Ministers discuss ways to offset energy price surges caused by Iran war
Government’s claim to have lowered bills in jeopardy as households face £160 rise caused by soaring oil and gas pricesMinisters are discussing the possibility of intervening to protect the public against soaring household energy bills if the Middle East conflict drags on.Oil and gas prices have surged since Donald Trump started his bombing campaign against Iran, which has hit back by closing off a crucial shipping route through the strait of Hormuz, and attacking energy infrastructure. Continue reading...
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German foreign minister says ‘we will not allow ourselves to be divided’ after Trump-Spain spat – Europe live
The US president previously threatened to stop all trade with Spain after it said it didn’t back the US-Israeli military operation against IranMeanwhile, France has allowed US aircraft on some of its bases in the Middle East during the conflict opposing the United States and Israel with Iran, the French military said.“As part of our relations with the United States, the presence of their aircraft has been temporarily authorised on our bases” in the region, a spokeswoman for the military general staff told AFP.“These aircraft contribute to the protection of our partners in the Gulf.”“The frigate Cristóbal Colón joined the Charles de Gaulle Naval Group on 3 March to carry out escort, protection, and advanced training duties in the Baltic Sea. The group will now head to the Mediterranean, arriving off the coast of Crete around 10 March.The supply ship Cantabria will also briefly put to sea to provide fuel and logistical support during the Naval Group’s transit through the Gulf of Cádiz. Continue reading...
Refused asylum seeker families will be offered up to £40,000 to leave Britain under pilot scheme, says Shabana Mahmood – UK politics live
The home secretary said that Britain will trial a scheme to encourage a small number of asylum seekers whose claims are rejected to exit the countryShe says “we will always offer protection to genuine refugees” and outlines how the UK has taken in Ukrainian and Hong Kong refugees.She says “restoring control at our borders is not a betrayal of Labour values”. She says we must attract high-skilled workers. And that “the privilege of living in this country forever must be earned”. Continue reading...
Nepal elections frame new era after youth protests toppled leaders
Six months after youth-led protests ousted Nepal’s prime minister, people in Kathmandu have been voting in election.
Nepalis vote in first election since Gen Z uprising for change
This election will test whether the country is ready for a new, untried generation to shape its future.
UK competition watchdog to review private dentistry market after prices rise by 23%
CMA says it wants to ensure market ‘working well for consumers’ as figures show one in five seeking private careThe UK’s competition watchdog has launched a review into the £8bn private dentistry market after the price of a consultation increased by nearly 25% over a two-year period.One in five people in Great Britain sought private dental care in 2024 in part because they could not access NHS treatment. Announcing its investigation, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it wanted to make sure the market was “working well for UK consumers”. Continue reading...
More than pasties and beaches: Cornwall celebrates St Piran’s Day amid cultural revival
In Launceston, revellers were celebrating ‘Cornishness becoming cool’ as well as the region’s patron saintA crisp morning in Launceston, an ancient capital of Cornwall, and the town was humming as St Piran’s Day celebrations got into full swing.Children paraded and danced, songs were sung, speeches made and the odd tear was shed as people gathered to celebrate all things Cornish. Continue reading...
Gaza flotilla activists confronted by Tunisian police
Global Sumud Flotilla activists say they were beaten by Tunisian police after being blocked from Sidi Bou Said port.
House to vote on limiting Trump’s powers in Iran war after Senate measure fails – US politics live
House decision is expected to be tight after war powers resolution in the Senate fell apart along party linesSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe Senate vote on a war powers resolution broke down along party lines on Wednesday, 47-53 – John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the sole Democrat to vote against the measure, while Rand Paul of Kentucky was the only member of the Republican majority to support the resolution.On Wednesday, prior to the vote, Fetterman went on CNN News Central to voice his support of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran and say that this was a situation of “country over party”. Continue reading...
Azerbaijan accuses Iran of drone attack on airport that injured two people
Tehran denies responsibility but strike raises prospect of US-Israel war on Iran spreading beyond Middle EastMiddle East crisis – live updatesAzerbaijan has accused Iran of a drone attack that struck the region of Nakhchivan, hitting an airport and injuring two civilians.The strike would be the first Iranian attack on a Caucasus state since the start of the US-Israel war on the country, and raises the prospect of the conflict spreading beyond the Middle East. Continue reading...