Rachel Reeves is set to deliver her spring statement on Tuesday, as she faces pressure to keep energy and fuel prices down amid Donald Trump’s Iran war.
Oil prices have risen further today as the conflict in the Middle East threatens Gulf refineries and shipping, sending stock markets tumbling across the UK and Europe on fears of a prolonged conflict.
Economists have warned that the chancellor’s plan to tackle inflation will be threatened, but Ms Reeves will insist that the government has the “right economic plan for the country”.
It comes as Donald Trump launches a fresh attack on Keir Starmer, stating that he is “very sad” to see that the relationship with the UK “is obviously not what it was”.
In an interview with The Sun, the US President warned that Britain was “not such a recognisable country” anymore.
The prime minister over the weekend said he would not allow US jets to deploy from UK bases to undertake the strikes on Iran.
Starmer has defended the decision, saying it was his “duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest.”
Key Points
- Reeves under pressure to keep energy and fuel prices affordable in spring statement
- Trump warns Britain is 'not such a recognisable country' anymore
- What will Reeves say in her spring statement?
- UK is not at war with Iran after RAF base hit by drone, minister says
Belfast woman stuck in Dubai has 'no update' on when she'll get home
10:50 , Dan HaygarthA woman from Belfast among the thousands of UK nationals stranded in Dubai said she has been given no update as to when she will be able to get home.
Thousands of flights from the UAE have been cancelled and large areas of airspace remained closed across the Middle East amid the intensifying conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces.
Etihad Airways flight EY67, carrying stranded UK nationals, departed from Abu Dhabi capital on Monday afternoon and landed at Heathrow at 7.17pm, according to flight tracking company Flightradar24.
However, the airline said in an update on Tuesday that its scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi will remain suspended until Thursday 5 March.
Meanwhile, a limited number of flights have also taken off from Dubai.
The majority of departures from the region remain cancelled, however.
Teigan McFadden, 21, from Belfast, who travelled to the UAE to celebrate her birthday told the BBC she had to contact her airline to find out her flight, scheduled for today.
She remains in her hotel and is waiting for news from the UK as to when she can get back.
Ms McFadden told the BBC: “It’s not a government (the UAE) I know, I trust my own government, I’m waiting for updates from back home.
“As far as I’m concerned, I do think I’m in the grey area. My airline hasn’t contacted me much, I had to contact them to find out my flight was cancelled.
“I was due to leave seven minutes ago - my flight was due to leave at 11.20 (local time) this morning. I have no update on when I’ll actually get home.
“I can see the airspace is getting authorised for small flights. There’s talk of a military evacuation.“Is that actually something they’re going to be able to provide for British citizens or is that just talk that’s never going to be put through?”
She added: “I’ve had no physical updates from our government to say what’s going on.”
Trump says UK has been 'much different' from other allies
10:35 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDonald Trump said that the UK has been "much different" from other allies.
Asked whether the UK is needed as an ally for its action in the Middle East, he told The Sun: "It's not going to matter, but (Sir Keir Starmer) should have helped... he should have.
"I mean, France has been great. They've all been great.
"The UK has been much different from others."
Asked about accusations that Sir Keir is pandering to Muslim voters for political reasons, the President said: "It could be."
Speaking about the UK, Mr Trump said: "It's also not such a recognisable country. I mean, you look at what happened over the last period of time and it's very different."
Asked what advice he would give to Sir Keir, he said to "open up the North Sea" and "stop people from coming in from foreign lands who hate you".
Shadow home sec criticises PM's stance on Iran
10:23 , Maryam Zakir-HussainChris Philp said Sir Keir Starmer has "seriously undermined" the UK's relationship with the United States by not initially allowing the US to use British military bases for strikes on Iran.
The shadow home secretary told the Press Association that action against Iran was "completely justified".
"They sponsor terrorism around the world, including Hamas and the October 7 massacre of innocent women, children and men.
"Iran has attacked shipping in the Straits of Hormuz in the Gulf, and they've also tried to acquire a nuclear weapon, in addition to sponsoring terrorism on our own streets here in the UK.
"Action against a regime like that is completely justified."
He added: "Keir Starmer, through his weak and indecisive approach to the Iranian regime, has undermined our relationship with the USA, who wanted our support.
"They got that support from countries like Canada and Australia. So through his actions, Keir Starmer has very seriously undermined our special relationship with the US, which has been the bedrock of our security for decades now."
Watch: Ed Davey slams ‘washed up old footballers and tax exiles’ in Dubai seeking UK protection
10:09 , Maryam Zakir-HussainIrish premier says UN Security Council has been 'paralysed' for years
10:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainMicheal Martin has said the UN Security Council has been "paralysed" for "many years".
Reiterating criticism of the UN that he made yesterday, the Irish premier said: "The UN is an urgent need of reform, and the Security Council, as it's currently constituted, is not fit for purpose because of its composition."
Speaking to the media ahead of a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, he said there is "no question" US strikes on Iran took place without a UN mandate.
Zack Polanski accuses Keir Starmer of jumping into 'another Middle East illegal war'
09:45 , Harriette BoucherWhat will Reeves say in her spring statement?
09:23 , Harriette BoucherRachel Reeves’ spring statement is expected to be a low-key affair lasting only 20 minutes in the commons on Tuesday.
The government has said it will restrict itself to one “fiscal event” each year, meaning the chancellor is not due to unveil any policy measures.
Instead, she will use the speech to say that the economy is “stronger and more secure” and insist the government has the “right economic plan for the country”.
She will point to falling inflation and interest rates cuts as government successes.
Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, the chancellor will say: “This government has the right economic plan for our country in a world that has become yet more uncertain.
“Stability in the public finances, investment in infrastructure and reform to our economy.
“Building growth not on the contribution of a few people or a few parts of the country, but in every part of Britain with a state that doesn’t stand back, but steps up.”
Her statement comes amid a growing crisis in the Middle East, which economists warn could see energy and fuel prices rise.
The chancellor is expected to stress the importance of economic stability in an increasingly uncertain world.
Starmer's limited involvement in Middle East not an attempt to 'pander to Muslim voters', says Jones
09:05 , Harriette BoucherDarren Jones has denied suggestions that the government’s limited involvement in the Middle East was because the prime minister was “pandering to Muslim voters”.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “We're obviously in discussions with the Americans about their operations, but the key point is, we are not militarily involved in the wider conflict in the Middle East, we are involved in a very discreet and narrow way to defend British interests, British citizens and British armed forces.”
The prime minister’s chief secretary said: “The UK will act in the interests of British citizens, regardless of their faith or where they are in the United Kingdom.
“I think the public would rightly say they don't want to be involved in a wider war in the Middle East, but they would expect us to do whatever we can to defend British citizens.”
Starmer stands by refusal to join Iran strikes after Trump lashes out at UK
08:59 , Harriette BoucherJones responds to Trump's criticism of US-UK relations
08:50 , Harriette BoucherDarren Jones has responded to the latest criticism from Donald Trump, insisting that the relationship between the US and UK “is important” and “will continue to be”.
The US president told The Sun that the relationship with the UK “is obviously not what it was”.
Asked whether the relationship had changed, the chief secretary to the prime minister told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “The UK-American relationship is important. It has been for a long time and will continue to be, and we're working in collaboration right now in the Middle East on defensive action to protect British citizens.
“I think the president's frustration, from the way he's articulated it, has been that we were not involved in the initial American and Israeli strikes in Iran, but as the prime minister said to the House of Commons yesterday, we will only engage British armed forces when it's in British interests with a clear plan and on a legal basis.
“We're now doing that for defensive action, but we're not going to be getting involved in a wider conflict in the Middle East.”
Iran war could cause rise in energy prices and inflation, former chancellor says
08:44 , Harriette BoucherA former Tory chancellor has warned that the Iran war could push up energy costs and inflation.
Jeremy Hunt told Sky News that his rule of thumb as chancellor was “if international oil and gas prices go up by 20 per cent, that's 1 per cent higher inflation and half a percent lower growth. And you cannot ignore that kind of impact on the economy.”
He said the government would have to react to the events in Iran if the unrest continues.
Mr Hunt said that while there was “definitely a calmer backdrop” than previous statement by the chancellor, we are in a “very unpredictable world” and the UK is “more exposed” than other countries in rising energy prices.
Davey calls for "tax exiles" in Dubai to start funding armed forces
08:33 , Harriette BoucherEd Davey has called for “tax exiles” and “washed up footballers” in Dubai to start paying taxes in the UK to fund the armed forces.
The Lib Dems leader asked Keir Starmer on Monday whether he agreed that it was “only right” that British expats in the region “start paying taxes to fund our Armed Forces just like the rest of us do”.
Mr Davey later said: “We rightly expect our Armed Forces to protect British citizens abroad.
“So it’s right that tax exiles should pay UK tax like the rest of us, whether they’re right-wing political pundits or washed-up footballers.”
Jenrick criticises Starmer for putting US-UK relationship under strain
08:19 , Harriette BoucherRobert Jenrick has said that Keir Starmer’s “failure to be a reliable ally” has placed the relationship with the US “under a lot of strain”.
His comments followed earlier ones from Donald Trump, who told The Sun the relationship with the UK “is obviously not what it was” .
The Reform UK Treasury spokesman told Times Radio that it was “sad” to see the “special relationship” phrased in that way.
Mr Jenrick said: “It's bigger and deeper than one prime minister and one president and so I'm sure it can be built up again in the future.
“But it's quite clear that the prime minister's failure to be a reliable ally to the United States in this moment has placed it under a lot of strain, and that is a cause for concern.
“I'm actually more concerned about British interest, rather than what another leader, albeit a very important ally of ours, thinks of the United Kingdom.
“And there again, I think Starmer has got it wrong, because we've seen the drone attacks on our base in Cyprus, putting in danger our troops and the service families who live there.
“The prime minister's response has been too slow. He should have made our bases available sooner and he should have used what military assets we have to defend that base more rigorously than he did.”
Trump lambasts Starmer again and says UK-US relationship is ‘not what it was’
08:11 , Harriette BoucherDonald Trump has lambasted his relationship with Britain under Sir Keir Starmer, saying he is “very sad” to see it is “obviously not what it was”.
The prime minister granted permission on Sunday for the US to use UK bases to target Iran’s missile launchers and stores to help protect countries targeted by Tehran, but the US president said he was “very disappointed” with Sir Keir over his initial refusal to allow the US to use the UK-US Diego Garcia base on the Chagos Islands as part of the operation.
He added that it “took far too long” for the prime minister to change his mind.
Hitting out at the prime minister directly in an interview with The Sun, the US president said: “He has not been helpful. I never thought I’d see that. I never thought I’d see that from the UK. We love the UK.”
The Independent’s Political Correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Trump lambasts Starmer again and says UK-US relationship is ‘not what it was’
Reeves under pressure to keep energy and fuel prices affordable in spring statement as Iran war escalates
07:58 , Harriette BoucherRachel Reeves is under pressure to prepare an emergency plan to deal with a shock increase in energy and fuel prices, as Donald Trump’s war with Iran threatens Gulf refineries and shipping.
With the chancellor due to give her spring statement on Tuesday, Labour MPs joined others in demanding proposals to deal with a sustained crisis after European natural gas prices surged by 40 per cent following Tehran’s latest retaliation against Gulf neighbours.
QatarEnergy said it would stop its production of liquefied natural gas (LNG), taking one of the world’s top suppliers off the market indefinitely.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery came under attack from drones, with defences downing an incoming aircraft. Workers were pictured evacuating from the refinery, which has a capacity of more than half a million barrels of crude oil a day.
Analysts have warned that household energy bills could surge to up to £2,500 a year if the Iran conflict causes long-term disruption to global gas supplies.
The Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox writes:
Reeves under pressure to keep energy and fuel prices capped in spring statement
Trump warns Britain is 'not such a recognisable country' anymore
07:45 , Harriette BoucherDonald Trump has said that he is “very sad” to see that the relationship with the UK “is obviously not what it was” as he warned that Britain was “not such a recognisable country” anymore.
The US president told The Sun: “Stop people from coming in from foreign lands who hate you.”
It comes after the president criticised Keir Starmer for not allowing US jets to deploy from UK bases to undertake the strikes on Iran.
Speaking about the UK prime minister, Trump said: “He has not been helpful.
“I never thought I'd see that. I never thought I'd see that from the UK.
“We love the UK.”
He added: “It's a different world, actually. It's just a much different kind of relationship that we've had with your country before.
“It's very sad to see that the relationship is obviously not what it was.”
Trump's comments do not 'negate the fact that we make decisions on the basis of legality', says Jones
07:39 , Harriette BoucherDarren Jones has said Donald Trump's remarks about the UK do not “negate the fact that we make decisions on the basis of legality and British interest”.
Asked whether he accepted the US was frustrated, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister told Sky News: “Well I've seen the president's words but that doesn't really negate the fact that we make decisions, as I say, on the basis of legality and British interest.
“We were content to offer bases at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford, because evidently, the operations the Americans will run from those airfields will reduce the risk to British citizens and British assets in the region and that's why we agreed to the request to use those bases on that basis alone.
"But the Prime Minister is very clear that we were not involved in that first strike and we're not kind of going to war with Iran or getting involved in a wider set of activities.”
It comes after President Trump said Keir Starmer “took far too long” to change his mind about using letting the US use UK bases for strikes.
He said: “It sounds like he was worried about the legality.”
Asked whether the UK's assessment was that there was not a legal basis for the initial military action over the weekend, Mr Jones said: “We were not involved in the first wave because it didn't meet the test the Prime Minister's set out.”
Zack Polanski accuses Keir Starmer of jumping into 'another Middle East illegal war'
07:16 , Harriette BoucherRecap: UK is not at war with Iran after RAF base hit by drone, minister says
07:00 , Shaheena UddinThe UK is not at war with Iran, a Government minister has said, in the wake of an attack on an RAF base in Cyprus.
Middle East minister Hamish Falconer told BBC Radio Scotland an “unmanned drone” had hit the runway at RAF Akrotiri and inflicted “relatively limited damage”.
But asked if the UK was now at war, he said: “The UK is not at war.“Let me be really clear, the UK took a deliberate decision not to be part of the first wave of strikes conducted by the United States and Israeli governments.
“But in the face of reckless attacks from Iran on a whole range of allies in the region – those are Gulf allies in which there are many, many UK nationals, probably 300,000 – and in response to requests from those Gulf allies… we took the decision, as the Prime Minister announced last night, to support the US’s request to use our bases in order to conduct defensive actions.
“There are ballistic missile launches in Iran, pointed at the Gulf and it is vital that those missile launches are taken out in the face of these completely reckless attacks.”
Defiant Starmer tells Trump ‘I stand by my decision’ not to join attacks on Iran
06:30 , Shaheena UddinSir Keir Starmer has defiantly hit back at Donald Trump and defended his decision not to allow British military bases to be used by the US for the first wave of strikes against Iran, telling the Commons: “I stand by my decision.”
The prime minister granted permission on Sunday for the US to use UK bases to target Iran's missile launchers and stores to help protect countries targeted by Tehran, but the US president said he was “very disappointed” in Sir Keir over his initial refusal to allow the US to use the UK-US Diego Garcia base on the Chagos Islands as part of the operation.
He added that it "took far too long" for the prime minister to change his mind.
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox & political reporter Athena Stavrou report:
Defiant Starmer tells Trump ‘I stand by my decision’ not to join attacks on Iran
Recap: Starmer allows US to use British bases to target Iran
06:00 , Shaheena UddinLate on Sunday, the Prime Minister said he had agreed to a US request to use British bases to protect UK nationals and allies in the region, accusing Iran of pursuing a “scorched earth strategy”.
Sir Keir said British forces would not be directly involved in the strikes, and the bases would only be used for the “specific and limited defensive purpose” of targeting missile storage depots and launchers being used to attack Iran’s neighbours.
He said: “We have taken the decision to accept this request, to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer accused Iran of using a ‘scorched earth policy’ (Jonathan Brady/PA)
It is not clear which bases will be involved, but Donald Trump has previously indicated Diego Garcia – one of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean – and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire could be used to attack Iran.
Sir Keir’s decision followed a day of conversations with regional leaders, during which it is understood they asked the UK to do more to protect them from Iranian missiles.
The Prime Minister insisted the decision was fully in line with international law, and the Government has published a summary of its legal position setting out that it is acting in “collective self-defence”.
The UK will also continue to carry out the defensive operations that have already seen British forces shoot down Iranian drones threatening northern Iraq and Qatar.
Recap: Starmer says RAF Akritiri in Cyprus will not be used by US to strike Iran
05:30 , Shaheena UddinPrime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has said that RAF Akritiri in Cyprus will not be used by the US to strike Iranian sites, because it is “not suitable”.
Green Party Westminster leader Ellie Chowns said her party condemns the “deeply irresponsible and illegal attack by the US and Israel on Iran, launched in the middle of nuclear negotiations, led by Trump”.
She branded US President Donald Trump an “unstable loose cannon” and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “war criminal”.
The North Herefordshire MP asked for there to be a vote in Parliament on “any UK involvement in this war”.
Responding, Sir Keir said: “We are not at war and we are not getting involved in offensive action that the US and Israel are taking.”
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called for the Government to adopt a stance of “trying to bring about an immediate ceasefire in order to prevent further dreadful loss of life across every country in the whole region, and the danger of this escalating into a semi-global conflict”.
Starmer reacts to Green party deputy attending rally against US's killing of Khamenei
05:00 , Shaheena UddinSir Keir Starmer has said “we’re all shocked” by the actions of Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali, who attended a rally protesting against the US killing of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Prime Minister was responding to Conservative former minister Sir Alec Shelbrooke, who said: “I was appalled, but I’m afraid, not shocked – I’m sure the Prime Minister was as well – to see, once again, the deputy leader of the Green Party at the weekend, protesting in support of the Ayatollah.
“And I’m afraid that the Green Party has become a magnet for all of the people that he quite rightly kicked out of the Labour Party.
“And the hatred and the fear that runs through Leeds now being whipped up at times by councillor Mothin is a disgrace…
“My Jewish community are terrified going into Leeds at the weekend. May I ask the Prime Minister, will he ensure that he works closely with all policing authorities to ensure that my Jewish community and other communities can be safe?”
Sir Keir replied: “I think we’re all shocked by the actions of deputy leader of the Green Party, perhaps not surprised, given their recent turn of direction, and it is important that all of us set our face against antisemitism. And I have to say, the argument that the Green Party makes that now is the time to get out of Nato and negotiate with Putin over our nuclear weapons is contrary to the British national interest.”
Watch: US unleashes B-1 heavy bombers to strike 'deep inside Iran'
04:30 , Shaheena UddinOpinion: Trump has it the wrong way round – we are ‘very disappointed’ with him
04:00 , Shaheena UddinThe Independent’s Simon Walters writes...
The president’s feelings towards the UK and how we carry ourselves are very, very much mutual.
Trump has it the wrong way round – we are ‘very disappointed’ with him
Britons advised agaisnt travel to Jordan
03:30 , Shaheena UddinBritons are now being advised against “all but essential travel to Jordan”, as the situation in the Middle East continues to escalate.
The Foreign Office updated its travel advice for the country on Monday.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website now reads: “FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Jordan.
“FCDO continues to advise against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria.”
Scotland's First minister says US-Israeli attacks 'not compatible with the international rules based system'
03:00 , Shaheena UddinThe US-Israeli attack on Iran is “not compatible with the international rules-based system”, Scotland’s First Minister has said.
Speaking to the Press Association on Monday, John Swinney voiced his concern over the intervention, but stopped short of saying he considered it illegal.
“I’m deeply concerned by the events in the Middle East over the weekend and I bear no warmth towards the Iranian regime,” he said.
“I think it is an oppressive and a repugnant regime, but when I look at the events of the last few days, it becomes evermore clear to me that the United States and Israeli action, the original action, is not compatible with the international rules-based system.
“As a consequence of that, the United Kingdom now finds itself getting dragged into this conflict, an illustration of how quickly these events can escalate from their original foundations and that’s deeply concerning.”
Pressed on whether the action was legal, the First Minister refused to say.
Reeves under pressure to keep energy and fuel prices affordable in spring statement as Iran war escalates
02:30 , Shaheena UddinRachel Reeves is coming under pressure to prepare an emergency plan to deal with a shock increase in energy and fuel prices in what is being seen as an inevitable impact of Donald Trump’s war with Iran.
With the chancellor due to give her spring statement update on the economy on Tuesday, as the conflict in the Middle East escalates further, Labour MPs have joined others in demanding she puts provides proposals to deal with a hike in oil and gas prices.
Analysts have warned that household energy bills could surge to up to £2,500 a year if the Iran conflict causes longterm disruption to global gas supplies.
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Reeves under pressure to keep energy and fuel prices capped in spring statement
PM assures MPs energy prices will be affordable despite oil and gas spikes
02:00 , Shaheena UddinPrime minister Sir Keir Starmer has assured MPs in the Commons that the government will be working to ensure energy prices are affordable, despite oil and gas prices spiking on Monday.
Labour MP Jeevun Sandher questioned the prime minister in the Commons over fear of another spike in the cost of living.
Mr Sandher referenced how “energy prices have spiked with oil up by 10 per cent and gas up by 50 per cent.” He asked: “Can the prime minister reassure me that he will act to restore peace in the region, as well as keep life affordable for our citizens?”
Mr Starmer replied: “Yes I can give him my assurances, very importantly raised and I thank him for doing so.”
On Monday global oil prices soared after attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, which ships carrying around a fifth of the global oil supply pass through.
Brent crude rose 4.5 per cent to $76.07 (£60) a barrel in early trade, after briefly topping $82 (£65), while US crude climbed 3.9 per cent.
Defiant Starmer tells Trump ‘I stand by my decision’ not to join attacks on Iran
01:30 , Shaheena UddinSir Keir Starmer has defiantly hit back at Donald Trump and defended his decision not to allow British military bases to be used by the US for the first wave of strikes against Iran, telling the Commons: “I stand by my decision.”
The prime minister granted permission on Sunday for the US to use UK bases to target Iran's missile launchers and stores to help protect countries targeted by Tehran, but the US president said he was “very disappointed” in Sir Keir over his initial refusal to allow the US to use the UK-US Diego Garcia base on the Chagos Islands as part of the operation.
He added that it "took far too long" for the prime minister to change his mind.
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox & political reporter Athena Stavrou report:
Defiant Starmer tells Trump ‘I stand by my decision’ not to join attacks on Iran
