Workers worldwide marked May Day 2026 with mass protests over rising energy costs, stagnant wages and the fallout from the Iran war. Here is what it means for UK readers.
The Bank of England held rates at 3.75% but ditched its single forecast for multiple scenarios as the Iran war rattles oil markets. Here's what it means for UK mortgages, energy bills and jobs.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to outline who qualifies for energy bill support amid the Iran war's impact on prices, firmly ruling out a universal bailout and opting for targeted help instead.
The National Farmers' Union warns that the Iran war's closure of the Strait of Hormuz is driving up fuel and fertiliser costs, with cucumber, tomato and pepper prices expected to rise within six weeks and broader grocery bills to follow.
Cornwall Insight forecasts a £332 annual increase to UK energy bills from July 2026, pushing the Ofgem price cap to £1,973 as Middle East conflict sends wholesale gas prices soaring.