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The energy crisis is back in the headlines on Friday (7 October) with a warning that there could be blackouts of up to three hours per day this winter to manage supplies.
Meanwhile, a downbeat assessment of the UK’s economic prospects over the next two years may thwart prime minister’s Liz Truss strategy of focusing on growth.
Elsewhere, some of Easter Island’s iconic statues have been badly damaged by a fire, while holidaymakers planning to travel to India are being affected by a sudden change in the country’s visa application rules.
Cruise line Azamara is also under fire from passengers after cancelling a planned stay in Qatar during the World Cup.
Here are the headlines travel woke up to on Friday (7 October).
UK warned it could face winter blackouts
The country could face power blackouts of up to three hours a day this winter if it is unable to import sufficient energy supplies from Europe at key times. The warning came in a new report from the electricity and gas supplier National Grid. (Various)
Easter Island’s sacred statues damaged by fire
A fire has damaged the iconic oversized head statues on Easter Island with authorities saying that some of the charring is irreparable. The historic site has now been closed while a conservation team examines the extent of the damage. (BBC News)
Visa rule change ruins India holiday plans for thousands
A sudden change in India’s visa rules is set to ruin UK holidaymakers’ plans to visit the country in the next few weeks. The Indian government has insisted that all applicants must now attend one of its UK visa processing centres in person, even though there are no available appointments for several weeks. (The Times)
UK economy predicted to be weak until 2024 despite Truss growth agenda
The UK economy is expected to take until 2024 to recover to pre-Covid levels amid a slowdown in hiring and business investment, as households and businesses struggle with soaring costs. The assessment comes after prime minister Liz Truss set her sights on “growth, growth, growth” in a speech earlier this week. (The Guardian)
Passengers angered after ‘World Cup’ cruise drops stay in Qatar
Cruise line Azamara has had to cancel its planned three-day stay in Qatar during the World Cup football tournament in November sparking criticism from passengers. Azamara said it had to change the itinerary of its Arabia & World Cup cruise after authorities in Qatar decided to close the port to cruise ships during the tournament. (The Independent)
