UK inflation hits eight-month high of 2.6%, fuelling calls to hold interest rates

Annual increase in November driven by rising cost of petrol and groceries and hike in tobacco duty in budget

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UK inflation has risen to its highest level in eight months, adding to pressure on the Bank of England to keep interest rates unchanged on Thursday despite a slowdown in the British economy.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show the consumer prices index (CPI) rose by 2.6% last month from 2.3% in October, driven by the rising cost of petrol, groceries and an increase in tobacco duty in the budget.