Neil Macdonald

So what could these tariffs mean for British consumers – will we face higher prices or shortages of imported goods?

The UK economy returned to growth in November – but only just. Output rose by 0.1%. The Chancellor promised to “fight every day” to foster growth – accepting that government plans had to “go further and faster”.

After days of turmoil on the markets – some good news for the Chancellor – after an unexpected fall in December’s inflation figures to 2.5%. 

Britain’s economy unexpectedly shrank in October, according to the latest official data.

So what are the wider implications of what’s happening in France?

The government has promised to look again at how it plans to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles, following complaints from the motor industry that current proposals are too stringent and too expensive. 

The rate of inflation has gone up by more than expected – thanks to the recent increase in gas and electricity bills.  

It was one of the Labour government’s first policy announcements, and provoked fierce criticism from many of its own backbenchers as well as charities.

Latest figures show that rents have been above affordable levels in every one of the last nine years.

With barely more than a week to go to the Budget, speculation is reaching fever pitch about what taxes the Chancellor may be planning to increase.

The UK has been struggling through the worst cost of living crisis in 4 decades, so many people will be hoping that today’s figure is the strongest evidence so far that the big squeeze is finally over.

Oil prices have spiked up today on speculation that Israel may respond to Iran’s missile strike by targeting the country’s oil infrastructure.

Rachel Reeves has been warned that she needs to “substantially increase” government investment to avoid “a vicious circle of stagnation and decline”.

Total government debts are expected to almost triple over the next fifty years, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility. 

Private landlords look to be leaving the rental market at a record pace, but will this prove to be a problem or an opportunity for private tenants?