Rachel Reeves’s dealing with of the financial system has obtained one other damning blow as new inflation figures confirmed costs rose in December regardless of efforts to carry them down for hard-working Britons. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the Consumer Price Index, the primary measure of inflation, rose from 3.2% to three.4% within the last month of 2025, pushed by hikes in tobacco duties and air fares.
In worse information for households, the core measure of inflation – which excludes meals and vitality payments – remained stubbornly at 3.2% and failed to return down. Food prices have been additionally on the up. ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner pointed to primary meals cabinet staples like bread and cereals as an “upward driver” of inflation.
Reacting to the information, the Tories’ Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride blasted: “Inflation is rising due to Labour’s financial mismanagement – pushing up the price of dwelling and punishing probably the most weak.
“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…
https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2160536/rachel-reeves-inflation-nightmare-January