The UK economy grew by 0.2% in the three months to January, according to official figures, as prospects remain uncertain due to the effects of the Middle East conflict.
Early estimates from the Office for National Statistics indicated better performances from industrial production and services, though wet weather further reduced construction output. The slight rise in the rolling three-month figure fell short of some economists’ expectations that growth would strengthen markedly after the end of pre-budget speculation last November.
Donald Trump has hinted at further US attacks against Iran, warning the country to “watch what happens to these deranged scumbags”.
The president has repeatedly insisted the US is winning the war and that Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly reduced since the conflict began. In a Truth Social post, he described it as “a great honour” to be “killing them”, referring to members of the Iranian regime. Trump also criticised The New York Times and claimed the US military has “unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time”.
Slough Borough Council has been told progress to improve its financial resilience is still not fast enough.
The seventh Best Value report from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government raised concerns about slow transformation and limited ability to deal with financial shocks. Council leader Dexter Smith admitted progress has not met expectations, saying the commissioners were right to hold the authority to account and that improvements have been slower than anyone wanted.
The government says it will not tolerate energy companies profiteering from rising oil prices, with the competition watchdog ready to act over petrol price rip offs.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband told the BBC the conflict in the Middle East has pushed oil prices higher, raising concerns about household bills, especially for people who rely on heating oil. He did not rule out further support or extending the fuel duty freeze. Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden accused the chancellor of failing to ease the cost of living.
British forces in Iraq shot down two Iranian drones overnight, according to Defence Secretary John Healey.
Some drones hit a coalition base in Erbil in the Kurdistan region, injuring several US troops, but there were no British casualties. Brigadier Guy Foden said the base in Erbil and another in Baghdad were struck several times. British personnel are helping defend the Erbil base after attacks on US positions following strikes on Iran.
