UEFA insists this week’s Champions League quarter-final ties will go ahead as scheduled amid an Islamic State terror threat.
20.03.2024 - 13:31 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Inflation in the UK has dropped to the lowest level in more than two years, official figures show. The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that February's Consumer Prices Index inflation stood at 3.4 percent - down from 4 percent in January.
Figures fell by 'more than expected' with most economists predicting inflation to stand at 3.5 percent last month. The inflation figure is now edging much closer towards the government’s two per cent target in a positive move for the economy.
The data comes ahead of the latest interest rate decision which is set to be announced by the Bank of England on Thursday (March 21). It is expected that the Monetary Policy Committee will hold the base rate at 5.25 per cent this time around, but the positive inflation news may encourage the Bank to cut rates later this year.
READ MORE: 'I transformed my house for £93 with Aldi's new homeware range'
Interest rates have a direct affect on mortgages and determine how much your monthly payments may be. For those on a fixed rate mortgage, the rate will often be determined based on the Bank of England's base rate, and anyone who is on a variable rate deal will likely see their mortgage costs fluctuate directly in line with interest rates.
Ahead of the next MPC meeting, property experts have weighed in on how the drop in inflation could impact homeowners and first-time buyers.
Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at Bestinvest by Evelyn Partners, says the latest inflation data is 'positive news for mortgage holders and prospective buyers' pinning their hopes on interest rate cuts.
Alice said: "While rate cuts won’t happen just yet, the fact that inflation is easing down, rather than heading in the opposite
UEFA insists this week’s Champions League quarter-final ties will go ahead as scheduled amid an Islamic State terror threat.
Just days before its debut, Fallout looks to be assured a second season thanks to a $25 million tax credit from California.
It could be a big year for Prince Archie, the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as he celebrates his fifth birthday with numerous events on the cards. Since stepping down from their royal duties in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have kept their family life away from the spotlight and have only occasionally shared details of their firstborn child, Archie, four and daughter Lilibet, two. Royal fans were delighted when Harry openly spoke about Archie during an appearance on James Corden's The Late Late Show in 2021.
Since moving to the US back in 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been raising their young family and have been busy working on their own projects, including Prince Harry’s memoir Spare and Meghan’s brand American Riviera Orchard.The pair have also released a Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, which gave fans a rare peek inside their family life together as the pair shared a series of personal photos. One such photo showed the Duchess of Sussex, 42, giving her son Prince Archie a loving kiss.The throwback picture showed the former Suits star planting a sweet kiss on baby Archie while they were spending time together in the nursery at Frogmore Cottage. Prince Harry made sure to capture this precious moment on camera, with Meghan looking stunning in a white dress with a blue paisley pattern.
Prince Harry is reported to be planning a return to the UK next month after the shock double cancer news affecting the Royal Family. The Duke of Sussex is heading back to his homeland for a service celebrating ten years of the Invictus Games, and it's been reported he hopes to meet with his brother Prince William while he's here following the announcements that both his father King Charles and sister-in-law Kate Middleton are both undergoing treatment.
Ahead of King Charles' Coronation last year, there was much speculation about whether or not Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would be among the 2,200 attendees at the Westminster Abbey event. For months leading up to the coronation, royal experts, sources and even Oprah Winfrey publicly debated whether we'd see the Duke and Duchess of Sussex take their seat with the rest of the royals at the momentous occasion.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have asked Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to bring their kids to the UK for a visit, according to a Royal expert. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's relationship with the Royal Family has been tense in recent years, but Royal author Tom Quinn suggests that William and Kate are trying to mend things.
Married At First Sight UK's Mel Schilling says she's feeling hopeful while she continues her treatment for cancer.The relationship expert on the hit Channel 4 show revealed she is "feeling positive and confident about the future" as she goes through chemotherapy. In December 2023, the 52-year-old Australian native had surgery in a London hospital to take out a tumour after being given a diagnosis of colon cancer.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have reportedly asked Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to bring their children for a visit in an attempt to build bridges, according to royal expert Tom Quinn.
Diane Youdale Gilbert, who was known as 'Jet' on Gladiators over three decades ago remains a favourite among fans of the original show. Diane, who is now 54, took part in four series of the ITV programme from 1992 to 1995.
Despite a huge £238 fall in the energy price cap at the start of April, millions of households will remain in debt or abject fuel poverty, according to Ofgem data. Poverty charity National Energy Action has said the ongoing energy crisis 'cannot be the new normal'.
were catnip for the Russian disinformation campaign known as Doppelgänger.According to British security experts, this “Russia-based influence operation network” attempted to sow discord about the Princess of Wales' “” ahead of her on March 22. Based on a new report, researchers at the Security, Crime, and Intelligence Innovation Institute at Cardiff University claim at least 45 accounts posting about Middleton on X.com contained Dopplegänger “hallmarks,” including pro-Russia and anti-Ukraine content on their feeds.Still, institute director Martin Innes says it's unlikely that Russian interlopers sparked the speculation about Middleton's health and whereabouts.
Prince Harry and Prince William could reunite for a mutual wedding this summer as they've both reportedly received invites to the Duke of Westminster's big day in June. Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster is set to marry gourmet food company boss, Olivia Henson this summer.The wedding will be held at Chester Cathedral and attended by much of the British aristocracy.
Prince Harry is planning to visit the UK in May and during his trip, he will try to meet Prince William, a royal expert has revealed.
Clayton Davis Senior Awards Editor Netflix‘s romantic drama “One Day” is set to contend at the Primetime Emmys in the limited or anthology series categories, Variety has confirmed. Speculation had mounted over whether “One Day,” set in the U.K., would vie for the International Emmys, especially considering other Netflix shows like “Sex Education” have competed there and found success. Yet, Netflix and the team behind the show have opted to place it in the intensely competitive limited or anthology series categories, alongside streaming counterparts “Griselda,” starring Sofia Vergara and “Ripley,” featuring Andrew Scott.
Will & Grace star Eric McCormack has defended straight actors playing LGBTQ+ roles.McCormack, who is best known for playing Will Truman on NBC sitcom Will & Grace, spoke recently about his casting as a gay character, and how straight actors should still be able to play LGBTQ+ roles.Speaking on Good Morning Britain earlier this week, the actor said: “There’s no part I’ve ever played where I wasn’t playing something I’m not. It’s part of the gig.
The royal family has lost all their credibility!
Stars including Sarah Jessica Parker, Sarah Snook, Andrew Scott and David Tennant will compete for Olivier Awards at the UK’s most prestigious theater ceremony next month.
Humza Yousaf’s skint Government is spending £200,000 on psychological tests for senior civil servants.
Meghan Markle has reportedly hired a UK-based PR person, sparking questions like "Why now? " This is the first time Prince Harry and Meghan have had a UK-based employee since they left the UK in 2020, according to Pandora Forsyth who recently appeared on GB News. Forsyth finds the timing curious, asking, "Why now? Why the business change? " Anne Diamond, the host of GB News, suggests that the new PR hire might be planning to recommend that the Sussexes spend more time in the UK as a way to win over the public.