Politics latest: Starmer to deliver cost of living update after latest Trump tirade over Iran war – UK Times

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 said the UK and other countries that did not take part in strikes against Iran should secure the Strait of Hormuz themselves.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.

“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us.”

UK drivers with a 55-litre diesel car face paying more than £100 at the pump for the first time since December 2022.

Since fighting began in Iran, oil prices have soared in response to Tehran’s block on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said that any support the government offers would be based on household income, but refused to commit to immediate support for drivers.

She told BBC Breakfast: “I want to learn the lessons of the past because when Russia invaded Ukraine, the richest, the best-off third of households got more than a third of the support. That makes no sense at all.”

She added she had to be “careful” with cuts to fuel duty or VAT on petrol because it risked pushing up inflation.

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to provide an update on the cost of living amid concerns over the amount energy bills could rise as a result of the Middle East conflict.

The prime minister is due to speak at a press conference later on Wednesday morning after he vowed to “protect the British people at home and abroad”.

It is thought Sir Keir’s Downing Street press conference will cover both the conflict and Government support for households as rising prices bite.