London, March 31, (PA Media/dpa/GNA) – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned the Iran war will “affect the future of our country” but insisted the United Kingdom was “well-placed” to deal with it as the conflict hits the economy and pushes up fuel and energy costs.
The prime minister sought to reassure Britons that there would be a “long-term plan” in place to emerge a “stronger and more secure nation” amid widespread concerns about the impact of the conflict on the cost of living.
At a press conference at Starmer’s 10 Downing Street office, he said: “It is now clear that the impact of this war will affect the future of our country.
“So, today, I want to reassure the British people that no matter how fierce this storm, we are well-placed to weather it and that we have a long-term plan to emerge from it a stronger and more secure nation.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host a meeting of international leaders to “assess all viable diplomatic and political measures” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Starmer said.
The price most households pay for energy under regulator Ofgem’s price cap fell by 7%, or £117 ($155.5) a year, to £1,641 from Wednesday.
Respected energy analyst Cornwall Insight said its prediction for the watchdog’s price cap from July to September now stands at £1,929 for a typical dual fuel household – an increase of £288 or 18% on April’s cap.
Finance Minister Rachel Reeves has indicated she will not provide a former UK prime minister Liz Truss-style blanket energy bailout for households, instead focusing help if it is needed on the poorest.
GNA