6:50 am, December 18, 2025
Bank of England poised for Christmas interest rate cut after inflation slows
Interest rates are set to be cut before Christmas after inflation fell to an eight-month low in November, economists think.
The Bank of England is widely expected to reduce borrowing costs to 3.75% from 4% when it next announces its next decision later today.
This would bring borrowing costs down to the lowest rate since the beginning of February 2023.
More than half of second-hand car buyers not willing to pay more than £15,000 for their next car – survey
It has been revealed that 58% of second-hand UK car buyers are not willing to pay more than £15,000 for their next used vehicle.
That’s according to online used car marketplace, CarGurus UK, which conducted a survey of 1,000 UK drivers on their top priorities and areas for compromise when looking for their next car on the used market.
The survey found that 40 per cent of respondents would choose a hatchback as their preferred choice of bodystyle, while 37 per cent are in favour of medium-sized family SUVs.
Dacia launches ‘Dacia Electric Car Grant’ incentive on revised Spring EV range
Dacia has launched its own EV incentive scheme with the ‘Dacia Electric Car Grant’ for the revised Spring range.
The Romanian firm has matched the government’s Electric Car Grant, which slashes up to £3,750 off a new EV priced under £37,000.
Customers who order a new Dacia Spring can now save up to £3,750, taking the starting price down to just £12,240, making it Britain’s cheapest new EV.
Stocks rise as inflation dips and oil price rebounds
The FTSE 100 made strong headway on Wednesday, supported by a larger-than-expected cooling in inflation and a spike in the oil price.
The British stock index closed up 89.53 points, 0.9%, at 9,774.32. It had earlier traded as high as 9,853.13.
In Europe on Wednesday, the CAC 40 in Paris closed down 0.3%, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt ended 0.5% lower.
Wednesday on Car Dealer
FCA tells MPs it could adjust proposed motor finance compensation scheme after pushback
FCA chief Nikhil Rathi told MPs the watchdog may adjust its proposed motor finance compensation scheme after receiving over 1,000 responses. He urged lenders to offer alternatives, saying evidence could shape a fairer, proportionate approach before launch next year nationally.
EU scraps 2035 new petrol and diesel car ban, leaving UK out on a limb
The EU has dropped its planned 2035 ban on combustion cars, replacing it with a 90% emissions reduction target. Limited ICE sales will continue via e-fuels, hybrids and credits, following heavy lobbying from major carmakers across Europe after policy revisions.
First new Nissan Leafs rolls off Sunderland production line after £450m investment
Production of the new Nissan Leaf has started at Sunderland, backed by a £450m investment. The third-generation EV launches with 52kWh and 75kWh batteries, up to 386 miles range, £3,750 grant eligibility, and prices from £32,249 for UK customers nationwide.
Drive Motor Retail expands Leapmotor partnership as Chinese brand aims for 70 dealers
Drive Motor Retail has added Leapmotor to its Ipswich Vauxhall site, expanding the Chinese EV brand’s UK presence. The dealership will showcase T03, C10 and B10 models as Leapmotor continues rolling out through existing Stellantis partners nationwide across Britain rapidly.
Starmer faces threat of rebellion from Labour MPs over jury trial plans
Sir Keir Starmer is facing the threat of a backbench rebellion over plans to curb jury trials, as 39 MPs broke cover to urge the Prime Minister to U-turn on the plan.
Justice Secretary David Lammy announced plans to reserve jury trials only for when defendants faced serious charges such as rape and murder, and those with a likely sentence of more than three years in prison, in a bid to ease the backlog in the crown courts.
But now Karl Turner, the MP for Hull East, has written to the Prime Minister urging him to drop the plans along with 38 other Labour backbenchers.
Rob Reiner’s son charged with two counts of murder
Nick Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder after the deaths of his parents, actor and director Rob and his photographer wife, Michele.
Los Angeles district attorney Nathan Hochman said no decision had been made on whether to seek the death penalty in the case.
Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead from apparent stab wounds in their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, on Sunday.
Weather outlook…
Most of the UK will still feel unsettled today with cloudy, mild and wet weather as low-pressure systems continue to bring rain and wind.
In the south and southwest, heavy showers and strong gusts are likely, increasing flood risk. The Midlands will see drizzle and breezy conditions, while northern England and Scotland will be cooler with patchy rain and blustery winds.
Overall, it will be a damp, windy and mild late-winter day rather than cold and frosty.
