Keir Starmer to address nation on war in Iran as energy bills rise

The prime minister is set to address the nation on Monday morning

Keir Starmer will address the nation this morning (Monday, March 16) to outline new support for households struggling with spiralling bills as the conflict in the Middle East escalates.

It is understood that tens of millions of pounds will be set aside to support the poorest households. The prime minister will also vow to stand by working people through “whatever challenges lie ahead”.

Keir Starmer will also set out targeted support for the most vulnerable among the 1.5 million households reliant on heating oil, which, unlike gas and electricity, is not covered by the energy price cap.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to unveil full details of the support package next week, which is expected to involve direct payments to vulnerable households. However, it is not yet clear how many households will receive the support.

This comes after Energy Secretary Ed Miliband hinted the government could halt its plans to raise fuel duty for the first time in more than a decade if the war in the Middle East continues into the latter half of the year.