No fuel shortage in Britain, says minister, as Reeves prepares to set out economic response to Iran war – UK politics live

By Andrew Sparrow · The Guardian World

Energy minister Michael Shanks reassures drivers ahead of chancellor’s statement to MPs In his Times Radio interview Michael Shanks , the energy minister, confirmed that the government is more interested in a targeted energy bill support package (targeting those most in need) than a universal one (targeting everyone). (See 8.56am .) This would be “the most efficient use of public money”, he said. He said: Genuinely we are looking at every option. Clearly part of that is, is there a way to target support at people who need it most? I think most people would recognise that as the most efficient use of public money but we also want to make sure that we’re not missing people … But, in honesty, we’re three weeks into this conflict, although people are really worried there’s no certainty of how this is going to end or when and so we are looking really carefully at what that longer term support needs to be. Continue reading...