Search

The annual rate of food price inflation in the UK has accelerated to 4.5%. Behind the increase is a blend of supply shocks, policy changes and climate disruption that together have pushed food costs well above general inflation.

The Premier League dominates football headlines. But across the country, lower division clubs play a key role in their local communities as well as developing talent. While chasing the higher-level leagues can be costly, some clubs are establishing enterprising initiatives, including in education.

The annual rate of increase in UK consumer prices has fallen slightly to 3.4% but remains above the Bank of England’s target of 2%. Data corrections and measurement quirks dominate this month’s marginal decline. Looking ahead, oil price volatility poses the main upside risk to the inflation outlook.

Within the world’s most advanced economies – including Germany, Spain, the UK and the United States – there are regions that have fallen behind or failed ever to catch up with the most prosperous places. To address this challenge, policy-makers could take lessons from history as well as one other.

Britain’s industrial decline has reshaped its economy and altered people’s lives. From job losses to worsening health, the impact of deindustrialisation runs deep, with scars that stretch across generations and regions.

The Belt and Road Initiative lies at the heart of China’s outward economic engagement, providing opportunities for Chinese firms abroad and boosting infrastructure and development in recipient countries. Future challenges include governance, debt sustainability, and social and environmental effects.

UK GDP grew by 0.7% in the first quarter of 2025 – its strongest quarterly rise in a year. But while the country is currently outpacing its G7 peers and despite a partial agreement with the United States on tariffs, growth over the full year is expected to slow due to mounting global trade tensions.

UK high streets vary in both range and affordability. From Greggs’ national footprint to the dominance of Pret A Manger in London, the location and prices of different shops reveal the country’s economic, political and cultural divides.

Australia’s voters have returned the Labor Party to power – not least as geopolitical uncertainty favoured the stability of incumbency. Key areas of the renewed government’s focus will be measures on industrial innovation and skill formation to boost productivity and help to raise living standards.

On 3 May, Australia’s voters choose their next government. Both the incumbent Labor Party and the Liberal-National Coalition are campaigning on promises to tackle the cost of living and issues around energy, housing and immigration. But the dominant theme is how to respond to the Trump trade war.

The UK labour market continues to send out mixed signals. The unemployment rate remains stable and there has been sustained wage growth across the economy. But vacancies are falling steadily, having recently slipped below pre-pandemic levels.

The UK labour market data released in March 2025 show rising real wages for those in work. But there are likely to be tougher times ahead for jobseekers as fiscal policy changes start to bite.

The fast fashion industry is characterised by both overproduction and overconsumption. The sector is harmful to the environment, requiring enormous quantities of natural resources and creating substantial waste. Policy-makers could promote a more circular economy to reduce the damage.

The Premier League dominates football headlines. But across the country, lower division clubs play a key role in their local communities as well as developing talent. While chasing the higher-level leagues can be costly, some clubs are establishing enterprising initiatives, including in education.

Tomorrow’s spending review will set out government spending plans for the NHS, housing, national defence, the police, and other public services. What should we expect?  

Amid rapid technological change and heightened competition, Europe must re-ignite economic growth. Evidence from Andalusia – Spain’s poorest region – highlights the need to make full use of a region’s productive capabilities to forge new competitive advantages and raise living standards.

Taiwan is a highly developed economy that has experienced periods of rapid growth. Policies that championed industries such as semiconductor manufacturing have contributed enormously to the island’s economic progress. Relations with China remain a big economic and geopolitical concern.

UK inflation has risen sharply, with higher household utility bills driving the largest increase since October 2022. This month’s data release is also the first since higher minimum wages and national insurance contributions came into effect, putting pressure on employers’ labour costs.

The social restrictions and disrupted educational experiences resulting from Covid-19 have had a negative impact on many young people’s mental health. The damage to wellbeing has been more persistent in certain groups, particularly among girls and those who identify as non-binary.

Freshwater is essential for human life and economic activity. But rising demand and reduced supply threatens access to water for billions of people. Rethinking pricing and investing in efficiency are essential for policy-makers to address this global challenge.

On 3 May, Australia’s voters choose their next government. Both the incumbent Labor Party and the Liberal-National Coalition are campaigning on promises to tackle the cost of living and issues around energy, housing and immigration. But the dominant theme is how to respond to the Trump trade war.

The UK labour market continues to send out mixed signals. The unemployment rate remains stable and there has been sustained wage growth across the economy. But vacancies are falling steadily, having recently slipped below pre-pandemic levels.

The fashion industry has changed dramatically over the past century, transformed from a collection of small Parisian boutiques into a multi-billion dollar international network of e-commerce giants. But today’s widespread availability of cheap garments comes with heavy human and environmental costs.