Keir Starmer to address nation after vowing to 'protect British people at home and abroad'
Haulage business owner Stephen Bennett tells GB News his fuel costs have increased
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Sir Keir Starmer is set to update the nation on cost of living concerns as energy prices continue to rise due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister will speak at a press conference this morning after he promised to "protect the British people at home and abroad".
It is believed Sir Keir will use the speech to address both the conflict in the Middle East - which Donald Trump has signalled may be coming to a close - and the impact of rising energy prices on British households.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said any Government support to British people would be means-tested and likely to come after the summer months, where there is greater demand for energy as the weather cools.
Speaking to the BBC, she refused to commit to immediate support for drivers.
Ms Reeves added she had to be "careful" with cuts to fuel duty or VAT on petrol due to concerns it would push up inflation.
Since the conflict in Iran started on February 28, the price of oil has soared, particularly due to the Islamic Regime blocking the vital shipping lane, the Strait of Hormuz.
The impact has been hard on British wallets, with the price of diesel currently at 182.77p - roughly 40p higher than before the war - and petrol at 152.83p, according to data from the RAC.
President Trump has indicated US military action in Iran may be folding in as soon as "two to three weeks", regardless of whether the two nations can strike a peace deal.
'Judge me on my actions' - Chancellor says Government is preparing for all scenarios amid energy crisis
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said the Government is "preparing for all eventualities" as the Iran war has created volatility in global markets, with the impact being felt by UK households.
However, she indicated there was no immediate help coming from the Treasury for motorists whose pockets were feeling the squeeze of rising oil prices.
Speaking to the BBC, she Chancellor said: “We’re preparing for all eventualities.
“We’ve already taken action with heating oil, for example, fuel duty is frozen until September and people will see from today a fall in their energy bills.
“But my principle – and judge me on my actions because ever since I became Chancellor, almost two years ago, I have been doing everything in my power to drive down the cost of living – we want to keep down prices for everyone, and then also have more targeted support.”
Rachel Reeves unveils new car tax changes today as millions face higher rates in 'unwelcome' move
Rachel Reeves' car tax changes have come into effect today, hitting petrol, diesel, electric vehicles and hybrid drivers across the UK.
Millions of motorists will now pay more in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) after new rates, first set out in the Autumn Budget, officially began.
On average, drivers will see bills rise by around £5 a year, but drivers with more polluting vehicles could be hit much harder, with increases of up to £40 annually.
The Chancellor confirmed the changes would rise in line with inflation, although the move adds to growing pressure on households already dealing with high driving costs.
Read the full story here.
WATCH: Labour Minister Peter Kyle blasted by GB News’ Mark White over government extending migrant deal with French and failing to stop the boats
Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, has been blasted by GB News’ Mark White over the government extending the migrant deal with the French and failing to stop the boats.
'Absolute disaster in diplomacy!' - Matt Vickers criticises Keir Starmer's lack of response over Middle East
Matt Vickers, shadow secretary for Illegal Migration said that Keir Starmer "dithered" in his response to the US's military operation in Iran, which consequently has damaged the "special relationship" with Donald Trump.
The lack of conviction from the Prime Minister has "soured" relations with other allies, Mr Vickers said, leaving UK nationals and military bases "at risk".
He called it an "absolute disaster in diplomacy".
Shadow Secretary on Illegal Migration slams Labour Government over increasing illegal migration
Matt Vickers, shadow secretary for Illegal Migration slammed the Labour Government this morning, citing that 30 per cent more people are arriving in the country under Sir Keir Starmer than the previous Conservative premiership.
He referenced the Rwanda deterrence scheme, spearheaded by Rishi Sunak, as an appropriate solution to the growing problem, but was dismantled by the Labour Party once they came into power in 2024.
Speaking to GB News, he said if Kemi Badenoch was in power, the Conservatives would leave the European Convention on Human Rights to improve the illegal migrant crisis.
What is happening in UK politics today?
Good morning, happy April Fool's from the GB News Politics team!
Here's what is happening today in Westminster and beyond...
Sir Keir Starmer will address the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the impact it is having on energy prices at home in a press conference this morning.
PMQs are likely be focused on the Government's response to the Iranian conflict and how Sir Keir intends to ensure British households are protected from the volatility.
The Chancellor will be meeting with supermarket bosses this afternoon on the cost of living and how rising food prices can be eased.
From today, there are a raft of new measures coming into force, for instance, the National Living Wage rises to £12.71 and energy bills are set to be cut by an average of £117 a year... but, households will also see council tax, water bills, car tax, TV licences, broadband and stamp prices all increase this month.
On GB News, we'll be hearing from Matt Vickers, shadow secretary on Illegal Migration this morning.
Stay tuned for all things politics.
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