Energy crisis: Britain could be sitting on a second North Sea Opinion Onshore shale gas could provide cheap, abundant energy not dependent on Russian oligarchs or subject to the whims and fancies of Donald Trump. But as with so many areas, it’s being held back by of eco-zealotry, Nimbyism and an inability to simply get things done, says Emma Revell That Britain needs to solve its energy [...]
UK economy ‘too weak’ to suffer from sky high inflation Economics The UK economy will not suffer from a return of persistent high inflation because its labour market is too weak for staff to demand pay rises, a top investment bank has said. In a research note, Berenberg said that the government’s tighter grasp on the public finances and its rapidly deteriorating jobs market mean households [...]
IMF downgrade Reeves is gaslighting voters on energy crisis Opinion Rachel Reeves is set to urge other countries to “follow her plan” for the energy crisis, but international analysts expect Britain to perform the worst among comparable nations thanks to decisions she has made, says Alys Denby The war in Iran has come at the worst possible time for a government already struggling to command [...]
The government is about to find out you can’t please the people and the bond markets April 14, 2026 In the next phase of the Iran crisis, investors will demand fiscal discipline; electorates will demand intervention. In a supply-driven stagflationary environment, it may be impossible to satisfy both, says Helen Thomas A severe physical supply shock is rippling through the global economy and unlike recent crises, this is not one policymakers can easily offset. [...]
Goldman: Oil could remain at crisis prices for rest of year April 9, 2026 Goldman Sachs has warned that oil prices could stay above the $100 a barrel mark for the rest of 2026 if the Strait of Hormuz stays shut for another month. In a note published on Thursday, the investment bank said any truce between Iran and the United States would be fragile, and that four more [...]
FTSE 100 suffers worst month since Covid as Iran war rages on April 1, 2026 The FTSE 100 suffered its worst month since the coronavirus in March, after the United States’ war in the Middle East sparked a historic market reaction that has seen government borrowing costs sprial and oil prices subjected to their largest single-month jump on record. Despite a relief rally on Tuesday, London’s blue-chip index fell more [...]
Consumer confidence collapses as Iran war provokes inflation fears March 26, 2026 Brits’ confidence in the state of the economy has plummeted since the outbreak of war in Iran, as shoppers tighten their purse strings amid fears of sharp price rises. Consumer sentiment over the UK’s economy has fallen to its lowest level on record, down from -30 per cent to -53 per cent, according to trade [...]
Ministers must ‘trade more’ in face of Iran war March 25, 2026 The government must keep the option of an energy bailout for businesses on the table if oil prices continue to spike, the British Chambers of Commerce boss will say in a speech urging ministers to “trade more, not less” in the face of the Iran war. Shevaun Haviland will warn of the “profound” impact that [...]
Shepherd Neame braces for energy price shock as Iran war drives up costs March 18, 2026 Shepherd Neame has become the latest pub company to express concern over the spectre of rising energy costs after the war in Iran sent the price of oil soaring. The Kent-based brewer, pub and hotel group, which is listed on the Aquis stock exchange, said its energy was “heavily hedged” into the next financial year [...]
Iran war: Independent pubs face ‘devastating’ energy costs March 17, 2026 Independent pubs could be left vulnerable to spikes in energy costs caused by the Iran war, while their larger competitors enjoy the security of fixed energy deals. Landlords across the UK could face “devastating” costs if energy prices continue to rise, trade body UKHospitality has warned. Blockages to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping [...]