Starmer calls emergency meeting over cost-of-living pressures linked to Iran conflict

Saturday 21 March 2026 - 10:45

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, is set to convene an emergency meeting next week to address the growing cost-of-living pressures linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

According to media reports, the meeting will bring together senior government ministers along with Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England. The aim is to assess the economic impact of rising energy and borrowing costs on British households and to explore possible relief measures.

The conflict has contributed to increased global energy prices, which in turn have driven up fuel costs, heating expenses, and mortgage rates across the UK. These developments have intensified financial pressure on families already facing inflationary challenges.

In recent days, Starmer has emphasized the need to support “working people” as economic conditions worsen. His government has announced an initial aid package worth £53 million to assist the most vulnerable households, particularly in coping with higher heating oil costs.

While officials have not publicly confirmed details of the planned meeting, the move signals growing concern within the government about the domestic economic fallout of international tensions. Analysts suggest that further measures could be introduced if energy prices continue to rise in the coming weeks.