Trade, City of London, sterling and EU markets
Britain’s economy expanded by 0.4% in the second quarter, offering a brief moment of relief for the government. But the escalating conflict involving Iran is casting a long shadow over what comes next.
Britain’s economy appears to have hit its peak for 2026, with slowing output, weakening business investment, and war-driven headwinds all pointing to a tougher year ahead. Analysts warn that early-year momentum has faded faster than policymakers hoped.
GDP is the UK’s most closely watched economic barometer, and the latest figures show growth of just 0.1% — enough to avoid recession, but far from reassuring. Here’s what the numbers mean and why they matter.
Tipping culture imported from the US is now showing up at UK coffee shops, nail salons, and sandwich counters — and millions of Britons are not happy about it. From guilt-inducing tablet screens to murky tip-pooling practices, the backlash is growing fast.
A prominent economist who turned down a Downing Street advisory role is calling for reform of the triple lock pension guarantee, warning its £110 billion annual cost is unsustainable. His proposal targets the 2.5 percent floor and higher-income pensioners specifically.
UK inflation surged to 3.4% in May, its highest point in four months, after a steep rise in household energy bills caught markets off guard. The jump adds pressure on the Bank of England to keep interest rates on hold for longer.
A major Institute for Government report marks a decade since the Brexit vote by tallying its economic toll — and the figures point to a GDP gap that’s still widening. Britain’s trade, investment and productivity have all underperformed, but some corners of the economy have proved tougher than expected.
Hannah Stephenson counted more than 40 red bites after a single night at a Travelodge hotel. She says the experience has left her embarrassed, self-conscious, and reluctant to wear short sleeves in public.
Britain’s competition regulator has given the green light to one of the biggest media mergers in years. The decision came only after Paramount agreed to a series of binding commitments that reshaped the original deal.
Andy Burnham’s growing political influence is raising urgent questions for the UK’s £60 billion impact economy. Social enterprises and mission-led organisations are asking what his leadership model could mean at national scale.
