UK Finance Minister warns of "dangerous cocktail" of threats over economy

UK Finance Minister George Osborne

The UK faces a “dangerous cocktail” of threats in its economy this year, as global oil prices slump and growth in China slows down. That’s according to Finance Minister George Osborne, who is warning that the country must not be complacent after two years of steady growth. He added that while a big drop in oil prices was good for most British consumers and businesses, it would hurt oil and gas output and investors who had lent to the sector. Tensions in the Middle East are also a worry.

More from Business

  • 16% growth in new economic licences in Abu Dhabi during 2024

    The Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA), which develops and regulates the business sector, on Monday revealed significant growth in business licences and compliance indicators in the Emirate's mainland and non-financial economic free zones during 2024.

  • DEWA updates billing on water consumption

    Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced that it will adopt the cubic metre as the standard unit for measuring water consumption starting from the March 2025 billing cycle.

  • UAE, Japan to complete CEPA by end of year

    The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, has said negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Japan will be completed before the end of 2025.

  • US judge blocks Musk's DOGE from accessing payment systems

    A federal judge temporarily blocked a Trump administration panel led by billionaire Elon Musk from accessing government systems used to process trillions of dollars in payments, citing a risk that sensitive and confidential information could be improperly disclosed.

  • Du services interrupted due to 'technical issue'

    UAE telecom operator Du confirmed a technical error led to the disruption of its services on Saturday as users were left without internet or landline services.