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The EU and UK have announced measures to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower energy bills. The EU plans to cut electricity taxes and promote electrification, while the UK aims to delink gas and electricity prices and expand renewables. These steps respond to recent energy crises caused by global conflicts and market volatility.
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European nations, led by the UK and Germany, commit to building 100GW of offshore wind in the North Sea through the Hamburg Declaration. US ambassador Warren Stephens criticises this focus, urging exploitation of North Sea oil and gas, echoing former President Trump’s stance. The debate highlights tensions over energy independence and climate goals.
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Labour faces internal strife as Angela Rayner positions herself for a potential leadership bid amid setbacks for Keir Starmer. Meanwhile, Starmer's foreign diplomacy efforts continue, with a focus on China, as internal party dynamics threaten to reshape the party's future.
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OEUK warns ahead of Scottish election that Scotland's offshore energy sector is vital to the economy, supporting 128,400 jobs and contributing over £24 billion in 2024. It urges political support for oil, gas, and renewables, emphasizing an integrated energy approach amid policy-driven energy imports.
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Keir Starmer's government is under intense pressure following a series of crises, including the departure of key aides, internal party dissent, and controversy over appointments linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for Starmer's resignation, but the Prime Minister survived a week of turmoil, with support from senior figures. Meanwhile, UK politics remains volatile as investigations and internal conflicts unfold.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a climate cooperation agreement with the UK, prompting criticism from Donald Trump who called Newsom a 'loser' and questioned the deal's appropriateness. The agreement aims to boost clean energy collaboration amid ongoing debates over California's energy policies and costs.
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On March 11-12, 2026, the International Energy Agency (IEA) coordinated the largest-ever release of 400 million barrels of emergency oil reserves to counter supply shocks caused by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict. Despite this, oil prices surged above $100 a barrel as Iran vowed to keep the strait closed, disrupting about 20% of global oil shipments and threatening global economic growth.
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Ofgem has approved Tesla Energy Ventures to supply electricity in the UK, marking a significant entry amid rising energy costs and market competition. The move introduces a new competitor, leveraging Tesla's solar and battery expertise, but faces political criticism and market challenges. Tesla's vehicle sales have declined amid political backlash and competition.
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As of March 22, 2026, Iran maintains effective control over the Strait of Hormuz, blocking oil shipments following US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader. President Trump has urged allies including the UK, China, and France to send warships to secure the vital waterway, but key NATO members remain reluctant, emphasizing diplomacy. The blockade has pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel, intensifying global economic pressures.
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Britain is exploring the deployment of minehunting drones to secure the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran's blockade. The US, UK, and allies are discussing options to reopen the vital shipping lane, which is crucial for global oil supplies. Iran warns against involvement, threatening retaliation.
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As of March 24, 2026, the US and Israel continue intense airstrikes against Iran, targeting military and nuclear sites. Iran rejects ceasefire talks, demanding a permanent end with guarantees. The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, disrupting global oil supplies. President Trump signals readiness to act alone, while regional tensions and evacuations escalate.
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Angela Rayner has publicly criticised Keir Starmer's leadership, warning Labour is 'running out of time' and calling for urgent change. She attacked government immigration reforms and signalled her leadership ambitions amid upcoming local elections and party turmoil.
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UK government officials discuss potential energy support measures as global tensions escalate over Iran and the Middle East conflict. The UK faces economic risks from rising oil prices and geopolitical instability, with officials planning to bolster energy security and financial resilience amid ongoing conflicts and US-Iran tensions.
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Energy bills in Great Britain are forecast to increase significantly from July, with Cornwall Insight predicting a rise to nearly £1,929 annually due to soaring wholesale prices driven by Middle East conflicts. The government is considering targeted support as the current price cap remains until June.
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Prime Minister Starmer warns that the Middle East conflict will affect the UK economy and household costs. The government is implementing support measures, including a crisis fund and energy bill caps, as it monitors escalating global tensions and their economic fallout.
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As of April 2026, the UK government is managing the economic and diplomatic fallout from the US-Israel war on Iran, which has disrupted global oil supplies via the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces strained relations with US President Donald Trump over UK non-involvement in offensive strikes. The government is implementing targeted cost-of-living support, including a £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund and energy price cap reductions, while urging de-escalation and closer ties with Europe.
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Companies warn of rising costs and potential shortages due to the Middle East conflict. McBride and Princes report increased expenses, while UK supermarkets prepare for possible price hikes and supply disruptions, with impacts expected to intensify in the coming months.
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The UK has announced the start of work on three small modular reactors with Rolls-Royce, aiming for operation by the mid-2030s. Meanwhile, record solar and wind generation is boosting renewable capacity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels amid global energy market volatility driven by geopolitical tensions.
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Oil prices have risen sharply due to Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz, pushing up UK fuel costs. Calls grow for the government to extend or cut fuel duty before planned increases in September, with opposition parties proposing relief measures amid rising petrol and diesel prices.
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The UK is expected to have sufficient gas supplies this summer despite disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. Domestic production, imports from Norway, and LNG are expected to meet demand, with prices rising 50%. Ongoing debates focus on domestic drilling and energy security strategies.
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Labour MPs have criticised the UK government's shift towards renewable energy, calling for increased North Sea oil and gas exploration. Meanwhile, US President Trump has urged Britain to open North Sea oil fields, arguing it will boost energy security amid tensions in the Middle East. The debate highlights tensions between energy independence and climate commitments.