UK Inflation Hits 3.3%

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal that consumer price inflation jumped from 3.0% in February to 3.3% in March.

The increase is largely attributed to soaring costs at the petrol pump, as global energy supplies remain disrupted by the maritime standoff in the Gulf.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned that while the conflict is not Britain's war, it is directly pushing up bills for families and businesses.

The rising figures have led economists to predict that the Bank of England will likely delay any planned interest rate cuts.