No 10 prepares for mass protests over Iran war cost of living crisis
Officials hold meetings to discuss potential demonstrations as country faces higher bills and shortages of key goods
Ministers are preparing for mass protests across Britain over the cost of living crisis caused by the war in Iran, The Telegraph can reveal.
Officials from several government departments have discussed the prospect of widespread demonstrations because of high prices and shortages of key goods.
Economists believe the public will continue to face higher bills for at least six months, even if Donald Trump can agree a ceasefire with Iran in the next fortnight.
Fuel prices have hit their highest level since 2022 in recent weeks, with petrol retailing at 157p per litre and diesel at 190p per litre.
Traders also expect Ofgem to significantly raise the energy price cap at the next review in late August, which will apply to bills between October and December.
Officials have been meeting for near-daily Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (Cobra) meetings to discuss contingency plans for the domestic impact of the war.
One scenario war-gamed by civil servants included mass protests across Britain over the high cost of living or shortages of key goods including fuel.
They have also raised the prospect of Iraq war-style “stop the war” demonstrations, which they believe could be concentrated in Muslim communities.
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Officials are also watching the price of food, which is expected to rise because of the higher cost of global shipping and the impact of the war on domestic farming.
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, has indicated that ministers would step in to support struggling households, but said support would probably be means-tested.
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Iran is only an excuse; Starmer must stop spending GBP that he does have on things that we do not need, eg. Net Zero, Illegal Immigration, a new Palace of Westminster, monarchy, politicians, ad nauseum. (The Telegraph should know better)