London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Tuesday, Apr 07, 2026

'Significant' interest rate rise to come, Bank of England chief economist suggests

'Significant' interest rate rise to come, Bank of England chief economist suggests

The Bank asserted yesterday that it is happy to push the brake on the economy by raising interest rates while the government presses the accelerator by cutting taxes.

The Bank of England's chief economist has said the government's mini-budget, which led to the pound falling to a record low against the dollar, will require "a significant monetary policy response".

Speaking at the International Monetary Policy Forum, Huw Pill reasserted the Bank of England's willingness to act to rein in inflation.

"I think it's hard not to draw the conclusion that all this will require a significant monetary policy response. Let me leave it there," the member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which sets interest rates, said.

There will be "challenging times" to bring inflation back to the regulator's 2% target, Mr Pill said. But he vowed to stick to that target: "Let me assure you, the MPC has a very good understanding of its mandate to maintain price stability and its remit to return inflation to the 2% target."

Recent market conditions have created "additional challenges", he added.

The government's mini-budget last Friday will act as a stimulus to the economy, he said.

Mr Pill described Monday's announcement from the Treasury, which committed to a further, costed fiscal announcement in November with the oversight of the Office of Budget Responsibility and a spring budget, as "helpful".

The pound rose 0.85% to $1.07 in response to the announcement.

Mr Pill has been the Bank's chief economist since last September and has consistently voted in line with Andrew Bailey, the governor, and the MPC as a whole on their interest rate decisions.

The Bank asserted yesterday that it is happy to push the brake on the economy by raising interest rates while the government presses the accelerator by cutting taxes.

The conflicting government and currency policies have attracted comment from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

A spokesperson for the international financial institution said on Tuesday it is important that fiscal policy does not work at cross purposes to monetary policy.

The fiscal measures adopted, following the mini-budget, will likely increase inequality, the spokesperson said.

"Given elevated inflation pressures in many countries, including the UK, we do not recommend large and untargeted fiscal packages at this juncture," they added.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
King Charles Faces Criticism From Some UK Christians Over Absence of Easter Message
Former UK Defence Secretary Raises Concerns Over Ability to Counter Iran Missile Threat
UK Signals Non-Involvement in Iran Conflict as Trump Reasserts Firm Deterrence Stance
US and UK Strengthen Medical Device Cooperation Following Tariff Removal
Trump Backs Steve Hilton for California Governor, Highlighting Reform Agenda
UK Seeks Closer Ties With Anthropic as AI Policy Divergence Emerges Across Atlantic
Experts Warn of Evolving Extremism After Teens Arrested in UK Ambulance Arson Case
UK Convenes Talks to Safeguard Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz After Conflict Escalation
Trump Highlights Strong Leadership in Critique of UK Stance on Iran
UK Authorities Review Kanye West’s Entry Status Following Festival Backlash
UK Considers Deploying Aircraft Carrier for US Independence Day Celebrations Amid Renewed Transatlantic Focus
United Kingdom Moves to Attract AI Firm Anthropic Amid Tensions with US Defense Officials
RAF Intercepts Iranian Drones in Middle East to Defend Allied Security Interests
Labour Signals Shift on Foie Gras and Fur Restrictions to Advance EU Trade Talks
Seven Arrested Near RAF Base as UK Authorities Respond to Protest Activity
Economic Pressures Mount as Analysts Warn UK Growth Is Being Constrained by Policy Burdens
UK Green Party’s Push for Church-State Separation Sparks Debate Over National Identity
Strategic Island Emerges as Growing Challenge for United States and United Kingdom Defense Planning
Pepsi Pulls Sponsorship from UK Festival Following Backlash Linked to Kanye West
Signs Emerge of Declining Enthusiasm for Social Media in the United Kingdom
Security Alert Raised Ahead of Meghan Markle’s Planned Visit to Australia
UK Food Halls Defy Hospitality Slowdown, Emerging as Bright Spot in Challenging Market
UK Sets Firm Conditions for Military Action, Insisting on Legal Mandate and Clear Strategy
UK Medicines Regulator Launches Probe into Peptide Clinics Over Health Claims
New North Sea Drilling Unlikely to Significantly Cut UK Gas Imports, Analysis Finds
Woman Linked to UK’s First All-Female Terror Plot Faces Deportation
Downed US Aircraft Over Iran Linked to Operations from UK Airfield
Two Men and Teen Detained in UK Following Attack on Jewish Charity Ambulance
UK Police Launch Inquiry After Firearms Left Unattended Outside Mayor’s Residence
Giuffre Family Calls on King Charles to Meet Epstein Survivors During US Visit
Amber Wind Warning Issued as Storm Dave Approaches Parts of the United Kingdom
Prince Harry and Meghan’s Australia Visit Set to Draw Heightened Global Attention
UK Considers Entry Fees for Overseas Visitors at Major Museums Ahead of 2026 Travel Season
UK Prime Minister and Kuwait Crown Prince Coordinate Security Response After Regional Escalation
Calls Grow to Expand Fully Paid Maternity Leave for UK Teachers Amid Workforce Pressures
UK Secures Tariff-Free Access to US Market in Landmark Pharmaceuticals Agreement
Trump Projects Strength in Critique of UK Leadership and Naval Readiness
UK FinTech Setback as VibePay and Smartlayer Cease Operations Amid Funding Pressures
UK Leads Global Coalition of Over Forty Nations to Address Strait of Hormuz Crisis
UK Firms Urged to Accelerate Preparation as New Sustainability Reporting Rules Take Shape
UK Moves Rapid Sentry Air Defence System to Kuwait After Drone Strike Escalation
Transatlantic Relations Tested as UK Seeks Balance While Trump Reshapes Strategic Approach
Trump’s Strategic Pressure on UK Seen as Push for Stronger Alignment and Fairer Terms
UK Focuses on Trade Finance to Secure Critical Materials for Defence and Energy Sectors
Majority of UK Businesses Hit by Middle East Conflict While Confidence Holds Firm
UK Royal Navy Faces Renewed Scrutiny as Debate Intensifies Over Capability and Readiness
Reform UK Faces Mounting Distractions as Policy Agenda Struggles to Gain Traction
Investigation Launched Into Northern Cyprus IVF Clinics After UK Families Receive Incorrect Sperm
International Meeting Issues Unified Call to Safeguard Navigation Through Strait of Hormuz
Potential Strait of Hormuz Closure Raises Concerns Over UK Food and Medicine Supply Chains
×