Energy debate intensifies as UK faces rising bills and supply concerns
There is growing pressure on the Government to reconsider its ban on new North Sea oil and gas exploration as energy prices rise and concerns increase over supply security. Recent polling indicates that…
Junior doctors to strike for six days over Easter holidays
Junior doctors in England have announced a six-day strike from 7 to 13 April, escalating an ongoing dispute with the Government over pay and working conditions. The British Medical Association (BMA), representing resident…
Gas prices surge by 25% overnight after strikes in Qatar
UK gas prices have surged by around 25% following escalating conflict in the Middle East, raising fresh concerns over energy security and household costs. The spike came after Iranian missile strikes hit a…
Bank of England says inflation will probably rise due to Iran war
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 3.75% amid growing concerns that conflict in the Middle East will drive up inflation in the UK. The decision follows rising energy prices linked…
Egypt: tourism has rebounded since Covid, but many struggling with living costs due to war
Egypt’s tourism sector has rebounded strongly in recent years, reaffirming its importance to the national economy. In 2025 the country welcomed nearly 19 million visitors, a 21% increase from the previous year, while…
UK inflation falls to 3%, helped by lower cost of petrol and bread
The UK inflation rate has fallen to 3% in the year to January, down from 3.4% in December, according to the ONS. Economists had predicted the drop, which was driven partly by lower…
Economy grows by worse-than-expected 0.1%
The UK economy grew by just 0.1% in the final quarter of 2025, below the 0.2% forecast by many economists, according to the Office for National Statistics. The figure mirrors growth in the…
Inflation rises for first time in five months - but one-off factors blamed
UK inflation has risen for the first time in five months, increasing to 3.4% in the year to December. The rise, though higher than expected, is widely attributed to temporary factors rather than…
UK economy grew by 0.3% in November, beating forecasts
The UK economy recorded stronger-than-expected growth in November, expanding by 0.3% and exceeding forecasts of 0.1%. The rebound, after a contraction in October, was driven largely by renewed industrial output and growth in…
Budget: the main headlines
Rachel Reeves has delivered her second Budget against a backdrop of weak economic growth, high inflation and tightening household finances. Seeking to raise revenue without triggering an inflation spike, she avoided the previously…
