Politics At Sam and Anne's Keir takes charge on Iran contingencies
Mar 30, 2026
Discussion of contingency planning in Whitehall as Iran-related clashes escalate and Hormuz disruption affects global fuel and trade. Analysis of Downing Street roundtable with industry figures on energy, shipping, finance and defence. Debate over public messaging, rising pump prices and hints of fiscal shifts. Preview of Labour launching its local elections campaign and national poll projections ahead of May 7th.
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Hormuz Closure Is Hitting Global Supply Chains
- Closure of the Strait of Hormuz is already causing global fuel and petrochemical disruption with concrete local effects in Asia and beyond.
- Examples cited include Pakistan telling cricket fans to stay home, fuel shortages in Thailand and Australia, and export curbs from China and South Korea.
Roundtable Links Business And Maritime Security
- Keir Starmer is convening a Downing Street roundtable to coordinate business and security responses to Strait of Hormuz disruption.
- Attendees include bosses from Shell, BP, Maersk, HSBC, Goldman Sachs and the commander of maritime operations, showing UK focus on commercial and military impacts.
Do Not Panic Buy Fuel Follow Trade Body Guidance
- Ministers are urging the public not to change behaviour at pumps and to follow trade body guidance to avoid self-inflicted shortages.
- Bridget Phillipson told Trevor Phillips listeners to 'fill up as normal' and listen to motoring bodies like the RAC.