BP is operating in a world of ‘significant complexity’, new boss tells staff

The new boss of BP has told staff that the oil company is operating in a world of “significant complexity” as it attempts to rebuild its strategy under a fresh leadership team.In her first message to staff as BP’s chief executive, Meg O’Neill promised a “clear direction and consistency” after a tumultuous period for the 117-year-old fossil fuel company, in which it has pivoted away from a failing green strategy.BP’s third chief executive in under five years has stepped into the top job during the fifth week of the Iran war, a conflict that has triggered the global industry’s biggest supply shock.In a staff memo seen by the Guardian, O’Neill said: “Right now, we’re operating in an environment of significant complexity: geopolitical tension; conflict; rapid technological change; and shifting global energy demand.”“I believe that we, as a company, have a clear job to do: delivering energy to the world, today and tomorrow – safely, reliably and efficiently,” she added

UK food inflation ‘could hit 9% this year’ as Iran war drives up energy prices

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, 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.Dr Liliana Danila, the chief economist at the FDF, said the industry was already facing big rises in energy, transport and packaging costs, as well as disruptions across its supply chains.“The current situation is unprecedented and hard to predict,” she said

The Voorhees law of traffic: when overtaken slow cars seem to always catch up at a red light

It is a situation experienced by many motorists: one driver overtakes another only to find the slower car is right behind them when they reach a red light. Now a researcher has used mathematics to reveal why the situation feels inevitable.Dr Conor Boland from Dublin City University has called his work “The Voorhees law of traffic”.The name is a nod to the character Jason Voorhees from the American horror film franchise Friday the 13th.“I always thought of him because he seems to just walk everywhere … His victims are running away, they’re sprinting, but he just catches them,” Boland said

Silicon Valley city to give residents doorbells equipped with cameras

A Silicon Valley city will offer its residents free wireless doorbells equipped with cameras to help police collect video evidence.The city council of Milpitas, a suburb north of San Jose, California, recently approved $60,000 to provide these devices on a one-camera-per-household, first-come, first-served basis, as was first reported by Milpitas Beat and confirmed by the Guardian.City councilmember Evelyn Chua told the Milpitas Beat the doorbell camera initiative was intended to prevent crime. “Public safety is my top priority, and this door camera initiative is about strengthening crime prevention right where it matters most – at home,” she said.“By equipping residents with tools and partnering closely with our Milpitas police department, we’re building a stronger connection between our community and law enforcement to help deter crime and protect our neighborhoods

ECB accused of allowing non-disabled players to take place of disabled cricketers in top domestic league

The England and Wales Cricket Board has been accused of allowing non-disabled players to participate in its Disability Premier League, blocking the pathway to international cricket.The parents of Jai Charan and Alex Jervis – both former England internationals who have diagnosed learning disabilities – say their sons have been replaced in the DPL by players who do not meet the disability criteria under the ECB’s assessment process.The DPL is intended as the top of the pathway to the England Mixed Disability team, but another parent, who requested to remain anonymous, estimates that 12 out of 64 players selected in December’s draft are non-disabled.The ECB is a signatory to Virtus, the international sports federation for athletes with an intellectual impairment, meaning all players wanting to play international cricket under the LD (learning disability) category must demonstrate that they have an IQ of 75 or lower.Owen Jervis, who is also the volunteer manager of Yorkshire’s disability team, alleges that the ECB have allowed several neurodiverse players to participate in the DPL, despite tnot meeting the criteria in the LD assessment process, carried out by an educational psychologist

From the Pocket: Voss has had every chance to succeed but Carlton backed the wrong coach

Michael Voss often speaks about standards and habits. Right now, the Carlton coach’s team are habitual dwindlers. It’s on the whiteboard of every opposition coach. It’s in the marrow of every Blues player and supporter. And it goes back a long way