Good Morning Britain was briefly paused as Kate Garraway issued an update. The broadcaster addressed the war in Iran as ministers warned their could be a significant shortfall of oil and gas within two months. Petrol could be rationed, and drivers could face speed restrictions if the war in Iran continues to impact oil and gas supplies, according to reports.
It comes as Donald Trump brutally called out Sir Keir Starmer in a huge blow. He accused the prime minister of failing to show leadership amid a row over defending the Strait of Hormuz. European leaders have resisted Trump’s calls to form a coalition, comprised of nations reliant on Middle East oil, to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
The US president said Starmer’s unwillingness to defend the route was “terrible”, while adding that the UK should be “enthusiastically” helping the US with its war efforts. Speaking to ITV’s political correspondent, Louisa James, Kate remarked: “The prime minister has tried to alleviate fears over energy safety but it looks like more disruption might be coming down the line?”
Louisa replied: “Yes, because amid everything Keir Starmer said yesterday about what the government is doing to help us with the cost of living, there was also a very stark warning from him that he doesn’t know what is going to happen with this war and the longer it goes on the bigger impact on us here.
“Especially, in terms of our cost of living.”
She continued: “At the same time, experts are warning that a severe shortage of oil and gas is now just weeks away. As you might expect, the government has emergency plans in place which will be activated in the event of a severe disruption.
Motorists in the UK could be hit by fuel rationing if the crisis in the Middle East continues to escalate, a former Downing Street adviser has warned.
Nick Butler, who was head of strategy at BP and a former adviser to Gordon Brown when he was prime minister, said ministers should be preparing now for a “significant shortfall of supply over the next two months”.
Trump said at a White House meeting on Monday: “I was very surprised with the United Kingdom. Two weeks ago, I said: ‘Why don’t you send some ships over?’ And he [Starmer] really didn’t want to do it.
“You’re our oldest ally, and we spend a lot of money on, you know, Nato and all of these things to protect you. I mean, we’re protecting them…
“I think it’s terrible… I was not happy with the UK. I think they’ll be involved, maybe, but they should be involved enthusiastically.”
