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Reeves expresses anger over Trump's Iran conflict
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has openly criticized US President Donald Trump's decision to engage in military action against Iran, calling it a conflict without a clear exit strategy. Speaking on BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine Show, Reeves stated, "I'm angry that Donald Trump has chosen to go to war in the Middle East-a war that lacks a defined plan for resolution. This is precisely why we opposed involvement."
Economic fallout and diplomatic tensions
Reeves warned that the conflict is already inflicting economic hardship, citing potential consequences such as higher inflation, slower growth, and reduced tax revenues. The UK government is actively monitoring the situation, particularly its impact on energy supplies, and is working to secure additional oil and gas imports to stabilize prices.
Relations between the US and UK have grown increasingly strained following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's refusal to deepen Britain's involvement in the conflict. While Starmer permitted the use of UK bases for defensive operations against Iranian missile strikes, Trump has continued to criticize the UK's stance.
Government under pressure over cost of living
Opposition parties are pressing the government for more details on how it plans to shield households from rising energy costs. The Conservatives and Reform UK are calling for VAT to be removed from household energy bills and for a planned fuel duty increase in September to be scrapped. The Liberal Democrats and Greens have echoed these demands, with the latter urging billions in immediate subsidies to offset energy price hikes when the next price cap is announced in July.
Plaid Cymru has demanded clarity on what support will be available if energy bills rise further, while the SNP argues that energy policy should be devolved to Holyrood. Meanwhile, the government held talks with supermarket executives on Wednesday to explore ways to ease living costs and strengthen supply chains. Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, described the discussions as "constructive," emphasizing supermarkets' efforts to keep food prices affordable.
Starmer seeks closer EU ties amid global instability
At a press conference, Sir Keir Starmer signaled a shift toward deeper economic cooperation with the European Union, framing it as a strategic response to the volatile global landscape. "As the world becomes more unpredictable, our national interest demands stronger partnerships with our European allies and the EU," he said.
"Tax hikes and Labour's net zero policies are driving up costs and hurting families."
Mel Stride, Conservative Shadow Chancellor
Opposition figures have seized on Starmer's remarks. Conservative shadow chancellor Mel Stride accused the government of weakening Britain through tax increases and its climate agenda. Reform UK's Robert Jenrick claimed Starmer was using the Iran conflict and cost-of-living crisis as a pretext to push the UK back into the single market, alleging this had been his "long-term plan." Plaid Cymru's Heledd Fychan welcomed the discussion on closer EU ties but stressed the need for concrete action, calling Brexit a "disaster" for the UK.
International efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz
On Thursday, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will convene a virtual meeting with representatives from 35 nations, including European and Gulf countries, to discuss strategies for reopening the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities subside. Iran's effective blockade of the critical oil shipping route has sent wholesale energy prices surging, raising concerns about a potential spike in UK household bills when the current price cap is reset in July.
