Bank of England Keeps Rates Steady

The Bank of England voted 7-2 to keep Bank Rate unchanged at 3.75% in June 2026, as policymakers weighed easing inflation against continued uncertainty from volatile global energy markets linked to Middle East tensions. Two members of the Monetary Policy Committee preferred a 0.25 percentage point hike to 4%. Officials said global energy prices have declined since the previous meeting following developments in the Middle East, but remain elevated and unstable compared with pre-conflict levels. UK CPI inflation has eased to 2.8%, though the Bank expects it could rise later this year as earlier energy increases continue to feed through. Policymakers warned that the risk of second-round effects in wages and prices increases the longer elevated energy costs persist. At the same time, the labour market is showing signs of cooling, and broader economic momentum appears to be weakening, which could help limit inflationary pressure.

The Bank of England is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged at 3.75% as policymakers take a cautious stance on whether higher energy prices linked to the Iran conflict could trigger longer-lasting inflation pressures. UK inflation has stayed above the central bank’s 2% target for most of the past five years, with the BoE previously warning it could rise above 3.5% later this year. However, inflation remained steady at 2.8% in May, unchanged from April’s 13-month low and below the BoE’s expectations. Also, markets have gained some reassurance from the possibility of a US-Iran agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reduce the risk of energy-driven price spikes. Nevertheless, policymakers remain concerned that companies could pass higher costs through the economy or that public confidence in the inflation target could weaken.

The Bank of England voted 8–1 to keep Bank Rate unchanged at 3.75% in April 2026, with one member preferring an increase to 4% and several policymakers indicating they could consider additional rate increases in the future. Policymakers highlighted that the conflict in the Middle East has created significant uncertainty for global energy prices. While monetary policy cannot directly influence them, the Committee aims to ensure any inflationary impact feeds through in a way consistent with the 2% target over the medium term, with outcomes dependent on the scale and duration of the shock and how it spreads through the economy. CPI inflation has risen to 3.3% and is expected to move higher later in the year as energy costs pass through, raising the risk of second round effects in wages and pricing. However, a loosening labour market and weaker growth may help contain inflation pressures, while tighter financial conditions since the conflict began are also expected to dampen demand.