Evening briefing Monday 2nd March

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0:35This is the Times Radio evening briefing for Monday 2nd March. Sir Keir Starmer says his government does not believe in regime change from the skies. He's been defending the UK's decision not to take part in strikes against Iran after criticism from Donald Trump. The US president said Starmer took far too long to approve American use of British bases. The Prime Minister told the Commons the US will be able to use those bases for defensive purposes, including stopping missile attacks. He also urged Tehran to return to negotiations and end what he called its destabilising activity across the region.

1:07It is my duty to judge what is in Britain's national interest. That is what I've done and I stand by it. But Mr Speaker, it is clear that Iran's outrageous response has become a threat to our people, our interests and our allies. and it cannot be ignored. Iran has lashed out across the region. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has suggested a big wave of strikes on Iran is yet to come. The Secretary of War has claimed America didn't start the war, but is finishing it. At a press conference, Pete Hegseth said it wouldn't become an endless war. Unlike so many of our traditional allies who wring their hands and clutch their pearls, hemming and hawing about the use of force, America, regardless of what so-called international institutions say, is unleashing the most lethal and precise air power campaign in history.

2:04No stupid rules of engagement, no politically correct wars. We fight to win and we don't waste time. Those comments come as the conflict has expanded, with Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon trading fire. A huge explosion has been seen and felt across Beirut. It's believed to have been an Israeli strike on the Hezbollah stronghold in the south of the city. There are warnings household energy bills could surge to£2 ,500 a year should the conflict cause prolonged disruption to gas supplies. Qatar has shut down gas production after Iranian strikes on production facilities today prompting wholesale prices here to jump by 50%.

2:40Times Radio's business correspondent is Dominic O 'Connell. Qatar produces about 20 % of Europe's gas. It comes out of the Gulf on tankers as liquefied natural gas through the Straits of Hormuz and over to Europe. If gas prices doubled, if it got to 140p a firm, I reckon it would take the bill to about£2 ,500. In other news, MPs are to see a 5 % pay rise from next year. IPSA, the expenses watchdog, says they'll be paid£98 ,500. The health minister, Ashley Dalton, is stepping down from government after being diagnosed with incurable breast cancer. The 53-year-old says she'll remain as MP for West Lancashire, telling The Times she wants to continue to serve her constituents.

3:20And researchers at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam say a little-known painting from 1633 has been authenticated as a Rembrandt and could be worth tens of millions of pounds. The museum used advanced imaging and technical analysis to re-examine the work, which had been in private hands and was previously rejected as being by the Dutch master. You can follow the Times Radio News Briefing on Spotify and listen live to Times Radio online.

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