- A former Downing Street adviser has warned that the UK could face fuel rationing if the Middle East crisis continues to escalate.
- Nick Butler, who previously advised Gordon Brown and was head of strategy at BP, stated that ministers should prepare for a "significant shortfall of supply" over the next two months.
- The warning is based on concerns about a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supplies.
- Butler suggested that potential consequences could include "a form of rationing" and price volatility, stressing the importance of protecting crucial sectors such as health and food supply.
- Sir Keir Starmer announced an immediate £53 million support package for vulnerable heating oil customers and pledged to help households with the cost of living during the energy price spike.
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