Fuel retailers have been accused of using the “distraction” of the general election to keep petrol and diesel prices “persistently high”.

The RAC said the cost of filling up at the pumps was “far higher” than would normally be expected as wholesale costs had fallen since the end of April.

The average price of a litre of petrol across the UK is currently 146.3p, which is “5p more expensive than it should be”, according to the motoring firm.

It said the average price for the same product was 141.1p in Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, a litre of diesel in the UK costs an average of 151.5p – the most expensive in Europe – while in Northern Ireland the price is 141.9p, the RAC claimed.

Its head of policy Simon Williams said: “Margins are once again staying persistently high, and drivers are paying the price.

“Our data clearly shows that pump prices haven’t fallen in line with the reduction in wholesale prices, so drivers across the UK – with the exception of those in Northern Ireland where fairer prices are charged – are once again losing several pounds every time they fill up.

“We believe there’s no good reason for retailers in Great Britain not cutting their prices at the pumps far further.

“We can only think they’re hoping no one will notice due to the distraction of the general election.”

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The RAC said retailers’ margins – the differences between what they paid for fuel and the pump price – were 14p per litre for petrol and 16p per litre for diesel.

The long-term average for both fuels is 8p per litre.

Mr Williams said the firm hoped the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is “aware of what is going on and will use this to bring retailers into line as soon as it’s able to”.

An investigation by the regulator into supermarket petrol station prices found last year that increased profit margins had led to drivers paying an extra 6p per litre for fuel in 2022.

In March the CMA said margins remained “concerning”.

Prices are usually cheaper in Northern Ireland than in the rest of the UK, partly due to competition from forecourts in the Republic of Ireland.

Independent fuel retailers have said higher business rates, energy bills and wages have all contributed to higher costs.

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Sky News has approached the Petrol Retailers Association for comment.

However, in a statement on Sunday, the group said retailers were “doing all they can to keep prices as low as possible for their customers”.

Chief executive Gordon Balmer added: “Petrol retailers operate on razor-thin margins in a highly competitive market.”

The CMA declined to comment, but the regulator is expected to publish its latest report on fuel price monitoring next month.

A third company has begun a recall over fears of possible E.coli contamination – with customers being urged to avoid eating a specific product.

Vegan chicken and bacon wraps sold only at WHSmith have been pulled from the shelves, and anyone who purchased them can return to the store for a full refund.

THIS – the food manufacturer that makes it – said the recall applies to all wraps bought up to and including Tuesday 18 June.

While no E.coli has been found in the product, the company explained this is a “precautionary measure” in case ingredients are contaminated.

Health officials have been working to track down the source of the current E.coli outbreak, as this particular strain can make people very ill.

The latest figures show 211 cases have been confirmed as of 11 June – and at least 67 people have required hospital treatment.

Last week, two other manufacturers recalled a variety of sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major British supermarkets.

You can find a list of products affected by that recall here.

Greencore Group says it “adheres to the highest standards of food safety”, adding: “We are working closely with the Food Standards Agency and our suppliers to better understand the possible source of any potential issue.”

Samworth Brothers Manton Wood explained the supplier of a salad ingredient it uses in a small number of products had been advised to undertake a product withdrawal and recall.

“A small number of sandwich and wrap lines that are made at our Manton Wood site are being recalled as a precautionary measure to ensure a high level of health protection for consumers. No other Manton Wood products are affected,” a spokesperson added.

E.coli bacteria are normally harmless and live in the intestines of humans and animals – but this strain is known as Shiga toxin-producing E.coli, or STEC for short.

Which? head of consumer protection policy Sue Davies told Sky News: “The FSA and UK Health Security Agency must get to the bottom of how this widespread outbreak has happened and take all action necessary to prevent any more people from becoming ill. It shows how we can never afford to be complacent with our food safety and food standards.”

Read more: What are the warning signs of infection?

Trish Mannes from the UK Health Security Agency says symptoms can include “severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever”.

Some cases cause serious complications that can lead to kidney failure.

People are being advised to follow NHS.uk guidance if they become unwell.

“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using disinfectants to clean surfaces will help stop any further spread of infection,” Ms Mannes added.

People who might be infected also should not prepare food for others and avoid work or school until 48 hours after symptoms stop.

Three handguns hidden in a children’s underwear drawer were among 386 illegal firearms seized across London last year.

The Metropolitan Police says its blitz has led to a record drop in gun crime, which is at its lowest level in 15 years.

Firearms offences have been cut from 196 to 145 since March 2023, while shooting murders are down from 12 in 2021/22 to eight in 2023/24.

But despite the highest detection rate for 11 years – some 52% of criminals responsible for shootings were prosecuted last year – the force is still failing to solve almost half.

No arrests have been made after a drive-by shooting in Dalston, east London, last month left four people injured, including a nine-year-old girl, who remains in critical condition in hospital.

Commander Paul Brogden said the majority of shootings in the capital involve gangs but “wholly innocent victims” like her can “be caught in the crossfire”.

Tyrese Miller, 22, was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity on 4 April last year while he was on his way home after a night out with friends in Croydon, south London. Three men were later convicted in connection with the shooting.

“I worry that if this can happen to Tyrese, it can happen to anyone,” his mother, Jackie Taylor, said.

“No mother should have to bury their son like I have. What happened to Tyrese has changed all of us. None of us will ever really come to terms with what has happened.”

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Police say that while “not as easy as ordering a pizza”, those involved in criminal networks are able to readily access firearms to control drugs markets and territory or enforce debts.

Some of the weapons are smuggled into the country by ferry or the mail system, but gang members are increasingly relying on converted blank-firing guns.

They are sold for legitimate pursuits such as drama and farming for as little as £100 but sold on for thousands of pounds once converted to fire real bullets.

A total of 386 illegal firearms were seized by the Met last year, with 46% of the pistols converted from blank-firing guns, while 3D-printed weapons are yet to make a real impact on London’s streets.

Police say the “brazen and fearless” possession of lethal weapons was demonstrated by Danny Butler, the 44-year-old armourer to a south London gang.

He was jailed for 18 years after officers found six guns, as well as a large amount of ammunition and Class A and B drugs, at the home he shared with his wife and three daughters – including an 18-month-old.

Three handguns, one of which was loaded, were among the weapons discovered in his children’s underwear drawer.

Another pistol and a pump action sawn-off shotgun were found in his wardrobe, while a second sawn-off shotgun was discovered in the coat cupboard.

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The Met says victims of gang shootings are often reluctant to engage with police, looking to take their own retribution, and that “today’s victim could be tomorrow’s suspect”.

“Guns destroy lives and communities. The recent shootings in parts of London are a sad reminder that there is still work for us to do when it comes to cracking down on illegal firearms,” said Commander Brogden.

“Our progress should serve as a message to criminals and gang members using firearms – we will come after you, and we will bring you to justice.”