The public are facing potential restrictions if the Iran war and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz cause severe supply shortages

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There are fears that fuel rationing could become a reality in the UK if escalating tensions in the Middle East continue to squeeze global oil supplies, with ministers now openly acknowledging the risk as prices surge.

A Labour Treasury minister this week stopped short of ruling out the possibility, as tensions surrounding Iran and disruption at the Strait of Hormuz begin to ripple through global energy markets. The impact is already being felt in the UK, with fuel prices climbing sharply and some forecourts reporting shortages.

Government contingency plans held by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero under its National Emergency Plan for Fuel outline precisely how rationing would operate in reality if introduced and which groups would receive initial priority.

Forecourt prices have risen sharply of late, with the RAC confirming the average price of unleaded petrol now stands at 141.5p and diesel at 160.3p, both representing 18-month peaks for fuel.

The National Emergency Plan for Fuel establishes who receives priority access to fuel, reports the Express. It states that emergency services and ‘critical service vehicles’ would receive first priority ahead of all other motorists.

Subsequently, utilities including gas and electricity providers and water companies would gain next priority, followed by public transport, including buses and diesel trains. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.

Commercial vehicles would follow, including lorries transporting food to and from supermarkets, and health-related deliveries. Finally, ordinary motorists could be subjected to limits on the quantity of petrol they can purchase at once, and may also encounter reduced operating hours at petrol stations.

The document elaborates: “The majority of potential fuel supply disruptions can be addressed by measures to help industry maintain fuel supply; these would be deployed by DESNZ in co-ordination with industry and other government departments.

“However, the government does have emergency powers under the Energy Act 1976, which it can use to control supply and demand of petroleum products. It should be noted that use of these emergency powers is reserved for the most severe of disruptions.

“These measures would only be activated in the event of a severe national fuel supply shortage.”

When questioned if the Government was preparing to implement such plans, Dan Tomlinson informed Times Radio: “At the moment, it is too early to tell what the impact of this crisis will be in the coming months.

“What we have seen in the last two weeks is that there has been sharp increase in the cost of oil used to heat people’s homes, and the Government has stepped in and said we’re going to provide £50 million of support for people across the UK who are reliant on heating oil.”

When asked again whether the Government was formulating contingency plans to ration petrol, Mr Tomlinson stated: “We will monitor the situation, and we’ll monitor it carefully.”

Louisa James, political correspondent for ITV’s Good Morning Britain, warned on Tuesday morning: “There are experts warning that a severe shortage of oil and gas is now just weeks away. As you would expect the government has emergency plans in place which will be activated in the event of a severe disruption.

“These are published online and they include measures such as petrol rationing, prioritising fuel for emergency services and public transport. There’s also talk of a temporary 50mph speed limit to reduce demand for fuel.

“A government source reassured us that the UK has ‘a diverse and resilient’ supply of fuel, that petrol stations are well stocked, and that imports are arriving.”

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Fashion and function aren’t always the closest of bedfellows, and it’s so easy to overlook one in favour of the other. But that needn’t always be the case.

When you’re looking for a new staple piece for your wardrobe, something that you’ll happily be able to wear again and again, these are two elements that you need to prioritise.

And while it makes shopping harder, it’s far from impossible.

If you’re looking for a coat that’s extra wearable, these are some of the best buys on the high street right now.

Treats Tea Room & Cafe on Silver Street in Durham ran by the Gergin family, says it’s the “number one” visited tea room and cafe in the heart of the historic city, according to its website.

It adds: “Our mission is to offer you ‘good food at good prices’. 

“We offer a wide selection of award-winning sweet treats and desserts for all ages, from cakes, scones, and our traditional British afternoon teas, there is something for everyone.

“Our cafe and kitchen serve you in comfortable surroundings with a friendly and buzzing ambiance.”

Cream tea at Treats in County Durham that customers are raving about

The cream tea at Treats is priced at £5.95 and consists of a choice of fruit, plain or cheese scone, served with butter, clotted cream and strawberry preserve, along with a hot drink from the cafe’s “wide selection” of tea, chosen from its beverage and juice menu.

Just some options include peppermint, camomile and green tea, as well as Earl Grey and breakfast tea.

Take a look at Treats’ full menu via its website.

Over on Tripadvisor, the tea room’s 4.5/5 “very good” rating includes 645 “excellent” reviews out of a possible 905.

This guest shared: “Omg this was amazing! The cream tea was such a good price and filled 2 adults plus children.

“The super milkshake was great too. Great service. So glad they could squeeze us in.”

Someone else wrote after enjoying their cream tea at Treats: “We stumbled on this little Tea Room on our first visit to Durham and I don’t think we would look anywhere else on our next trip there.”

Praising the scones and teapots, a visitor posted: “Really friendly service, clean and comfortable surroundings and yummy scones. Particularly loved the teapots.

“A great find on our first trip to Durham.”

Meanwhile, another happy customer who decided to return within two days, commented: “We popped in for a cup of tea…I couldn’t resist the cakes, which were gorgeous and whilst there we browsed the menu for breakfast.

“Needless to say we returned the following day and had a delicious breakfast that really set us up for the day.

Customers have said they ‘couldn’t resist the cakes’ at Treats (Image: Tripadvisor)

“A very popular Tea room with locals and visitors alike – all made very welcome by the friendly and attentive staff.

“Treats is clean and fresh inside, clearly those who own and work there are justifiably proud.”

For those who fancy indulging even more, Treats also offers afternoon tea for two people that comes with a selection of freshly made dainty finger sandwiches, as well as a cream tea for two, a selection of sweet treats and any hot drink from the beverage and juice menu.

Cakes, scones, cream and afternoon teas are not all the cafe is known for, as Treats reveals: “Our full English breakfast are served all day long, as well as traditional pies, quiches, salads, vegan and vegetarian menus and daily specials which are all made fresh in our kitchens daily.

“Our team are here to take care of you, and give you the best experience of northern hospitality.”

Do you think Treats does the best cream tea in County Durham? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken about Iran

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran has “everyone in their sights” – and that the regime can hit ‘deep into Europe’.

The Israeli military began what it called “a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting Iranian terror regime infrastructure” early on Monday. As US President Donald Trump’s deadline on opening the Strait of Hormuz approaches, Iran on Monday threatened to attack Middle East electrical plants powering American military bases.

Tehran warned it could attack US and Israeli energy and infrastructure assets if Israel or the US attempted to follow through on President Trump’s threat that the US would “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if it did not fully open the Strait of Hormuz.

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Mr Trump — who is facing increasing pressure at home to secure the strait as oil prices soar — issued the ultimatum in a social media post while he spent the weekend at his Florida home.

A statement from Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, read out on state television on Monday morning, marks the latest attempt by Tehran to try to explain its attacks on the Gulf Arab countries.

“What we have done is to announce our decision that if the power plants are attacked, Iran will retaliate by targeting the power plants of the occupying regime and the power plants of regional countries that supply electricity to US bases, as well as the economic, industrial and energy infrastructures in which Americans have shares,” the statement said, referring to Israel as an “occupying regime.”

“Do not doubt that we will do this.”

The US president wrote on his Truth Social website early on Monday: “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, TO PUT IT MILDLY!!!”

Earlier, Israel’s military said it detected missiles launched from Iran toward central Israel and parts of the occupied West Bank.

And the latest escalation in conflict comes after it was revealed Iran had launched missile attacks on the UK-US base of Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, 3,800km away.

Government ministers have said the UK will not be dragged into a wider war in the Middle East, but Iran’s missile attack on the joint US-UK base has demonstrated that Europe could now be within reach.

And at the weekend, Mr Netanyahu told reporters: “I’ve been warning all the time. They have now the capacity to reach deep into Europe.

“They already have fired on a European country, Cyprus. They are putting everyone in their sights.”

One of the Iranian missiles was shot down by a US warship while the other failed in flight, the Wall Street Journal reported. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) declined to comment on when the attack was launched. It is not clear exactly when the two intermediate-range ballistic missiles were fired.

But the news emerged after the Government gave the US permission to strike missile sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz on Friday.

And following Sir Keir Starmer’s decision, an Iranian minister warned British lives are now ‘in danger’. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reacted angrily on social media, claiming that the Prime Minister is putting British lives at risk by allowing UK territory to be used for “aggression.”

He insisted that Iran would exercise its right to self-defence, a sentiment that follows a previous Iranian drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus earlier this month.

And on X on Saturday evening, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), who are leading Israel’s attacks on Iran, claimed the state had missiles ‘that threatened Europe’.

In a post on X, the IDF said: “The Iranian terrorist regime launched a long-range missile for the first time since the start of Operation Roaring Lion that could reach a distance of ~4,000 km.

“During Operation Rising Lion in June 2025, the IDF revealed that the Iranian regime has intentions to develop missiles with a range of 4,000 km, which pose a danger to dozens of countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. The Iranian regime denied this. We have been saying it: The Iranian terrorist regime poses a global threat.

“Now, with missiles that can reach London, Paris or Berlin. The Iranian terror regime has carried out attacks against 12 countries in the region and is developing a capability that poses a much broader threat.”

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Brazilian psychic Athos Salomé, popularly known as the ‘Living Nostradamus’, has made a chilling new prediction about the ongoing war between US-Israel and Iran.

Brazilian psychic Athos Salomé, widely known as the ‘Living Nostradamus’, has returned with another unsettling prediction.

The parapsychologist maintains he accurately foresaw significant worldwide events including the Covid-19 pandemic and Queen Elizabeth II’s death – and now, he’s offering his thoughts on the US-Israel and Iran conflict.

The 39-year-old psychic has previously revealed a list of disturbing predictions for 2026, forecasting that he anticipates substantial upheavals and world-changing events to occur this year.

Some might suggest a considerable portion of Athos’ predictions already appear to be materialising.

Now, the well-known prophet is adding to his catalogue a frightening prediction regarding the tactics employed to wage the conflict in Iran, and frankly, the forecast is deeply troubling, reports the Daily Star.

Psychic’s alarming prediction about Iran conflict

Athos maintains he had already foreseen “that Israel would launch a direct offensive against Iran by the second quarter of 2026” in a previous prophecy.

The psychic said: “With the most recent events and those unfolding today, we are witnessing this vision materialise.”

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The prophet cautions, however, that this represents merely the start: “Although the first strike occurred as scheduled, there is still much that may unfold against Iran.

“Tehran’s response and the potential deployment of allied cells in the region indicate that the conflict could erupt into a war of attrition never before seen – one marked by the development of new defensive technologies and devastating cyberattacks.”

The Brazilian psychic maintains he has “warned about an ‘invisible war’ and about infrastructure collapse through electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and cyberattacks for a long time”.

Will the Iran war end soon?

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According to Athos, the conflict won’t be resolved imminently. Instead, the psychic suggests “it is evolving into a form of technological occupation”.

The Brazilian seer explains: “The United States does not intend to invade Iran militarily.

“Rather, it seeks to disable Iran’s ability to export energy, ensuring that discounted Iranian oil never again reaches China.”

Describing Iran as “the immediate target”, Athos states: “The geopolitical chessboard of 2026 shows the United States moving against the three pillars supporting China’s energy supply – Iran (The Immediate Target), Venezuela (The Captured Piece), and Russia (The Truce Factor).”

The parapsychologist suggests that by focusing on Iran, the “discounted oil that once fuelled Beijing’s refineries is disappearing”.

Severing China from its cut-price oil supplies is purportedly the underlying objective behind the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, according to the fortune teller.

Whilst Athos’ forecasts present one perspective, many have contended that the US assaulted Iran and became embroiled in the conflict due to the mounting pressure from the Israel Lobby – or at least that’s the official justification they’re likely to provide when the time comes to assign blame to someone that’s not Donald Trump.

The parapsychologist, also dubbed the ‘Modern Day Nostradamus’, believes his theories and prophecies “are assuming an alarmingly tangible form”.

Only time will tell if they prove accurate.

The Government is concerned about the rising cost of living sparked by the US war

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will hold a Cobra meeting on Monday to address the economic impact of the Iran war, having been warned that price rises are “inescapable”. There are increasing concerns about how the Iran conflict could affect the cost of living, and the Government is keen to deter people from panic-buying fuel.

Cabinet ministers are expected to join Sir Keir, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, as well as the governor of the Bank of England. As well as the economic impact of the crisis, they will discuss energy security and the resilience of industry and supply chains alongside the international response.

On Sunday, the chief executive of Centrica, which owns British Gas, said global oil supplies are already down 20% because of the conflict. Chris O’Shea told BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: “Cornwall Insight, I think, have predicted that there’s going to be an increase in prices.

“If it stays as it is then I think that’s inescapable. The world uses about 100 million barrels of oil a day. We’ve lost about 20% of that through the Strait of Hormuz.”

Housing minister Steve Reed, meanwhile, urged people to carry on as normal. He told Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: “There’s no need to ration fuel. People should go around and buy their fuel just like they always would.

“If the situation were to change, then the Government would look at what was required in that circumstance.”

Lord Richard Walker, the cost-of-living tsar, said he had “asked the Government to consider a temporary profit cap, if required, to stop producers and retailers exploiting the crisis to make windfall profits at the expense of consumers”.

Sir Keir Starmer spoke to US President Donald Trump on Sunday about the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The call lasted for 20 minutes and was constructive, it is understood.

The president has criticised Sir Keir’s response to the war last week, describing him as “no Winston Churchill”.

The Conservatives have said the Government should scrap “green taxes” to cut costs, and shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly suggested North Sea oil and gas fields should be opened. Ministers have said the UK will not be dragged into a wider war in the Middle East, but Iran’s missile attack on the joint US-UK base Diego Garcia has demonstrated that Europe could now be within reach.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran has “everyone in their sights”. He told reporters: “I’ve been warning all the time. They have now the capacity to reach deep into Europe. They already have fired on a European country, Cyprus. They are putting everyone in their sights.”

Early on Sunday, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social that Iran had 48 hours to “FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz”, or the US would “obliterate” Iran’s power plants. Mr Reed would not be drawn on whether he backs the deadline, but said a swift end to the war would be the best way to alleviate price rises.

NEW YORK (AP) — An Air Canada flight collided with a Port Authority vehicle after landing at LaGuardia Airport, according to authorities.

The New York Police Department confirmed the collision but could not immediately offer additional information.

A spokesperson for the New York City Fire Department said firefighters responded to reports of a plane that crashed into a vehicle on the runway at 11:38 p.m. Additional information was not immediately available.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s National Airspace System website reported LaGuardia has closed.

Multiple videos taken by bystanders and posted on social media showed the jet with severe damage to the front of the aircraft.

A dog trainer has shared a “game-changing” trick to stop your dog pulling on the lead – and owners can’t believe they didn’t know it sooner as it would have saved them so much trouble

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A dog trainer has revealed the ‘only tip you need’ to stop your pet from pulling on the lead – and owners are calling it a ‘game changer’.

Southend Dog Training has turned to social media to unveil his technique for managing your pets on walks and guaranteeing you both enjoy the time outdoors. In his video, he said: “If your dog pulls on a lead, listen to this. Do this one thing and it’ll change how your dog walks. Instead of pulling back, yanking or restraining, pull up.” He explains this will assist in slowing the dog down, while pulling the lead backwards only generates a stronger desire to pull further.

He added: “When a dog is being training in bite work, it’s often being pulled back creating restraint. To cause the dog to drive forward harder. We unintentionally apply this technique to dogs when we want them to stop pulling forward.

“We unintentionally frustrate the dog. Pull up on a short but relaxed lead and then relax and your dog will slow down.”

Alongside this, he advised owners against getting their dogs excited before a walk, suggesting it’s preferable to ensure their pet is settled before stepping out the front door.

Responding to his post, one user said: “My Springer Spaniel is terrible for pulling. I’ll try this tomorrow.”

Another user commented: “I think my dog is broken I’ve pulled up since the day I got him. That lead is never relaxed. He waits nicely at the door and gate then thinks he has.”

A third user said: “I tried this, but makes no difference especially at the starts of walk when he’s super excited I feel like I’ve tried everything.”

One more user suggested: “Teach your dog the ‘stop’ command. Walk a few paces, when it pulls say STOP. And do exactly that. Then walk. Repeat. Walk.”

A final user stated: “I’ve got a German shepherd puppy 1 year old. Every time I get his lead out he goes crazy making it difficult to put his lead on.”

It follows after a dog trainer urged owners against giving in to their pets when they make ‘complaining’ sounds.

The canine expert from K9 University Dog Training posted on TikTok to offer some crucial guidance for pet owners, encouraging them to avoid responding to their dogs’ particular noises.

In a clip, the dog trainer outlines “three different sounds your dogs make, what they mean and how you should respond”.

The initial recommendation is to resist giving in when a dog produces a ‘complaining’ noise, frequently accompanied by pawing or scratching.

The trainer cautions: “This behaviour should never be rewarded by letting them have what they want otherwise it’ll exacerbate the issue.”

Regarding a dog’s whining or crying, which could lead an owner to provide solace, the trainer recommends a contrary approach.

He explains: “This is a sign that your dog is anxious or stressed. There are two different sides to this – there’s a whine that’s self-soothing and there’s a whine that can escalate into a bigger reaction like barking or lunging.”

The last sound to be mindful of is howling, which the trainer indicates is typically a symptom of separation anxiety: “They’re lonely and trying to find the rest of their pack.”

An Air Canada aircraft collided with a fire truck on the taxiway at LaGuardia Airport, leaving up to 60 people injured and forcing the airport to close until Monday afternoon

An Air Canada aircraft has reportedly crashed into a vehicle on a taxiway at LaGuardia Airport late on Sunday evening, resulting in multiple injuries and prompting the airport’s closure.

The New York Post has reported the vehicle was a fire engine which struck the plane, leaving four firefighters “critically injured.” The Mirror US has reported that as many as 60 people may have been hurt, citing WNY Fire Watch.

The incident is said to have occurred on Runway 4 within Delta’s terminal area at roughly 11:37 p.m., according to AeroCrewNews and NYCFireWire. All FDNY units are understood to have been dispatched to the location apart from the first-due engine company.

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According to local news outlet Col Live, the aircraft involved was Jazz Airlines Flight 646, operated by Air Canada’s regional carrier Jazz Airlines. The plane had travelled from Montreal, Quebec, and had only just landed in New York when it struck a Port Authority emergency vehicle, as the aircraft tried to cross runway 04/22.

The US Federal Aviation Administration has issued a ground stop suspending all flights at the airport, citing an emergency. The regulator’s notice suggested a strong likelihood the halt would be prolonged, without offering additional details, reports the Express.

Emergency services personnel are said to remain on location working to secure the area.

Passengers and airport staff described the scene as chaotic, with flights facing delays or cancellations. Reports indicate the airport will remain closed until 2 p.m. on Monday, causing substantial travel chaos at one of New York City’s busiest transport hubs.

The cause of the incident is still under investigation. Officials have not yet confirmed the identities or medical statuses of those who were injured.

Videos shared on social media depict evacuation and rescue efforts taking place at the airport following the collision, with one clip seemingly showing the aircraft’s nose angled upwards by several degrees as passengers disembarked.

Authorities at the airport have been approached for comment by the Express but have not yet released a comprehensive statement regarding casualties or the details of the collision.