UK economy failed to grow in January ahead of Iran war

The UK economy unexpectedly failed to grow in January, ahead of the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran.

The zero growth for the month was weaker than had been predicted, and followed growth of 0.1% in December.

The overall picture is "subdued", said the Office for National Statistics (ONS), while analysts called it a "disappointing start to the year".

The figures cover a period before the outbreak of Middle East conflict, which has caused a major energy shock that could have a ripple effect on economies around the world.

The longer the conflict lasts, the more likely it is that there will be an effect on the UK economy, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned this week.