UK inflation returns to 40-year high of 10.1%

Jeremy Hunt declined to confirm that the UK government would increase pensions and benefits in line with inflation on Wednesday as the crucial September figure rose back to its 40-year high of 10.1 per cent.

The rate of CPI inflation rose from 9.9 per cent in August, driven by the highest food price increases in decades and exceeding economists’ expectations.

The new UK chancellor came under fire early on Wednesday for not pledging,…