Chris Mason: The cost of living is catapulted centre stage yet again
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Labour faces pressure to stem the Middle East's impact on energy bills, writes the BBC's political editor.
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Chris Mason: The cost of living is catapulted centre stage yet again 1 hour ago Share Save Chris Mason Political editor Share Save For much of the last week and a half, the lion's share of the attention about America and Israel's war with Iran has, understandably, been consumed by the pictures and testimony about the conflict around the Middle East - in Iran, Israel, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates among others. In addition to this, there are two more domestically focused consequences for the UK and elsewhere. The first, a concern around the clock for the Foreign Office, is essentially logistical - trying to help Britons stuck in the Middle East get home. It is a long and complicated process, with airspace and seats on planes both limited. But there is a second domestic consequence that affects a far greater number of people: the impact it has on bills for millions of people. One of the standout issues of our time, the cost of living, is catapulted centre stage yet again, with every prospect of grim consequences for many. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said she is "clear eyed" about the current situation and her response to it. In essence, the government is in something of a holding position for now – conscious of how squeezed so many people feel, but conscious too that the biggest determinants of how this plays out and the impact it has are impossible to be certain about: how long the conflict goes on and how severe it becomes. In particular, does oil start flowing freely again through the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf – or does it not? In the meantime, petrol prices for many have shot up - expect to see Reform UK to have something to say about this on Tuesday - and MP after MP has raised with the government the spike in costs of heating oil, used by many homes that are not on the gas network. Plenty in rural Britain and a huge proportion of households in Northern Ireland are affected. Ministers have said publicly they are worried people are being ripped off. But...
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