UK food inflation ‘could hit 9%’, trade body warns as Reeves meets retail chiefs
Posted on Wednesday April 01, 2026

Discussion on how to ease impact from Iran war coincides with Food and Drink Federation almost tripling forecast

Food inflation could hit 9% in the UK this year even if the strait of Hormuz opens within the next few weeks, figures suggest, as the Iran war pushes up energy prices.

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), which represents 12,000 food and drink manufacturers, has predicted prices will rise by “at least” 9% by the end of 2026, almost tripling a forecast of 3.2% that was made before the Middle East conflict.

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UK is most vulnerable European country to jet fuel shortages, Ryanair boss says
Posted on Wednesday April 01, 2026

Michael O’Leary says UK’s reliance on Kuwait for jet fuel supply amid Iran war exposes it to possible shortages

The UK is the most vulnerable country in Europe to potential jet fuel shortages as the Iran war throttles supplies from the Gulf, the boss of Ryanair has said.

Michael O’Leary, the chief executive of the budget airline, said Britain would be the most exposed to jet fuel shortages because it relies on Kuwait for about 25% of its supply.

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SpaceX confidentially files to go public on stock market, reports say
Posted on Wednesday April 01, 2026

Elon Musk’s rocket company could go public as early as June, Bloomberg reports

SpaceX has confidentially filed for an initial public offering on the US stock market, according to reports from Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal. The IPO is set to be one of the most closely watched and highly valued listings in market history.

Elon Musk’s company, which has become a dominant power in both space travel and satellite communications, could potentially seek a valuation upwards of $1.75tn. The confidential filing will give regulators a period to review and discuss the company’s financial disclosures before investors and the public are able to view them.

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Apple at 50 quiz: top sellers, turkeys and turtlenecks
Posted on Wednesday April 01, 2026

How much do you know about the history of one of the most powerful computing companies on the planet?

In the 50 years since it was founded, Apple has long been seen as one of the most significant technology companies globally. The design and manufacturing decisions taken in Cupertino, California have affected product design across the world, helping usher in an era of ubiquitous touchscreen computing while insisting on exacting user experience design principles. How much do you know about the history of one of the most powerful computing companies on the planet? Test yourself with these 12 questions.

The Guardian’s Apple at 50 quiz

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MP rejects Palantir’s claims that criticism of NHS England deal is ‘ideologically motivated’
Posted on Wednesday April 01, 2026

Head of committee says it was appropriate for government to seek guidance on way out of £330m deal with US data company

Claims by Palantir that concerns over the US data analytics company’s multimillion-pound NHS contract are “ideologically motivated” have been rejected by the chair of a parliamentary committee.

It was also appropriate for the government to seek guidance on activating a break contract in the deal, said Chi Onwurah, a Labour MP who heads the science, innovation and technology select committee.

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I wore Meta’s smartglasses for a month – and it left me feeling like a creep
Posted on Wednesday April 01, 2026

Content creators love the built-in camera; sceptics call them ‘pervert glasses’. Do we really need any more hi-tech wearables, even with a voice assistant that sounds like Judi Dench?

Lately, I’ve been hearing Judi Dench’s voice in my head. She tells me tomorrow’s forecast, when to turn right, that there’s been another message in my group chat. Day or night, Dame Judi is eager to assist. When I ask the eight-time Academy Award nominee what I’m looking at, she answers: a residential area, a person in a pub, daffodils. “They are a bright yellow colour and are often associated with spring.”

This isn’t a delusion. This is, apparently, progress. I am test-driving Meta’s smartglasses and Dench voices its integrated AI assistant: “Here to chat, answer questions, create images and provide advice and inspiration,” said “Judi” when I selected her over the actors John Cena and Kristen Bell. “Shall we begin?”

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Bayern Munich v Manchester United: Women’s Champions League quarter-final, second leg – live
Posted on Wednesday April 01, 2026

⚽️ Updates from 5.45pm BST kick-off at Allianz Arena
⚽️ United wage bill half of Arsenal’s last season | Email Yara

1 min: Bayern Munich attack on the left. Tanikawa with a snazzy flick but then loses the ball to Le Tissier and she fouls the United player in an attempt to win it back.

Here we go! Manchester United get us underway in their all black third kit. Bayern Munich press immediately in their all red home kit.

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Phil Foden ‘not a guarantee’ to make England World Cup squad, says Tuchel
Posted on Wednesday April 01, 2026

• Midfielder failed to impress against Uruguay and Japan

• ‘He was excellent in camp but struggles on the pitch’

Thomas Tuchel says Phil Foden is not assured of a place in his England squad for the World Cup finals in the summer after watching him struggle in the Wembley friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

The head coach has appeared unconvinced by Foden since taking charge at the beginning of last year but gave him a big opportunity in the starting lineup in each of the games during this past international window.

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