Starmer calls for ‘joint effort’ with business on Iran war economic impact

WorldBusiness & Finance
30 Mar 2026 • 11:41 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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Business chiefs have been urged to help address the economic impact of the Iran war as Sir Keir Starmer admitted the Government could not shoulder all the burden.

Bosses from energy, shipping and banking firms were called in to Downing Street for talks as Donald Trump threatened to escalate the Middle East conflict.

The Downing Street discussions focused on Iran’s ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted a vital shipping route for the oil and gas industry along with supplies of other products such as fertiliser.

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The crisis has pushed up prices and caused economic uncertainty around the world.

The Prime Minister told the executives gathered in Downing Street it must be a “joint effort” to tackle the impact of the war, saying “the Government can’t do it on its own”.

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