UK consumer prices rose 2.8% in the year to April 2026, down sharply from 3.3% in March and well below market expectations of 3.0%. The moderation, driven by the new energy price cap and softer housing services costs, gives the Labour government a rare positive statistical headline.
European Parliament has moved this week to tighten the EU’s foreign investment screening regime, addressing growing concerns about strategic acquisitions in defence, semiconductors, AI and critical raw materials by non-EU investors with state backing.
The European Parliament has finalised its position on the long-anticipated steel safeguards reform, establishing a tariff-free import quota of 18.3 million tonnes per year and imposing a 50 per cent duty on volumes above that threshold. The regulation is due to take effect on 1 July 2026.
Cybersec Europe 2026 opens in Brussels today as MEPs in Strasbourg debate EU cyber resilience in the face of advanced AI systems including Mythos. The Commission’s Tech Sovereignty package – Cloud and AI Development Act and Chips Act 2 – is expected on 27 May.
Anglo American announced on Monday 18 May 2026 the sale of its Australian steelmaking coal portfolio to UK-registered Dhilmar Ltd for up to US$3.875 billion in cash, completing its exit from coking coal ahead of its merger with Teck Resources.
The European Parliament prepares to vote on the EU’s toughest steel trade defence in eight years: a 50% out-of-quota duty, a 47% cut in tariff-free import volumes and a Melt and Pour traceability requirement, set to enter force on 1 July 2026.
Burberry released its full-year FY26 results on Thursday 14 May 2026. Consensus forecasts pointed to revenue of approximately £2.43 billion (down 1% year-on-year), operating profit of £96m and EPS of 20.14p. Investors are scrutinising progress under Joshua Schulman’s ‘Burberry Forward’ turnaround, which has entailed up to 1,700 redundancies.
MEPs prepare measures to counter global steel overcapacity flooding European markets, as the bloc’s manufacturers warn of plant closures and structural damage to industry.
Berlin announces a new active cyberdefence framework, allowing security agencies more proactive responses to attacks on critical infrastructure.
The European Central Bank kept its three key interest rates unchanged at its May meeting, with headline inflation in the euro area now within touching distance of the 2 per cent objective.
