Starmer promises to protect Brits from Iran war’s economic impact as oil prices surge

WorldPolitics
9 Mar 2026 • 5:28 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Sir Keir Starmer is set to pledge protection for Britons against the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict.
  • This commitment follows a surge in oil prices, triggered by the US-Israeli assault on Iran and subsequent retaliations.
  • Ahead of a London visit, Sir Keir emphasised that supporting working families with the cost of living remains his primary concern.
  • Oil prices have now exceeded $100 a barrel, marking the first time since 2022, in response to the escalating crisis.
  • London's FTSE 100 Index experienced a nearly 2 per cent drop shortly after opening, attributed to an acute supply crunch caused by the conflict.

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