UK watchdog slashes 2027 growth forecast as Healey unveils budget

Britain's Office for Budget Responsibility cut its 2027 growth forecast from 1.5% to 1% as Chancellor John Healey delivered his first budget, citing the Middle East war's hit to the economy. Growth for this year was nudged up to 1.2%. The watchdog warned inflation could near 4%, while Healey said debt interest costs had risen by £14bn.