Gas prices surge by 25% overnight after strikes in Qatar
UK gas prices have surged by around 25% following escalating conflict in the Middle East, raising fresh concerns over energy security and household costs. The spike came after Iranian missile strikes hit a…
Bank of England says inflation will probably rise due to Iran war
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 3.75% amid growing concerns that conflict in the Middle East will drive up inflation in the UK. The decision follows rising energy prices linked…
Iran: loss of Ali Larijani will be a body blow to the country
Israel’s assassination of Ali Larijani, a central figure in Iran’s political and security establishment, will be a devastating body blow to the country, probably even more than the loss of the supreme leader…
EU: von der Leyen affirms commitment to international law
Ursula von der Leyen has reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to international law after her remarks on 9 March about a changing global order sparked controversy. She had said that Europe could ‘no…
Iran: a new Supreme Leader
Iran’s clerical leaders have moved quickly to appoint a new Supreme Leader after Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and American strikes on the opening day of the conflict. His successor is his…
Egypt: tourism has rebounded since Covid, but many struggling with living costs due to war
Egypt’s tourism sector has rebounded strongly in recent years, reaffirming its importance to the national economy. In 2025 the country welcomed nearly 19 million visitors, a 21% increase from the previous year, while…
Starmer defends Iran response as Badenoch calls for more action
Keir Starmer has defended the Government’s cautious response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, stating that protecting British nationals remains the country’s highest priority. During Prime Minister’s Questions he rejected calls…
Reeves in emergency talks with oil and gas chiefs
Rachel Reeves has held urgent talks with senior oil and gas executives after warnings that energy bills for UK households could rise by around £500 due to the war in the Middle East.…
Middle East: US and Israel strikes against Iran plunge region into widespread conflict
The Middle East has entered a new period of instability following joint United States and Israeli strikes on Iran which reportedly killed more than a thousand people and triggered retaliatory attacks across the…
Syria: Alawite women living with fear after targeted violence and kidnapping
In western Syria, families live with fear after reports of kidnappings targeting women from the Alawite minority. Survivors describe being seized by armed men, beaten, threatened, and sometimes assaulted while held in secret…
