Four years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the world is bracing for another energy crisis. The US-Israel bombing of Iran and then the blockade of the strait of Hormuz have forced up the price of oil. The price of natural gas in Europe has also risen sharply.

In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a £50 million package to support consumers who heat their homes with oil. The government is also considering a U-turn on the decision to increase fuel duty (currently almost 53p per litre of petrol or diesel) in September after a 15-year freeze. Other taxes would need to go up to compensate.

But the main question concerns what will happen to electricity prices this summer. A sustained crisis could push prices higher for both households and businesses. It could also push the Bank of England to avoid interest rate cuts, making mortgages more expensive. And the government could even end up paying part of everyone’s bills directly as it did between 2022 and 2024, piling up tens of billions of pounds of public debt.

To secure most of the future production of electricity – wind farms or new nuclear power stations for instance – the government signs what are known as “contracts for difference” with electricity producers. These contracts fix the price of electricity for decades, typically above expected wholesale prices.

These guaranteed prices correspond roughly to the expected average cost of producing electricity. Unlike gas, once a wind farm is built, each additional unit of electricity costs almost nothing to produce. So, without a guaranteed price, renewable producers would fear having to sell the electricity for free and never recouping their investment.

Consumers are shouldering the risk

The UK is not as sunny as somewhere like Spain and so will never get very cheap solar power. It is also trying to build new nuclear power plants, but the first attempt (Hinkley point C, currently expected to begin delivering electricity in 2030) is so expensive that the French state-owned energy operator EDF lost £10 billion in the process. Future projects now ask taxpayers to take most of the risk and pay upfront in the form of higher bills.

Consumers mostly notice these extra costs added to their bills (called “environmental levies”) when gas prices are low. The levies currently make up 6.5% of a typical bill, which is down from 13% after the government shifted some costs so that they would be paid for through general taxation.

So given that they’re paying upfront for the infrastructure, consumers might expect renewables to cut their bills when gas prices spike. But that is not how markets work: the price is set by the most expensive unit sold. Around 85% of the time in the UK this most expensive unit uses liquefied natural gas (LNG) transported by boat.

If one day the UK becomes like Spain where prices are mostly set by renewables (thanks to huge leaps in wind and solar), wholesale prices will often be zero. But consumers will still pay more, because they will still be charged the environmental levies that were put in place years before to invest in the infrastructure.

This is what led the CEO of energy giant E.ON, Chris Norbury, to declare in parliament that “even if the wholesale price was zero, bills would still be where they were today”. That’s true, but also a bit misleading.

Wholesale prices only go to zero because the country invested in renewables. The alternative – going back to more gas – would probably be much more expensive for everyone. It would certainly be more risky as the current conflict in the Middle East is illustrating.

Sunshine and wind do not need to pass through the strait of Hormuz and cannot be used as leverage by dictators. And what looks like a costly subsidy heaping pressure on billpayers in good times becomes insurance in a crisis.

During the peak of the energy crisis in 2022, the wholesale price of electricity was higher than the guaranteed one, and renewable generators paid money to the government instead of receiving subsidies. But because the government was helping out with everyone’s bills, consumers never saw the benefit.

In 2025 in the UK, less than a third of electricity was generated using gas. Replacing renewables with gas would mean building power plants and importing more gas at ever-higher prices and greater geopolitical risk.

Gas is cheaper in the US where fracking makes the country almost energy independent. But fracking is much harder in places that are as densely populated as England. The government is currently planning to ban it everywhere in the UK.

But the UK’s vulnerable situation also gives it a chance to innovate and export. The key is making sure that consumers pay a price that reflects the real cost of electricity at any given moment.

The more we switch from fossil fuels – heating, cars, trucks – to electricity, the more battery capacity we have to fill. The price signal (the gap between cheap and expensive electricity) gives industries and households a strong incentive to innovate and invest in storage.

Most people only care about their monthly bill and won’t adapt directly. But smart appliances, home batteries and vehicle-to-grid systems (where vehicles can store electricity and sell it back to the grid when required) will do it for them.

The UK can gain in efficiency what nature has not provided in resources. This could give Britain a chance to sell its innovations to the world. Selling services is what the UK does as a country, after all. The large majority of global investments in energy are in renewables, and there will be huge opportunities for the countries that figure out how to run a grid on intermittent electricity sources.

Greg set off on his sixth day of the ‘Longest Ride’ from York this morning (Wednesday, March 18), powering through the likes of Stokesley, Blackhall, Horden, Seaham, Ryhope, and the gruelling North Yorkshire Moors.

Crowds gathered all along the route to cheer him on, but no crowd was a match for the Mackem welcome he received as he arrived into Sunderland – his final stop for the day.

Crowds cheered him on through the North East towns. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

The DJ arrived into Sunderland just after 5pm to loud cheers from supporters.

Dismounting his bike, he said: “Hello Sunderland!

“I’m overwhelmed and I’m knackered – what a day that was.”

null (Image: BBC)

He described the journey through the moors as particularly challenging, saying: “That bit in the Yorkshire Moors, I really nearly cracked, I really did, I don’t know how I’m still going, actually.”

Jennifer Wale, who travelled to Sunderland to see him cross the day six finish line said: “He was cycling along and we were running to get to him, then the camera van stopped, and he almost went into the back of it.”

Danielle Summers from Sunderland, who was enjoying a glass of wine at the finish line said: “If I could say one thing to Greg, it would be to just keep listening to Radio 1 and everyone that is spurring you on.”

Danielle Summers and Claire Porter cheered on Greg at the Sunderland finish line. (Image: Will Foxx)

The BBC announced his current total at more £1.6m so far.

Claire Porter from Seaham praised his determination despite personal challenges.

She said: “He actually drove past where I live, but I was at work.

“I work in a school and the kids were like ‘that’s easy’ – I told them, no it’s not!

“To push through everything that’s going on with his Dad is just amazing.”

Another fan, Judith English, brought along her therapy dog to the finish line.

Kay Robinson with dog Cooper, and Judith English with her therapy dog Bonnie. (Image: Will Foxx)

She said: “It’s phenomenal, Bonnie is a therapy dog who I’ve brought along to give Greg some TLC.”

Kay Robinson, a teacher from Middlesbrough, also showed her support.

She said: “I think it’s amazing.

“Our school was on the Breakfast Quiz and he was so lovely off-air, my sister died two weeks before Christmas and she donated five organs to people on waiting lists – he was so supportive of me so I’m here to support him.”

The eight-day challenge saw the DJ set off from the South Coast on March 13, and sees him riding through England and Wales before crossing the finish line on Red Nose Day, March 20.

Greg sets off today from Sunderland on his next leg to Galashiels, on the Scottish borders, before cycling his last leg up to Edinburgh on his last day.

The Liverpool-born actor was famous for appearing in the BBC’s Boys from the Blackstuff, Between the Lines and John Cleese and Michael Palin movie classic A Fish Called Wanda.

Tributes are being paid to an actor instantly recognisable to generations of TV viewers.

Tom Georgeson has died at the age of 88. The Liverpool-born actor was famous for appearing in the BBC’s Boys from the Blackstuff, Between the Lines and John Cleese and Michael Palin movie classic A Fish Called Wanda.

Tom appeared in many of the UK’s best-known shows, including Z Cars, Holby City, The Bill, Doctor Who, Poirot, Ashes To Ashes and Foyle’s War. He also appeared in the Alan Bleasdale drama GBH and played the clerk Clamb in the BBC’s 2005 adaptation of Bleak House.

Tom played a gangster called George Thomason – a mixed-up version of his own name – in the box office smash A Fish Called Wanda and also appeared in its 1997 follow-up Fierce Creatures.

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Tom’s nephew, Danny Conway, told the Liverpool Echo he was “gutted” by the news, saying: “We weren’t expecting it. Last time I spoke to him he was in good health. I woke up to that news today and it’s just sad. I was really proud of him and felt lucky to have a famous uncle.”

He added: “The whole family has got an artistic streak through them. They’re either artists or performers. It started with my grandad, who was into amateur dramatics. He got Tom into it as well. One of his other brothers, Greg, used to read audio books. He passed away last year.”

A spokesperson for the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres said: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tom Georgeson – a much‑loved Liverpool actor whose talent, generosity and unmistakable presence shaped so many moments on our stages since he first performed with us in the 1970s.

“In more recent times, Tom appeared in The Kindness of Strangers, Tony Green’s play created for the Everyman’s 40th birthday season in 2004. He returned memorably to the Playhouse in the comedy When We Are Married, sharing the stage with Les Dennis and Jodie McNee.

“In each of these roles, he brought the same depth, wit and humanity that defined his work across film, television and theatre. Tom was one of our city’s great actors, and we’re grateful and proud to have been an artistic home he returned to throughout his career. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Tom – who was living in London when he died – is survived by his wife Prim and children Richard and Roslyn.

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Despite the possible absence of Barcola – who has been linked with a transfer to Anfield plenty in the past – for both games against Liverpool, PSG boss Luis Enrique still has a wealth of other attacking options to choose from, with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele likely to be joined in a three-man attack by Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, availability permitting.

Footage appeared to show the group of around eight teenagers slamming the vehicle at the McDonald’s restaurant on Telford Road in Edinburgh.

A gang of youths have been caught on video targeting a car full of female students on St Patrick’s Day.

Footage appeared to show the group of around eight teenagers slamming the vehicle at the McDonald’s restaurant on Telford Road in Edinburgh. The incident unfolded at around 5pm on Tuesday, with one woman describing feeling ‘terrified’ by the actions of the ‘aggressive youths.’

The females, all aged between 18 and 19, filmed the ordeal and could be heard screaming after one lad tried to open a car door. The clip also appeared to show several members of the group draped in Ireland flags.

One woman claimed the feral gang had targeted staff at the fast food restaurant before turning on their vehicle. They were first attacked by the youths at the drive thru before they chased the car after spotting it in the McDonald’s car park.

She told Edinburgh Live: “My friends and I went to McDonald’s to try the new menu. When we went through the drive thru, we were receiving our food, when a group of young boys appeared acting aggressively towards us and the workers.

“They continued to escalate their behaviour as they started hitting the car and trying to open the doors, leaving us girls terrified by this threat and invasion of space.

“We continued to drive away and these boys continued to follow us chasing the car and shouting rude and cruel language as we drove off.

“It has had a psychological impact and I would like this behaviour to stop as it is harassment.”

Police Scotland have been contacted by the Record for comment.

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Pupils from St Oswald’s CE Primary School in Durham City took part in a workshop organised by Durham County Council, creating two new signs to encourage slower driving and increased awareness of pedestrians.

The project aims to raise awareness of a reduced speed limit that applies outside the school during drop-off and pick-up times.

Four pupils who took part in theworkshop along with school’s headteacher, Donna Wilson-Smith (Image: DCC)

Councillor Tim McGuinness, cabinet member for rural, farming and transport at Durham County Council, said:
“These workshops are a fantastic way to engage with schoolchildren and teach them about road safety.

“By combining their knowledge of road safety with their new illustration skills, pupils have created two fantastic murals that they can be proud of.

“The signs also help to encourage drivers to slow down and be mindful of pedestrians crossing the road.

“It’s a great example of the innovative work of our road safety team and we look forward to working with more pupils on other exciting projects across the county.”

The artwork for the signs was developed during a session led by illustrator and author Holly Sterling, who worked with pupils to create designs inspired by the area.

Ms Sterling then brought the children’s ideas together to form the final artwork featured on each sign.

The project forms part of a wider project which aims to help raise awareness about road safety amongst primary schoolchildren and also encourage drivers to observe the reduced speed limit outside schools.

For more information about road safety in County Durham, visit www.durham.gov.uk/roadsafety.

The convicted paedophile is behind bars at HMP Channings Wood in Devon and is said to be nearly completely deaf, in a wheelchair and refusing to leave his cell

Convicted paedophile Gary Glitter is said to be “on his last legs” with fellow prisoners believing the disgraced star could pass away imminently.

The 81 year old’s condition is reportedly deteriorating behind bars, with claims he is now almost entirely deaf, confined to a wheelchair and unwilling to venture out of his cell. The former pop star, currently serving time at HMP Channings Wood in Devon, was sent back to prison in March 2023 following a breach of his licence terms.

The performer, born Paul Gadd, was originally imprisoned in 2015 for sex with a girl under 13, attempted rape and four counts of indecent assault, but had been released just a month before his recall.

According to a source speaking to The Sun, the notorious sex offender is “on his last legs, with his body giving up”. The insider revealed: “He is deaf and can barely move – and most people would struggle to recognise him now. He seems to be on his last legs, with his body giving up.”

Last year, Glitter was denied parole after a panel determined he continued to demonstrate “lack of victim empathy”. Despite this ruling, the source suggested both inmates and prison officers believe the paedophile may die whilst incarcerated, reports the Mirror.

The source continued: “And if he doesn’t get parole soon most officers and inmates think he will see out his days in jail.” They went on: “Glitter’s case was also back in court recently and that has weighed on him and is adding to his woes.

“He is deeply troubled by what is going on.” The individual also allegedly stated the disgraced former pop star is perceived as “arrogant” by fellow prisoners and remains largely unpopular within the jail.

Glitter’s application for release was submitted to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice, as legally mandated, in 2025. The board dismissed the application owing to his ongoing and “uncontrolled interest in children”.

A summary of the hearing revealed the musician acknowledged he should remain behind bars. It further noted that the former pop star maintains “attitudes that supported the sexual abuse of children”. The parole board had previously turned down his freedom bid in 2024, determining he continued to pose a threat to youngsters.

Lee Bruce, 46, fractured his elbow injured tripping on the pavement outside his Sunderland home while playing with his daughter.

Although he went to A&E at Sunderland Royal Hospital, he said he wasn’t given an X-ray, but it later turned out that his elbow was fractured in three places.

Lee Bruce (Image: SUPPLIED)

He underwent radial head replacement surgery to restore elbow joint stability, performed by Leslie Irwin, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and hand and wrist specialist who had practised at the NHS hospital since the 1990s.

Mr Irwin, 63, who also saw patients at Spire Washington Hospital, has since been banned by the private healthcare provider following “concerns” raised around his work.

The surgeon, who worked for the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust between 2001 and 2023, retired in 2022, but a selection of his patients have been contacted directly by Spire over potential issues with his work.

A Sunderland Royal Hospital sign (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Mr Irwin relinquished his registration as a doctor with the General Medical Council (GMC) in May 2025. 

Spire Healthcare suspended Mr Irwin in August 2023 and withdrew his practising privileges in September 2024.

The private practice started recalling patients who were operated on by Mr Irwin during his time at Spire Washington Hospital in the summer of 2025.

Since Lee’s operation in August 2018, the 46-year-old says he has experienced significantly reduced mobility in his wrist and has developed arthritis and nerve damage.

Leslie Irwin (Image: SUPPLIED)

While he thought this was just “bad luck” and a possible risk of having surgery, Lee now believes this is due to the wrong length of bone being inserted and creating a mismatch at the wrist.

Lee says he has been forced to give up his role at work, moving into operating machinery instead, due to the movement problems and pain, and cannot play five-a-side football or golf as he used to; two hobbies that he loved.

He has been told he can undergo further surgery to attempt to correct the issue, but is wary of having another operation after his initial experience.

“The problems I now have in my wrist mean I have to compensate for so many things I would ordinarily have just taken for granted,” Lee said.

Aside from the fact that I’ve had to change job, I struggle even with things like turning the key in the door.

“Since the operation, things that I’ve done all my life with my right hand, I’ve had to adapt and do with my left.

“The way it has been explained to me is that the oversized radial head has made everything in my arm shift, and the impact has been in my wrist.

“I have been told I should consider further surgery, but that the nature of the operation means they won’t know the extent of it until they’re actually in there.

Sunderland Royal Hospital (Image: Stuart Boulton)

“I don’t know how much time I’ll need to take off work, and that’s a massive consideration. And knowing what I know now, I am of course very wary of having another operation, after what happened the first time.

“The pain has been really bad. I was on tramadol for the best part of two years, but thankfully managed to get myself off it, although I still have to take over-the-counter painkillers regularly.

“The operation has affected many aspects of my life, but I didn’t think of it as anything other than bad luck until I saw the publicity around Mr Irwin. It has been a shock, but clearly I am not alone.”

Lawyers at Slater and Gordon are dealing with dozens of cases against Mr Irwin, and have spent several months already investigating allegations against him.

Natasha Charlesworth, specialist clinical negligence lawyer who is representing Lee. said: “What should have been a straightforward operation has left Lee with long‑term pain, arthritis and severely reduced movement.

“The impact on his daily life has been significant; he has even had to change his job, yet he has continued to push on to support his family as best he can”

The South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Sunderland Royal Hospital, has said it is “liaising with Spire in relation to concerns over Mr Leslie Irwin and currently working through the details of which patients the Trust will need to review.”

A spokesperson for the Trust added: “We have also asked the Royal College of Surgeons to support us in this process.

“As part of this review, we will be in touch with any former patients directly and as a matter of priority.

“Any former patients of Mr Irwin who do have any questions or concerns can contact the Trust directly via freephone 0800 587 6513 or email: stsft.adviceandcomplaints@nhs.net.”

The closure is planned for resurfacing works to take place

A section of road on a Bridgend industrial estate is set to be temporarily closed while carriageway resurfacing works are carried out.

A public notice says Heol Mostyn will be closed from its junction with Village Farm Road to Sturmi Way, on Village Farm Industrial Estate, Pyle, for a time in March 2026.

To see all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol license applications and more in your area, visit the Public Notice Portal HERE

This will also include a section of Village Farm Road approximately 50m either side of its junction with Heol Mostyn.

The notice says this will be necessary to carry out carriageway resurfacing works and is in the interests of public safety.

It said: “The order is necessary due to insufficient width of carriageway to maintain vehicular access during carriageway resurfacing works and is in the interest of public safety.

“The order will come into force on March 12, 2026, and will continue in force for a maximum period of 18 months or until such time as the works are completed, whichever is the sooner.

“It is anticipated the planned works will be undertaken between the hours of 7pm and 6am from March 20 to March 25.”

It added there is no alternative route available though access will be provided for police, fire, and ambulance services responding to emergencies. Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter

Pedestrian access to all properties within the restriction will also be maintained throughout the closure.

The notice says Bridgend County Borough Council will make the order under Section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

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The only motion in next week’s extraordinary council meeting states: “The Council resolves that, pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, the City of York Council withdraws the Honorary Freeman of the City status from Sarah Ferguson, which was conferred upon her in 1987.”