Sir Keir Starmer is set to deliver an update on the cost of living in the UK amid fears of soaring energy bills sparked by the Middle East conflict.
The prime minister is due to speak at a Downing Street press conference later on Wednesday morning after he vowed to “protect the British people at home and abroad”.
Rachel Reeves has told BBC Breakfast that any support the government offers would be based on household income, but refused to commit to immediate support for drivers.
The update comes after Donald Trump alleged the UK was among several countries that “can’t get jet fuel” in his latest tirade ahead of the Easter bank holiday weekend – a claim which industry body Airlines UK has refuted.
The US president claimed on his Truth Social platform that Britain and other countries that did not take part in strikes against Iran should secure the Strait of Hormuz themselves. Since fighting began, oil prices have soared in response to Tehran’s block on tankers passing through the Strait.
Mr Trump wrote: “You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the USA won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us.”
