Rising car insurance premiums cannot be justified - we must put motorists back in the driving seat

Soaring car insurance premiums show a market failing to operate in the interests of drivers hit hard by thumping increases.

The average 21% jump since only 2022 is a fast hike and slamming on the brakes would be warmly welcomed by motorists.

Transport Secretary Lou Haigh and Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq bringing together regulators, consumer groups and insurers will be judged a success if motorists see insurance price increases slow, stop or reverse.

Thefts and potholes cannot justify premiums in Britain outpacing changes in the likes of France and Germany, which also endured inflationary surges.

Car insurance is compulsory. In some ways it is easy money for the companies, big and small, collecting monthly or annual fees.

This is a moment to put motorists back in the driving seat, shoving aside commercial vested interests.

Heavy burden

Medical leaders warning the NHS lacks capacity to back fat jabs underlines why they are no miracle cures.

Alongside healthier eating and more exercise, the drugs could eventually save the overburdened health service a small fortune by shrinking the enormous £11billion swallowed on treatments for the dangerously overweight.

But Health Secretary Wes Streeting will only offer fresh hope as he strives to get a bigger bang for his buck, doing far more with the same or little more, with wholesale change.

The national economic benefits could be worth having on top of savings for the NHS and, of course, benefits for individuals. But we must get this right, not rely solely on injections.

Fergie shocker

Manchester United will lose part of the football club’s soul when legendary former manager Alex Ferguson falls victim of brutal cost-cutting.

Hard-nosed Monaco tax haven billionaire co-owner Jim Ratcliffe 1, beloved fans’ favourite 0 is another crushing defeat.