Food Prices Fall for First Time in Over Two Years
In a shock twist, supermarket price wars have sparked the first monthly drop in food costs in more than two years, reveals the British Retail Consortium (BRC). September saw food prices slip by 0.1%, breaking a long streak of rises.
Dairy, margarine, fish, and vegetables—mostly own-brand items—were the biggest winners in this price plunge. While grocery inflation remains stubbornly high at 9.9% for the year to September, it’s eased down from August’s peak of 11.5%.
Overall shop price inflation, covering non-food goods too, slowed to 6.2% last month—the lowest for 12 months—thanks to clever pricing and well-timed discounts.
The BRC also pointed out some household relief with price cuts on school uniforms and back-to-school basics, easing the financial strain on families.
Burger King Bucks Exit Trend, Stays Put in Russia
Despite pledging to quit Russia over a year ago, Burger King is still open for business there, raising eyebrows and anger among critics. Restaurant Brands International (RBI), Burger King’s owner, holds a 15% stake in the Russian market but has given no fresh updates on its exit plans.
With around 800 Russian outlets run through a complicated joint venture, RBI says tangled franchise agreements are blocking a clean break. Critics slam the move as propping up Putin’s regime amid growing Western pressure for companies to pull out.
PM Sunak Dithers on HS2 Northern Leg Decision
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is stalling on a major verdict over HS2’s northern extension, keeping businesses and local leaders on edge. The HS2 rail line’s second phase targets Manchester—hosting this year’s Tory conference—where calls for clarity have grown louder.
Sunak insists he won’t rush and is focused on making the “right decision” given the eye-watering billions of taxpayers’ cash involved. With the future of the high-speed railway hanging in the balance, the government’s pause leaves the fate of HS2 very much up in the air.
