𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Rachel Reeves’s handling of the economy has received another damning blow as new inflation figures showed prices rose in December despite efforts to bring them down for hard-working Britons. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the Consumer Price Index, the main measure of inflation, rose from 3.2% to 3.4% in the final month of 2025, driven by hikes in tobacco duties and air fares.

In worse news for households, the core measure of inflation – which excludes food and energy bills – remained stubbornly at 3.2% and failed to come down. Food costs were also on the up. ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner pointed to basic food cupboard staples like bread and cereals as an “upward driver” of inflation.

Reacting to the news, the Tories’ Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride blasted: “Inflation is rising because of Labour’s economic mismanagement – pushing up the cost of living and punishing the most vulnerable.

“Because Labour made the wrong choices, their Budget is unravelling day by day. A record-high tax burden and irresponsible borrowing are stifling growth and fuelling inflation – leaving working people worse off.

“With every negative metric, Labour demonstrate they do not have a plan. Only the Conservatives have a leader with a backbone, a strong team, and a clear plan to tackle the cost of living and build a stronger economy.”

THIS IS BREAKING NEWS. MORE TO COME…