Reeves unveils ‘Great British Summer Savings’ at cost to energy giants Economics Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveil edthe government’s “Great British Summer Savings” campaign, committing hundreds of millions of pounds to lower costs for families by taxing energy companies more. Under a new price adjustment set by the government, children aged five to 15 will be able to travel free on participating local bus services across England from [...]
Starmer scrambles to limit fuel shortage hit Politics Sir Keir Starmer has spelt out a number of policies to address fuel shortages, signalling the government’s fears that the Iran war could hit motorists and households. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer defended an announcement last year to “phase” new sanctions on Russia, while also trailing a policy to freeze a 5p fuel duty cut [...]
UK businesses stall investments and cut headcount due to Iran war Business Over half of UK firms said they have halted investment and hiring plans due to the economic fallout of the Iran war, contributing to supply chain pressures and higher energy and fuel costs. According to new research from accountancy and advisory firm BDO, 57 per cent of 500 businesses with revenues between £10m and £500mn, [...]
Rachel Reeves to scrap fuel duty hike May 18, 2026 Rachel Reeves is set to scrap plans to hike fuel duty, following pressure over the impact of the Iran war on fuel prices and the cost of living. Fuel duty was first frozen by the Tories in March 2022 and the Chancellor had extended this hold on the rate until the end of August this [...]
IEA warns of ‘record’ oil drawdown after ‘unprecedented’ Strait of Hormuz supply shock May 13, 2026 The West’s international energy watchdog has warned that oil stockpiles were being drained at a record rate last month as the US’s war in Iran continues to choke supply in an “unprecedented” supply shock. The International Energy Agency revealed that around 4m barrels of oil a day were tapped from back-up supplies in April, within [...]
Heathrow passenger volumes drop as jet fuel crisis rocks market May 11, 2026 Fewer passengers were heading to Heathrow Airport in April as the war in the Middle East keeps travellers grounded. Passenger numbers at Europe’s biggest airport fell by five per cent in April to 6.7m with the blame being attributed to the “ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict”. For those heading to that particular region, [...]
P&O Ferries hikes prices as Iran war puts holidays on brink May 10, 2026 Leading ferry operator P&O Ferries is saddling holidaymakers with up to £50 surcharges as the Iran war threatens to derail Brits’ summer holidays. P&O, which is owned by Dubai-based DP World, has said it will impose one-way surcharges of £27 per vehicle for its route between Hull and Rotterdam, meaning passengers will pay £54 more [...]
FTSE 100 Live: Stocks jump; oil dips below $100 as Trump says Iran deal close May 6, 2026 Good morning and welcome back to the City AM liveblog. Brent crude dipped below $100 at Wednesday lunchtime after Donald Trump has hailed “great progress” towards a “final agreement” with Iran, prompting a rally in the FTSE, Asian markets and Wall Street. In a sudden reversal late last night, President Trump said he will pause [...]
FTSE 100 Live: Gilt yields surge over Starmer fears; Intel, Pinterest shares rocket May 5, 2026 Good morning and welcome back to the City AM liveblog. Gilt yields have risen to their highest rate in nearly thirty years, as markets weigh up the prospect of an ousted Keir Starmer and lurch to a more left-wing government that might follow. The yield on 30-year government bonds rose 11 basis points on Tuesday [...]
UK at ‘greatest risk’ of jet fuel shortage as flights to be cancelled May 2, 2026 Ministers are set to warn the British public that flight cancellations will hit summer holiday plans as new research suggested that the UK is more exposed to jet fuel shortages than other European countries. Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, is set to tell Brits that there could be flight cancellations this year as she will [...]