Economy
The economy page follows the UK's uneasy 2026: growth stalling, prices sticky and the Bank of England boxed in. Recent stories cover the economy shrinking in April as the Middle East conflict dragged on activity, KPMG trimming its growth forecast to 0.8%, and the Bank poised to hold rates at 3.75% while the crisis stokes inflation fears. House prices falling for the first time this year, a widening north-south divide, stagflation warnings and an opinion piece arguing Britain keeps asking the wrong question on welfare and youth unemployment complete the picture.
US imposes new sanctions on Cuban companies amid economic strain
Washington targets firms it describes as important to the island's struggling economy, adding pressure to Havana amid shortages and migration concerns.
Bank of England poised to hold rates at 3.75% as Middle East crisis stokes inflation fears
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee is widely expected to keep interest rates at 3.75% on 18 June, with energy-driven inflation risks dividing the panel and dampening hopes of cuts later this year.
Opinion: On welfare and youth unemployment, Britain keeps asking the wrong question
The Lords debate on welfare and a generation locked out of work framed the choice as compassion versus cost. The real failure is a system that pays to keep people idle rather than helping them back to work.
UK economy shrinks in April as Middle East conflict drags on activity
Official figures show output fell 0.1% in April, the first monthly decline since last summer, with businesses blaming disruption from the conflict in the Middle East.
UK economy shrinks as growth stalls and stagflation fears mount
Official figures show output contracting after a strong start to the year, with services, manufacturing and construction all falling and economists warning of an uncomfortable mix of weak growth and stubborn inflation.
KPMG trims UK growth forecast to 0.8% as Middle East conflict adds risk
The consultancy expects the economy to expand by just 0.8 per cent this year, warning that disruption to energy markets from the Iran conflict could push up inflation and weigh on output.
UK house prices fall for first time this year as north-south divide widens
A surprise monthly drop reported by Nationwide has confirmed a cooling property market, with prices sliding in the south while northern regions and the devolved nations continue to climb.