Gas prices have leapt at the fastest pace since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, after Qatar halted production of liquified natural gas after attacks by Iran.

Oil prices also soared and global financial markets reeled from the fallout of an intensifying conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces.

European whole gas prices soared by 52% on Monday, marking the sharpest rise since prices were pushed dramatically higher by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in March 2022.

The surge came after Qatar’s state-backed energy company QatarEnergy said it “ceased production” because of attacks on its facilities.

Qatari ministers had said earlier on Monday that an Iranian drone had attacked one of the company’s production facilities.

Qatar is a major producer of LNG, cooled gas which can be transported via ships, responsible for about a fifth of global supplies.

On Monday in London, the price of natural gas for delivery in April was up by about 43% to 115p per therm.

In the UK, gas prices are a key driver for the cost of domestic energy bills, indicating that a sustained spike could affect households in the coming months.

Neil Wilson, Saxo UK investor strategist, said: “Qatar is a top three LNG exporter, controlling roughly a quarter of expected supply over the next decade.

“Looks like Iran’s tactic is to pressure Gulf states so they in turn pressure the US and Israel to back off.

“I am much more concerned about European natural gas prices than oil prices, in terms of seeing a repeat of the 2022 European energy crisis.”

Global financial markets faltered after intense strikes across the Middle East and attacks on ships drove fears of energy supply disruption.

London’s FTSE 100 was weaker as trading was knocked by the growing conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces.

The blue chip share index shed 130 points, closing 1.2% lower at 10,780.11.

Other European indexes suffered bigger drops with France’s Cac 40 down about 2.2% and Germany’s Dax tumbling 2.4% on Monday.

But it was a more tentative start to trading over on Wall Street with the S&P 500 relatively flat, and Dow Jones dipping by about 0.1% by the time European markets had closed.

Israel launched strikes on Lebanon’s capital Beirut on Monday after missiles were fired by militant group Hezbollah.

The latest strikes came after the US and Israel hit targets across Iran on Sunday as part of an intensifying military campaign which followed the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Oil supplies could be affected by the conflict after Iran reportedly warned tankers on the strait of Hormuz that no ships would be allowed to pass through.

UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre officials said that two vessels have been struck near to the key trade artery.

The Strait of Hormuz is used by tankers carrying about one fifth of the world’s oil supplies and seaborne gas.

On Monday, the price of Brent crude oil soared by as much as 13%, rising above 82 dollars a barrel, before paring back.

It was 8.4% higher at 79.2 dollars a barrel shortly before 2pm, before easing slightly to be 5.5% higher at 76.9 dollars a barrel by early evening.

Nevertheless, City analysts have said the markets have been relatively contained so far in reaction to the conflict.

Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said: “While we have seen a significant surge in oil prices since markets opened last night, the gains appear contained for now as we wait to see if shipping through Hormuz can continue at lower levels or will be blocked entirely.

“Oil and gas infrastructure in the region has not yet been extensively targeted, keeping oil well south of the 100 dollar barrel range that many expected as a result of the weekend.”

Meanwhile, the pound dipped in value against the US dollar to its weakest level since December.

The fall is partly linked to the strength of the dollar, with investors pouring funds into the US “safe haven” currency.

The pound was down about 0.8% at 1.338 versus the dollar during the day, before parring back some losses to be down around 0.3% at 1.34 against the dollar by early evening.

London stocks were broadly weaker, with travel stocks among those dropping particularly sharply.

Cruise giant Carnival slid by 8%, while airline firm IAG, the parent firm of British Airways, dipped by 7.6%.

Rival Wizz Air, which typically runs flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, was also down 7.3% in early trading on Monday, while travel-focused retail groups SSP and WH Smith were also firmly lower.

However, defence stocks were among the gainers, with BAE Systems lifting by 7.4% to 2,268p.

Elsewhere, oil and energy stocks were also stronger – Shell and BP rose by 4.5% and 3.5% respectively as prices lift.

International stock markets also opened weaker after the start of trading, with the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo falling by 1.5% after Asian markets opened.

Trump promised “no new wars” but has plunged America into conflict with Iran, leaving even his own MAGA base accusing him of betraying the very pledge that returned him to power

Donald Trump did not just campaign against war – he weaponised the promise of peace to recapture the power he craves.

He rode back into the White House on a vow that he alone would end America’s addiction to regime change and pointless foreign entanglements. No more reckless invasions. No more flag-draped coffins returning from deserts most Americans could not point to on a map. No more sacrificing working-class sons and daughters to the foreign policy vanity projects of Washington elites. For millions of MAGA voters, that pledge was not incidental. It was foundational.

In 2016, Trump relished breaking with Republican orthodoxy, declaring that “regime change is a proven, absolute failure.” He pledged to “stop racing to topple foreign regimes,” drawing a clear line between himself and the architects of Iraq and Libya. It was a rebuke to the conservative consensus and a direct appeal to voters exhausted by two decades of blood and service lost in the Middle East.

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READ MORE: US refuses to rule out boots on the ground in Iran as FOURTH American soldier diesREAD MORE: Trump’s war claims in question as Pentagon says Iran DIDN’T pose an imminent threat

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Carlson is no fringe dissenter. He campaigned for Trump, spoke at rallies, and addressed the 2024 Republican National Convention. He is closely aligned with Vice President JD Vance and has long championed Trump’s supposed restraint abroad. He reportedly met the president last week to urge him not to strike Iran. His public break signals something deeper than disagreement.

Former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, once among Trump’s fiercest attack dogs, has also turned her fire on him. “Thousands and thousands of Americans from my generation have been killed and injured in never-ending, pointless foreign wars, and we said no more. But we are freeing the Iranian people. Please,” she wrote. “There are 93 million people in Iran; let them liberate themselves. But Iran is on the verge of having nuclear weapons. Yeah, sure.”

On social media, critics have resurrected Trump’s own words from the Obama years. In September 2013, he posted: “Remember what I previously said, Obama will someday attack Iran in order to show how tough he is.” Two months later: “Obama will attack Iran because of his inability to negotiate properly-not skilled.” It came after in 2011 he declared: “Our president will start a war with Iran because he has absolutely no ability to negotiate.”

Those posts now read less like prophecy and more like self-indictment.

Barack Obama, for all the controversy surrounding his nuclear deal, never attacked Iran. Trump has now done so repeatedly, after tearing up that agreement and failing to negotiate a replacement. The accusation he once hurled at Obama – that war would mask diplomatic failure – now hangs over his own presidency.

Trump’s political genius was identifying that Republican voters were tired of endless war. His political gamble now is that they will swallow another one.

As American blood is shed and the rhetoric of “no new wars” collides with the reality of fresh graves, the question echoing through parts of MAGA is not whispered; it is shouted: Was the promise ever real, or was it just another lie to get their vote?

As the crisis in the Middle East escalates, so do anxieties around the situation.

The US and Israel have launched airstrikes in Iran, and the conflict is spilling over into neighbouring countries, with missiles fired at a British airbase in Cyprus.

For those caught up in the violence and attacks, it’s unimaginable – and for those looking on from afar, the feelings of fear and helplessness can be overwhelming.

For children, who have less of an idea of what is going on, this can be even more terrifying.

Hearing words like ‘bombing’ and ‘World War Three’ without a full understanding of what’s going on is worrying for us all, and it doesn’t escape our little ones.

‘Children are like sponges; they’re absorbing everything,’ explains hypnotherapist, psychotherapist and mentor, Tania Taylor.

‘Whether it’s on the news, someone talking to the shop checkout lady, parents chatting in the playground, or a TikTok video, much of what they are hearing, especially once at school, is out of your control.

‘And sometimes, external factors (for example, Kevin in the playground telling everyone that World War Three is starting and we’re all going to die) can provoke more of a fear response.’

Even very young children may be more aware of what war is than we might even realise.

‘Many children have been exposed to adults or older siblings playing war-type computer games or watching YouTube influencers play such games on their own or a friend’s mobile phone or tablet,’ Tania says.

‘So, words like “bombing” may not be as unfamiliar to our children as we might assume.’

Therefore, it’s worth considering your language around younger children. 

But how is best to explain what’s going on to the children in your life? And how can you go about reassuring any anxieties (while also managing your own)?

How to approach the subject

As parents and carers, we can feel like what we should be doing is giving them all of the facts and keeping them informed. But this approach can sometimes leave children feeling overwhelmed, Tania explains.

‘Children tend to be really good at spontaneous questioning. If they want to know something, they’ll ask,’ she says.

But if they do ask, or you feel that they need some explanation or reassurance, it’s important to think about how you’re feeling first.

Tania recommends: ‘First of all, you need to consider your own state of mind in relation to what is going on and how much information you would personally like to give your child.

‘This is important as even if you are led by your child’s questioning, you begin with at least some self-awareness of how you are feeling and where you want to go with it. 

‘If you are particularly anxious about it all, it may be that you choose to wait until a time when you’re feeling less anxious to talk about it. Or perhaps having a discussion with another important adult in your child’s life, who can talk to your child instead, like a teacher or grandparent.’ 

Tania suggests that you may want to start with a non-specific question, like ‘have you learned about wars at school?’, and then listen to your child’s response.

‘What you’re doing here is enabling your child an opportunity to talk about something which they may not realise they can talk about,’ she notes.

‘If your child isn’t interested, they’ll tell you so, and there’s no need to push the conversation. If they go on to hear something at school, they’ll know you know about it, and be more likely to approach you with any questions.’

It’s always a good idea to let children know that, if they have any questions, they can ask you.

What can parents do and say to explain but not frighten?

Talking about the distance between the UK and ongoing events can be helpful, suggests Tania.

‘As much as we don’t want to normalise war, it is something that has been happening at varying points across the globe for the whole of your child’s life,’ she explains.

‘Knowing this can help to reassure your child that the chance they will be directly impacted is quite minimal.

‘Although they may want to talk to you about the people who are directly impacted. Keep language age-appropriate and be led by your child.

‘Taking action, such as getting in touch with a charity organisation that may accept shoebox-type gifts, is a really good way of showing your child that although this is happening far away, there are still small actions we can take to give our support.’

Active listening

Tania also recommends a technique called ‘active listening’, which you can use if your child is interested and wants to know more.

‘What you are doing here is paying full attention to your child during the whole conversation, ignoring distractions, and putting all your focus on listening to your child’s words,’ she tells us.

‘Listen to what they’re asking, and don’t give more information than they are asking for. We humans have a habit of oversharing, which is a situation when that’s not necessarily helpful.’

And if you don’t know all the answers to their questions, don’t be afraid to say you don’t know.

Tania adds: ‘Perhaps you can spend time searching for information together, or maybe you feel more comfortable saying you’ll find out and let them know later on.’

Plans show 14 tables would be installed at the historic Grecian mills complex

Part of a listed textile mill in Bolton is set to be converted in a snooker hall.

Plans published within the past week seek to transform Catherine House on Lever Street. The building forms part of the Grade II listed Grecian mills complex, south of Bolton town centre.

Floor plans published as part of the planning application show 14 full size snooker tables would be installed in the building over two floors.

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A planning statement in support of the plans on behalf of applicant Yasar Wasim has been published on the council’s planning portal.

It said: “The proposal seeks change of use and works to facilitate a snooker club as the primary and predominant use across both the ground and first floors.

“A small café and kitchen facility is included at ground-floor level solely as an ancillary refreshment offer for patrons of the snooker club.”

Catherine House is a two-storey red brick building with a slate roof, fronting Lever Street. It is currently vacant.

The only external alteration within the plans is the installation of an extractor fan on the rear ground floor to serve the proposed kitchen.

The planning statement said that the council had advised that, in principle, a snooker hall and café may be capable of justification given the mixed-use nature of Grecian Mills, but identified key requirements to be addressed through supporting information.

The statement, adds: “In economic terms, the proposal will re-activate a redundant building, support business investment and create employment.

“In social terms, will provide an indoor recreation facility which, by its nature, supports social interaction and contributes to a ‘strong, vibrant and healthy’ community function.”

The Grecian mill complex of which Catherine House is a part is Grade II Listed and was formerly a cotton spinning and doubling works. The main spinning mill dates back to 1845 with other buildings dated 1850s-60s.

Catherine House is noted for its heavy Italianate detailing.

A heritage report, supporting the application, said: “As part of a large mill complex, the building provides evidence of the rise of industry in Bolton through the mid to late 19th century, and along with the remainder of the complex serves as a reminder to the historic industry, which was responsible for much of the growth of the area.

“In essence the key drivers of the building’s significance will be conserved, change being of a very low level and directed to areas of lower significance.”

Planners in Bolton will consider the application in th coming weeks.

Limited operations will resume at Dubai Airport later on today (Monday, March 2).

Emirates flight EK36 from Newcastle to Dubai is scheduled to take off as planned at 1.10pm on Tuesday (March 3) as the airline resumes some operations.

One of the carrier’s Boeing 777’s has been grounded at Newcastle over the weekend after operations were paused due to airspace closures.

It means flight EK35 from Dubai to Newcastle, due to depart at 7.25am, remains cancelled.

Airspace closures in the Middle East have resulted in a number of commercial flights being grounded since missile attacks began on Saturday (February 28).

A statement on Emirates website reads: “Emirates will begin operating a limited number of flights commencing on the evening of March 2.

“We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority, and those who have been rebooked to travel on these limited flights will be contacted directly by Emirates.

“Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified. All other flights remain suspended until further notice.

“Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly. Updates will be published on our website and official social media channels.

“We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience.

“The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.”

Dubai Airport also confirmed it is expected to resume limited operations later today.

The airport added: “Passengers must not travel to the airport unless they have received a confirmed departure time directly from their airline, as schedules remain subject to change.

“Passengers are advised contact their airline directly for the latest updates.”

The cancellation of flights have left thousands of people stranded, including many from the North East.

One Bishop Auckland family jetted to Dubai for a birthday, but are now unable to leave.

A 33-year-old mum, was one of dozens at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah hiding under shelter over the weekend, with many having moved to the underground basement following an explosion at the nearby Fairmont hotel.

“We were sat around the pool, my friend in Abu Dhabi called and asked if I heard the loud bang. About 15 to 20 minutes later I heard one,” she told The Northern Echo on Saturday.

“Then later, I was laying on the bed, my partner and little boy were laying around the pool. I heard three, loud bangs.”

A Darlington man also described the terrifying moment three missiles were “shot down” from the sky above them as they were lounging by the pool.

The man, who did not wish to be named, said he heard a number of loud bangs on Saturday afternoon, in the hours after the US and Israel launched a major military attack on targets across Iran.

The family were due to fly back on Sunday, but now face “a waiting game”.

He said: “We were sat by the swimming pool and then the next thing we know, three missiles were shot down pretty much directly above us at 1.30pm (9.30am GMT).

“The first thing we heard was just a loud noise but didn’t see anything. There is construction going on nearby, so when we heard the first bang we thought it was just the workers.

“But then, the second, you could see the smoke in the sky. There were about 30 second intervals between them.”

The strikes led to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel.

Shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on the UAE killed one person, state media said, and debris from aerial interceptions caused fires at the city’s main port and on the facade of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel.

Hundreds of thousands of British nationals are believed to be present in the Gulf, and those in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE have been urged to register their presence with the Foreign Office.

Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire councils propose £1,000 fines after 22 incidents of dangerous driving and vehicle stunts

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Cambridgeshire Live readers have shared strong views after reports of antisocial driving at park-and-ride sites across Cambridgeshire. Many want tougher action, while others say the problem will simply shift to other places if rules change in one spot.

Antisocial driving at a park and ride site in Cambridge has made “people feel unsafe”, according to a councillor. A total of 22 separate incidents were recorded at Babraham Road Park and Ride between April 2024 and mid-January this year.

Babraham Road Park and Ride, situated between Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire, has seen persistent problems with inconsiderate and dangerous driving, alongside loud music, according to South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council.

Most of these incidents are reported to occur during evening hours or late at night, frequently continuing beyond midnight. Both councils say that additional gatherings are being organised, and that despite reports being submitted to police, vehicles often reappear after being dispersed.

The councils wish to introduce new measures to tackle the antisocial behaviour. They are proposing to implement a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering the Babraham Park and Ride site.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) alongside existing CCTV would be used, enabling councils to monitor vehicles and issue fines without requiring a physical presence. The new measures would make it a criminal offence to do any of the following within the park and ride:

• Speeding or reckless driving that risks causing harassment, alarm or distress.
• Revving, racing and disruptive vehicle behaviour, including unnecessary acceleration, loud engine revving, horn misuse and amplified music causing nuisance.
• Dangerous stunts such as drifting, doughnuts, burnouts, wheel spins, J‐turns or wheelies.
• Organised meets or racing‐style activity, including entering the site for vehicle display or performance driving.
• Threatening or abusive behaviour towards other Park and Ride users.

Should the PSPO be implemented, anyone breaking the rules could face prosecution and fines of up to £1,000 or receive a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £500.

One reader, Freddly, comments: “The PSPO needs to allow the car or van to be taken off the driver. Let’s spare a thought also for much more ‘respectable’ antisocial driving. Recently a pedestrian was killed by a car in a local car-park. Why was anyone driving fast enough in a to do this in a car-park? Since lawless and careless driving around supermarkets has become so commonplace, these car-parks, like our streets, need speed tables that damage cars if taken at more than 10mph.”

Campete2 says: “The penalty seems a little light. Although I suspect that a criminal conviction would have more impact after the fact, the prospect of vehicle seizure might be more effective at prevention. The thing is to make sure this doesn’t just move the problem elsewhere. People can break laws faster than authorities can make them.”

Skipper says: “Given that it seems legal for Lycra enthusiasts to hold push bike meets and race through the streets of Cambridge – and even get roads closed – plus free push bike tracks, how about some levelling up? Let’s have a taxpayer-funded tarmac area where car drivers can go to enjoy themselves, instead of the unfair demonisation of the car.”

Over on our Facebook page, Adam Barton comments: “Hope this happens and happens soon. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with youngsters having fun. However, right next door to Babraham Park & Ride, you have the Arthur Rank Hospice, which houses some terminally ill patients. Please show a little bit of respect to these people and their families.”

Molly Raé Hill disagrees: “Barley [sic] antisocial when people are meeting to socialise and appreciate each others [sic] cars, never known one to last past midnight either.”

Marshall Mars says: “This measure will hurt good and bad enthusiasts alike. Not all drivers go there for anti-social behaviour. Unfortunately, there are some groups that go there and can’t behave, acting like hooligans, ruining it for everyone else. Most go there just to be away from housing complexes and just park up for a chat.”

Are car meets really that bad? Comment below or HERE to have your say.