Crime & Safety
Lamb costs soar in UK in last 3 years due to climate change
New analysis reveals that climate change has added £168 to the lamb bill of households that eat lamb regularly over the past three years.
The analysis, carried out by Zero Carbon Analytics for the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), links extreme weather events—including droughts, heatwaves and heavy rainfall—to rising prices.
Lamb costs soar in UK in last 3 years due to climate change
Chris Jaccarini, land, food, and farming analyst at the ECIU, said: “As families and communities sit down to celebrate this Easter, the cost of climate change is hitting home.
“Lamb prices are through the roof after droughts, extreme heat and heavy rainfall have hit farmers’ costs of production, weakening grass growth and not allowing the depleted hay stores they depend on time to recover.”
The report found that since 2022, a series of weather “shocks” in the UK have pushed up the price of a typical 2kg leg of lamb by between 7 per cent and 21 per cent each time.
These increases were linked to disrupted grass growth and depleted fodder reserves, both key factors in lamb production.
The climate impacts have also affected other products, with beef and dairy prices rising in response to similar weather-related challenges.
Mr Jaccarini said: “As the current oil price shock threatens to bring yet another round of food price inflation, without faster progress towards net zero to bring balance back to our climate, as well as more investment in the resilience of our farmers, the affordability of food is worryingly exposed to these worsening shocks.”
The analysis used Met Office data and figures from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.
It found that the 2022 drought drove lamb prices up by 11 per cent, the wet winter of 2023/24 by 25 per cent, and the more recent drought conditions by 13 per cent.
Each of these events directly affected grass growth, the report said.
Farmgate prices in 2024 led to a £5 (17.5 per cent) increase in the cost of a lamb roast at Easter, rising to £7 (21 per cent) by the following year.
Sheep farmers are feeling the impact firsthand.
Jack Cockburn, a sheep farmer from Ceredigion in Wales, said: “Here in West Wales, extreme weather is our biggest challenge.
“We’ve had two very wet winters in a row, which has meant poor grass growth due to waterlogged soils and low light levels with the very cloudy conditions.
“This has meant lambs going to the abattoir at lighter weights and less meat per animal.”
Best Easter Egg deals in UK supermarkets
Lamb is not the only product to see price hikes, with the cost of Easter eggs also rising.
Prices have gone up by two-thirds in three years due to poor cocoa harvests caused by heavy rain, drought, and heatwaves in West Africa.
Recent grocery inflation data from Worldpanel by Numerator confirmed that the average price of an Easter egg is now nine per cent higher than last year, at £3.27.
Savings experts have analysed Easter egg prices across major supermarkets and revealed which brands have shrunk the most – and where shoppers can still get the best value in 2026.
Experts say rising cocoa costs are partly responsible, but shoppers can still find good deals if they compare prices carefully.
Research by VoucherCodes.co.uk compared prices at supermarkets including Asda, Tesco, Aldi and Marks & Spencer.
The analysis revealed several standout deals across UK supermarkets.
Top picks include:
- Cheapest branded eggs: Asda, starting at £1.40
- Best budget luxury egg: Aldi Choceur Jammy Wheel Biscuit Egg
- Best multibuy deals: Asda 2-for-£8.98 offers
Best loyalty discounts: Tesco Clubcard and Morrisons More
- Viral premium eggs: Marks & Spencer
- Cheapest Cadbury Mini Eggs: B&M
According to the research, Asda currently offers the cheapest branded Easter eggs, with popular options around £1.40 for 100g.
For shoppers wanting something a little more indulgent without spending too much, Aldi came out strongly.
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Shoppers using supermarket loyalty schemes can also unlock better prices.
Both Tesco Clubcard and Morrisons More offer discounts on mid-range branded eggs.
For fans of Cadbury Mini Eggs, the research found B&M currently offers the best value.
Its 256g bag priced at £4.89 works out cheaper per gram than smaller packs or equivalent sizes in supermarkets.
What is your favourite thing to eat at Easter? Let us know in the comments.
Jamie Clark, aged 36, from Henley was arrested on April 7 and charged the following day.
On April 9 he appeared before High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to six shoplifting offences and two counts of criminal damage, committed between 28 March and 2 April at Boots on Bell Street, Henley.
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He was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment.
Police constable Sarah Puksis said: “This sentence sends a clear message – repeat shoplifting, particularly of high value goods, won’t be tolerated.
“We work closely with retailers to identify offenders and take firm action.”
This is not the first time Mr Clark has been in trouble with the law, nor is it the first time he has stolen from the Henley Boots.
In 2025, he was sentenced to four months and two weeks in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of shoplifting at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on November 18.
On October 21 and 22 last year, Clark forced open a cabinet in Boots on Bell Street and stole high-value fragrances worth a total of £4,965.
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Clark was arrested on November 17, 2025, and charged the same day.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said on the latest incident: “We’re absolutely committed to tackling shoplifting and supporting local businesses.
“So please keep reporting incidents, save CCTV, and let us do the rest. Remember: the only thing you should be lifting in Boots… is your shopping basket.”
The 84-year-old actress admits in an upcoming film her feelings around her own mortality and her hopes of reaching 90.
Born and raised in Oxford, Ms Margolyes is perhaps most famous for playing Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter film series and for her role as Mrs Mingott in Martin Scorsese’s 1993 film, The Age of Innocence, for which she won a BAFTA.
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The new documentary ‘Miriam Made Me Me’ is directed and produced by Simon Draper and edited by Gwyn Jones.
It will air at 9pm on Monday 13 April on BBC Two and iPlayer.
Initially intended to be a podcast series, Mr Draper ended up securing so much footage that he was able to create this film.
Speaking to Televisual, he said: “The result is an unfiltered portrait of an often controversial actress and her transformative effects on others; especially me.”
In the film, according to the Daily Mirror, Ms Margolyes shows her life including performing on stage and meeting the King and Queen.
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In addition, she reveals her thoughts on death, which she admits “feels extremely close”.
She said: “Death feels round the corner, behind the bush just up the road. I am scared of it, and I think I probably always will be, and I’m cross about death.”
In addition, she admits that she hopes to reach 90 and go without loss of pain or dignity.
Ms Margolyes has in the past spoken about the health problems that come with aging including that she cannot walk well.
She told Original Cin that as she was marketing recent film Holy Days.
Collins, 45, who has been struggling with life in the jungle, was confronted by pop star Sinitta.
It came after the campmates merged again after previously being split into two camps.
The singer questioned Gemma’s career and talent, referring to the TV personality as a “comedian”.
Tension rises in camp as Sinitta questions Gemma Collins’ career
In her original series, Collins quit after three days because she struggled with the environment in Australia, but she has called her appearance on the South African version of the TV show a “redemption”.
Sinitta asked the reality TV star about the musical Chicago, which Collins had been due to feature in as Matron “Mama” Morton in 2022, but had to withdraw from the production due to a “terrible injury”.
The singer, who has also featured in Chicago on stage, told Collins she thought the casting was a “joke announcement”.
Collins replied: “It’s not a joke, Sinitta, I auditioned for it fair and square.
“Did all the training and everything, had a voice coach.”
Sinitta explains: “I think you had just presented something, some awards, and fallen off the stage – it was like you were more of a comedian.”
Comparing her to US socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor, Sinitta adds: “Very camp, very glamorous.
Winners of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here
“You don’t really do anything, but you make a great entrance and make everybody laugh.
“I didn’t know you could actually sing, dance and all that jazz.”
Former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt and comedian Seann Walsh look shocked as they listened to the tense discussion.
Gemma defended herself, saying: “I don’t think you’d get cast as Mama Morton in Chicago if you didn’t pass the audition.”
Speaking to the camera in a segment where she’s alone, Gemma said: “I’m not a joke, darling.
“I am not a joke.
“I have done everything in my life on my own.
“So I was just taken aback, but it was just a bit weird.”
Fans seemed to enjoy the drama with one sharing on X: “Sinitta Just digging herself further into this hole with what shes said to Gemma Collins
“#ImACeleb #ImACelebSouthAfrica”, adding a GIF of a man inside a big hole digging to make it bigger.
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Another fan suggested: “I think Sinitta feels a bit threatened by the possibility of loss of screen time since Gemma Collins joined main camp! #ImACeleb”.
Someone else said they thought Sinitta was “harsh”: “Sinitta Malone was a bit Harsh tonight.
“I mean, I Had to Google her Last Name.
“So Gemma Collins is more well-known than her.”
How to watch I’m A Celebrity… South Africa
I’m A Celebrity… South Africa is on at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
You can watch new episodes of the ITV show on weeknights.
Are you watching the new series? Let us know your favourite campmate in the comments below.
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