By: Maurício Alencar

Politics and Economics Reporter Maurício Alencar is City AM’s Economics and City Reporter. He covers UK economics data ranging from inflation to immigration, as well as the Bank of England, the Treasury, business surveys, and all stories important or interesting to the City of London. He used to cover foreign news and sports at various publications – plus investigations, which he plans to continue to pursue.

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Fuel duty rise ‘under review’ as Iran war response sparks tensions

March 11, 2026

Sir Keir Starmer has said a rise in fuel scheduled for September is “under review” hours after Rachel Reeves hinted an energy support package could be drawn up. Starmer said fuel duty would remain frozen until September and the policy would be kept “under review in light of what’s happening in Iran” when he was [...]
Reeves hints at ‘scope’ for energy package amid inflation rout fears

March 11, 2026

Rachel Reeves has indicated that the government can afford to provide a heavy subsidy package protecting Brits from soaring energy prices. Appearing before the Treasury Committee on Wednesday, the Chancellor warned the war in Iran was “certainly not good” for the UK economy but suggested that the government was prepared to respond to the crisis [...]
Global energy body to release 400m oil barrels in emergency boost

March 11, 2026

The global energy body has announced it will release a record 400 million barrels from emergency oil reserves in a bid to contain spiking prices. The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) executive director Faith Birol said on Wednesday the market “challenges we are facing are unprecedented in scale”. “IEA member countries have responded with an emergency [...]
FTSE 100 Live: Iran war ‘certainly not good’ for UK economy, says Rachel Reeves

March 11, 2026

Welcome back to the City AM liveblog for continued coverage of a frenzied week in global markets. The Chancellor has told the Treasury select committee that the ongoing fallout from the Middle east is “certainly not good for the British economy”. Following the “most intense” day of fighting in the region – and just a [...]
UK economic rebound to be short-lived as Iran war shock looms

March 11, 2026

The UK economy is predicted to have seen modest growth at the start of the year while the labour market appeared to be easing and interest rates were very much on a downward path. Forecasters agreed the outlook for the UK economy looked reasonably promising, if not exciting. That was until President Trump spoiled the [...]
OBR warns inflation could exceed three per cent if Iran crisis continues

March 10, 2026

Inflation is set to jump back up above three per cent if the rise in oil prices is sustained, a government watchdog has warned, amid fears the energy crisis in the Middle East could drag on. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)’s David Miles said the current rise in oil and gas prices would add [...]
UK growth downgraded as firms measure hit from Iran turmoil

March 9, 2026

The UK economy will suffer from sluggish growth this year, a leading industry body has warned, with further tax rises on the horizon remaining as a “risk”. Business chiefs have warned that the services sector is set to keep the UK economy afloat this year, with contractions expected to come across construction and manufacturing. The [...]
Reeves warns oil price shock to fuel higher inflation for Brits

March 9, 2026

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has warned that a recent spike in oil prices will translate into higher inflation in the UK, with her economic approach centring on calls for the US, Israel and Iran to de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East. In a statement to MPs, Reeves said she called on G7 finance minister, which [...]
Iran war wipes £4.5 trillion from global stock markets

March 9, 2026

The war in the Middle East has knocked £4.5 trillion off the value of global stocks since its start, as the financial impact continues to cause shockwaves around the world. The value of listed businesses has nosedived since the start of the US and Israeli campaign from $157.5 trillion (£117.6 trillion) to $151.5 trillion (£113.1 [...]
Will the Bank of England raise interest rates amid Iran war energy crisis?

March 9, 2026

Traders are betting on interest rate hikes this year as Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer have consulted analysts at the Bank of England to monitor the impact of spiralling oil prices on the UK economy. Investors believe interest rates are more likely to rise than fall by the end of the year, with a [...]

Virgin Atlantic ends British Airways grip on Team GB partnership

Virgin Atlantic ends British Airways grip on Team GB partnership

Electra/Persona at the National Theatre review: A dull mash-up of Sophocles and Bergman

By: Maurício Alencar

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