrests at this early stage, and we would urge anyone with information to please contact us as soon as possible – you can do so anonymously if you wish.”
1,500 fewer mortgage deals on market ‘direct response to Middle East conflict’
11:30 , Tara CobhamHomeowners' choice of mortgage deals has shrunk by nearly a fifth over the past couple of weeks, with nearly 1,500 fewer deals available, according to analysis from a financial information website.
Moneyfacts said that, as of Monday morning, there were 1,492 fewer residential mortgage products available compared with March 9, meaning the number of available products has shrunk by 19.5 per cent.
Some 744 deals have disappeared since Thursday last week, Moneyfacts said.
On that day, the Bank of England base rate was held at 3.75 per cent, but forecasts for UK inflation were also hiked.
Lenders have been scrambling to increase the mortgage rates they are offering and withdraw some products amid changing expectations for inflation, with the conflict in the Middle East putting pressure on prices.
Swap rates, which are used by lenders to price mortgages, have been rising in recent weeks.
Expectations that the Bank of England is set to cut the base rate this year have also gone into reverse, with some finance experts suggesting increases could be made amid the sharper rises in inflation than were previously expected.
Attack on Jewish ambulances aimed at making Jews 'fear going about' their lives, Streeting says
11:24 , Tara CobhamAn attack on four Jewish community ambulances was aimed at making British Jews “be less visible” and “fear going about” their lives, Wes Streeting said as he pledged extra health support.
Speaking at the scene of the attack in north London, the Health Secretary said: “The aim of these attackers is clear. They want Jewish people in this country to live smaller lives, to live less Jewish lives, to be less visible as Jewish people, to fear going about Jewish life.”
He added: “I know that the Jewish community will not be cowed by this despicable act of evil, but it is the responsibility of the rest of us not to be bystanders.
“Every decent person in this country needs to stand up and speak up against this vile antisemitic hatred. And of course, the best form of solidarity is practical solidarity, which is why today, our London Ambulance Service colleagues will be providing support to the team here in Golders Green to make sure that we don’t skip a beat when it comes to responding to emergency callouts.”
Up to four interest rate hikes this year now being predicted
11:11 , Tara CobhamUp to four interest rate hikes this year are now being predicted by financial markets.
London Stock Exchange data shows three hikes are fully expected by investors by December.
The Bank rate is set to increase from the current 3.75 per cent by nearly a full percentage point to 4.71 per cent, which is on the brink of an expectation of four rises.
This follows the Bank of England’s decision to hold its rate at 3.75 per cent.
The Bank’s Monetary Policy committee (MPC) voted unanimously to hold the base rate on Thursday, citing concerns that the war between US and Iran will push up inflation by raising energy costs.
More than 500 mortgage deals were pulled from the market last week, the highest number since the aftermath of the ‘mini-Budget’ presented by former prime minister Liz Truss. Meanwhile, the average rate on two-year fixed deals has risen above 5 per cent for the first time since August.
Experts had been anticipating the Bank to cut its base rate this month following a drop in the headline inflation rate from December to January. It is now expected that inflation will rise again as disruption to the global oil trade causes the cost of energy and fuel to spike.
Watch: Starmer denies suggestion UK is being targeted by Iranian missiles
11:00 , Tara CobhamIran's attempt to strike UK-US base prompts concerns Britain may be in range of Tehran’s attacks
10:50 , Tara CobhamIran has attempted to strike the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean with missiles, prompting concerns that Britain could be within range of Tehran’s attacks.
But Sir Keir Starmer told reporters on a visit in south London “no missiles hit the Chagos Islands” but “there were two heading in that direction”.
He played down the risk of the UK being subjected to a direct attack from Iranian missiles.
“There’s no assessment that we’re being targeted in that way at all,” he said.
“But of course, it’s my job to ensure that British interests, British lives are always uppermost in my mind.
“What we need here is de-escalation and that’s why we had a statement from a number of countries last week about what we need to do about the Strait of Hormuz, which obviously needs careful co-ordination and a viable plan, but it’s very important, we defend our interests, we defend British lives, but without getting dragged into the war.”
What 'levers' could Starmer use to tackle UK cost of living crisis
10:40 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer has said he will discuss “every lever available” to protect British people from the impact of the war in the Middle East – but what could these “levers” be?
- Rachel Reeves has confirmed that she has set aside funding to support households reliant on heating oil, the cost of which had doubled in recent weeks, as well as “working through” a longer-term strategy to support other households once the energy price cap lifts in June.
- The chancellor has been urged not to raise taxes in response to the economic shock brought on by the US’s war with Iran.
- Economists have warned that there is therefore a growing risk Ms Reeves will be forced to abandon her “iron-clad” borrowing rules if she does not raise taxes. Her fiscal rules prevent her from borrowing to pay for day-to-day spending, and require debt to fall as a percentage of gross domestic product by 2029-30.
- Ms Reeves has expressed concern over the nation’s “high debt” and played down the likelihood of a broad energy bailout, similar to the £35bn package following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
What impact is Middle East conflict set to have on UK cost of living crisis
10:30 , Tara CobhamMinisters are holding an emergency meeting with Andrew Bailey, the governor of the Bank of England, later today to discuss plans to help households with the soaring cost of living caused by the conflict – but what exactly could Britons be facing?
- The average annual household energy bill alone is predicted to rise by £332 in July, according to the latest forecast from Cornwall Insights.
- Experts have warned that further rises in the price of petrol and diesel are inevitable after attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East.
- There are also fears it could push up inflation, which could impact interest rates and prompt a rise in mortgage rates.
- Economists have warned that all this means there is a growing risk Ms Reeves will be forced to either abandon her “iron-clad” borrowing rules or raise taxes.
Interest rates could be raised three times this year, City traders forecast
10:20 , Tara CobhamSome City traders have forecast that interest rates could be raised three times in 2026, following the Bank of England’s decision to hold its rate at 3.75 per cent.
The Bank’s Monetary Policy committee (MPC) voted unanimously to hold the base rate on Thursday, citing concerns that the war between US and Iran will push up inflation by raising energy costs.
More than 500 mortgage deals were pulled from the market last week, the highest number since the aftermath of the ‘mini-Budget’ presented by former prime minister Liz Truss. Meanwhile, the average rate on two-year fixed deals has risen above 5 per cent for the first time since August.
Experts had been anticipating the Bank to cut its base rate this month following a drop in the headline inflation rate from December to January. It is now expected that inflation will rise again as disruption to the global oil trade causes the cost of energy and fuel to spike.
British man jailed in Iran says UK government has ‘abandoned him and his wife in a war zone’
10:10 , Tara CobhamA British man jailed for a decade in Iran on spying charges has accused the UK government of abandoning him and his wife. Craig Foreman, speaking from prison, expressed profound disappointment alongside his partner, Lindsay, after they were handed 10-year sentences.
The 53-year-olds, who deny the espionage charges, feel "let down, alone and completely frustrated" by the handling of their case, Mr Foreman stated. The couple, from East Sussex, were detained in January 2025 while on an around-the-world motorcycle journey through Iran and are now held in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison.
They have sharply criticised the government, alleging they were left to fend for themselves in what Mr Foreman described as a "war zone".
Read more here:
Brit jailed in Iran says UK government has ‘abandoned him and his wife in a war zone’
Streeting calls antisemitic arson attack on ambulances 'sickening'
10:00 , Tara CobhamHealth Secretary Wes Streeting described the arson attack on four ambulances belonging to a Jewish Community Ambulance service in Golders Green as “sickening”.
He posted on X: “Thank goodness there appear to be no injuries.
“Anyone with information should come forward to the Police.
“We must stand together against antisemitic hatred.”
This is a sickening attack on Jewish ambulances.
— Wes Streeting (@wesstreeting) March 23, 2026
Thank goodness there appear to be no injuries.
Anyone with information should come forward to the Police.
We must stand together against antisemitic hatred. https://t.co/vAM7Z7WeJB
Prime minister condemns ‘horrific’ antisemitic arson attack on ambulances
09:50 , Tara CobhamPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for communities to “all stand together” in the face of an “horrific antisemitic attack”, which saw four Jewish community ambulances set on fire.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, with CCTV showing three individuals setting light to an ambulance in the early hours of Monday morning.
There were no injuries reported in the attack on the Jewish community ambulance service, Hatzola, in Highfield Road, Golders Green, north-west London, around 1.45am, and no arrests have yet been made.
Jewish community leaders condemned the attack, with the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis saying the targeting of the volunteer service was “particularly sickening”.
Cobra to discuss 'every lever available' to tackle cost of living, Starmer says
09:40 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer has said he will discuss “every lever available” to protect British people from the impact of the war in the Middle East as he prepares to chair an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday.
The prime minister will convene his top ministers, as well as the governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, to discuss threats faced by Britain amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Speaking on Monday morning, Sir Keir said the meeting will be the opportunity “at the highest level to bring people together on matters of real, significant national importance.”
The meeting is expected to focus on the economic impact of the crisis, energy security and the resilience of industry and supply chains alongside the international response.
“Obviously Cobras are usually used for military considerations, consular considerations, but I think with the Iran war, most people are very concerned now, not only what they’re seeing on their screens in relation to the conflict itself, but also that question of how is it going to affect me and my family?” he said.
“And so today we’re looking at the economic impact, and I am asking for every lever that’s available to the Government to deal with the cost of living to be discussed at Cobra.
“Hence we’ve got the Bank of England and others there. But I want to make sure that when it comes to the cost of living, we’re doing everything we possibly can at a very difficult period like this.”
Starmer denies suggestions UK is being targeted by Iranian missiles
09:31 , Tara CobhamPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has rejected suggestions that the UK could be targeted by Iranian missiles, after Tehran took aim at the military base on the Chagos Islands.
The Israeli Defence Forces suggested over the weekend the attack showed Iran is now capable of reaching cities such as London, Paris or Berlin.
But speaking on Monday, the prime minister said there is “no assessment” that the UK is being targeted by Iranian missiles.
“We carry out assessments all the time in order to keep us safe, and there’s no assessment that we’re being targeted in that way at all,” he said.
“But of course, it’s my job to ensure that British interests, British lives are always uppermost in my mind.
“What we need here is de-escalation, and that’s why we had a statement from a number of countries last week about what we need to do about the Strait of Hormuz, which obviously needs careful coordination and a viable plan.”
Trump sets 48-hour deadline for Iran to release grip on Strait of Hormuz
09:20 , Tara CobhamDonald Trump has set a 48-hour deadline that ends just before midnight UK time on Tuesday, warning Iran that the US would attack its power stations unless the country releases its grip on the Strait of Hormuz.
But Iran has said it will retaliate by striking electrical plants across the Middle East if Mr Trump follows through on his threat.
Markets tumble and oil prices rise as global focus remains on Strait of Hormuz
09:10 , Tara CobhamFinancial markets fell sharply and oil prices extended gains further as the Middle East war entered its fourth week with global focus remaining on the need to break Iran’s stranglehold on the key shipping route for energy supplies.
Brent crude lifted 1 per cent to nearly 114 US dollars a barrel after Iran warned it will strike electrical plants across the Middle East if US president Donald Trump follows through on his threat to bomb power stations in the Islamic Republic.
The FTSE 100 Index fell back further from the 10,000 market, dropping 1.6 per cent soon after opening on Monday to stand 161.5 points higher at 9756.8.
London’s blue chip share index dropped below 10,000 on Friday for the first time since reaching the milestone level in early January.
In Europe, the Dax in Germany was 1.8 per cent lower and France’s Cac 40 fell 1.4 per cent.
It follows heavy falls overnight in Asia as the rhetoric from the US and Iran suggested little sign of a resolution to the conflict, with the Nikkei in Japan ending down more than 3 per cent.
Minister brushes off SNL skit mocking Starmer shared by Trump
09:00 , Tara CobhamA government minister has insisted Sir Keir Starmer would not be affected by Donald Trump sharing a comedy skit mocking him.
The US president shared a comedy sketch from the new Saturday Night Live UK programme on his Truth Social platform on Sunday.
In the clip, Sir Keir, played by George Fouracres, panics as he tries to dodge a phone call from Mr Trump and asks his deputy: “Oh golly – what if Donald shouts at me? What do I say, Lammy?”
Asked about the sketch on Monday, housing minister Matthew Pennycook told Sky News Mr Trump “posts all manner of things”.
“But I think the prime minister would say this is a comedy sketch,” he said. “He would take it in the spirit in which it is intended… If he had time to watch it, that is, he's pretty busy preparing for the Cobra meeting this afternoon.”
Minister calls for ‘de-escalation’ after Trump issues 48-hour ultimatum
08:49 , Tara CobhamA government minister has called for “de-escalation” after Donald Trump set a deadline for Tehran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The US president set a 48-hour deadline, due to expire on Monday, demanding Iran open the Strait of Hormuz or face the destruction of its power plants.
Asked whether the government agrees with this approach, housing minister Matthew Pennycook told Sky News: “You're tempting me to comment on US strategy that's for the US government.
“We have been very clear, alongside our allies, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, that we need to urgently see an end to this conflict. We need to de-escalate matters. That's in our national interest.”
Government will ‘fight people’s corner’ as PM to chair Cobra meeting
08:47 , Tara CobhamPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
The government will “fight the British people’s corner”, a minister has vowed, as the prime minister prepares to chair a Cobra meeting this afternoon.
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook told Sky News he would not preempt what will be said in the meeting, but added: “The chancellor has said herself that there is every chance that this crisis does put upward pressure on inflation, we’re very alive to the risks.
"But as I say, we're monitoring that situation. We'll fight the British people's corner. We will stand behind them when it comes to ensuring that the cost of living impact challenges are mitigated.”
Global oil supplies down 20% and price rises 'inescapable' British Gas chief warns
08:41 , Tara CobhamGlobal oil supplies are already down 20 per cent because of the Middle East conflict and price rises are “inescapable”, the chief executive of Centrica, which owns British Gas, warned on Sunday.
But the government is keen to play down the prospect of fuel rationing and discourage people from panic-buying petrol.
Communities secretary Steve Reed told broadcasters on Sunday there was “no need” to ration fuel and the public should continue to fill up their cars “just like they always would”.
Starmer and Trump discuss reopening Strait of Hormuz in call
08:38 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer had a call with Donald Trump to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday night.
The prime minister and the US president agreed reopening the strait was “essential” to stabilise a global energy market that had seen oil prices rocket since Mr Trump began his joint campaign with Israel against Iran.
The 20-minute call, described by sources as “constructive”, followed a week in which Mr Trump had heavily criticised Sir Keir’s response to the crisis amid the president’s demand for other nations to send ships to open the strait.
Other nations have so far resisted his demand, with the UK thought to be unlikely to send vessels because of the high level of risk in the strait and an unwillingness to be drawn into the wider war.
But Tehran’s unsuccessful attempt to strike the UK-US base on Diego Garcia with ballistic missiles has raised concerns that much of Europe could be within range of Iranian weapons.
While the strait remains effectively closed to most shipping, the impact on the global energy market and the global economy is set to continue.
Starmer to convene emergency Cobra meeting today
08:36 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer is set to convene an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday after a call with Donald Trump to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Facing the threat of higher inflation and concerns about disruption to fuel supplies, Sir Keir will convene his top ministers at a Cobra meeting on Monday afternoon.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, foreign secretary Yvette Cooper and energy secretary Ed Miliband are expected to join the meeting, as well as the governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey.
The meeting is expected to focus on the economic impact of the crisis, energy security and the resilience of industry and supply chains alongside the international response.
