The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted to keep the UK's key interest rate at 3.75%. The decision, made against a backdrop of rising inflation fears linked to the Iran war, was not unanimous.
A majority of six members voted to maintain the rate, while three members opted for an increase of 0.25 percentage points, which would have brought the rate to 4%. Those who voted for a rise included the Bank's chief economist, Huw Pill, and external policymakers Megan Greene and Catherine L Mann.
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey noted that the short-run path of inflation is uncertain due to volatile energy prices stemming from the Middle East conflict. He stated that risks to energy prices lie to the upside, citing the possibility of repeated conflict resumptions, lower European gas stock levels, and a fall in global refining output.
The decision comes as the rekindling of the Iran war and escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran have pushed oil prices above $90 a barrel this week, fueling renewed inflationary pressures globally. Financial markets had largely anticipated the Bank of England would hold borrowing costs steady.
Official figures show UK inflation fell to 2.6% in June, down from a peak of 3.8% last year. However, the rate was on track to fall closer to 2% before the outbreak of the Iran war.