UK Economy Grows 0.3% in March as Q1 GDP Hits 0.6% Despite Iran War

13 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 14

Britain’s economy expanded 0.3% in March, beating forecasts for a contraction, while first-quarter GDP rose 0.6%, led by retail, construction and services.
Retail fuel stockpiling, stronger car sales and rentals, and broader front-loading by firms and households helped offset the first hit from the Iran war and higher energy prices.
ONS revisions trimmed February growth to 0.4% from 0.5% and January to flat from 0.1%, suggesting the quarter was slightly less strong than earlier estimates.
Rachel Reeves said she would announce more support for families and businesses next week, while opposition finance spokesman Mel Stride argued Labour leadership turmoil was unsettling markets.
Economists at KPMG and Capital Economics expect the war’s impact to bite harder in Q2 as higher petrol, energy and food costs squeeze household incomes, with some warning of a mild recession.

As households face soaring bills, which corporations are reaping massive profits from the ongoing Middle East conflict?

Beyond fuel prices, how is Iran's unseen hybrid warfare already threatening European security and daily life?

Is the Iran war unintentionally triggering a global green energy revolution faster than any climate policy could?