News in Review Wednesday 27th May 2026

Inflation eased in April, UK trade deal with Gulf partners, Fuel Duty freeze extended and unemployment rate rises.

Key takeaways:

• Latest Office for National Statistics data show inflation slowed to 2.8% in April, down from 3.3% in March
• The UK agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council is estimated to add £3.7m to the economy and remove £580m in tariffs per year
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer has now postponed the Fuel Duty increase until the end of the year