LONDON, Jan 17, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - British inflation unexpectedly accelerated in December, official data showed Wednesday, confounding expectations of a slowdown and dimming hopes of an interest rate cut.

The Consumer Prices Index rate climbed to 4.0 percent last month after slowing in November to 3.9 percent, which had been the lowest level since September 2001, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement.