Aug 13: 0.3% UK growth prediction; Temps of 38C expected; VW ID.3 Neo from £33k

UK economy ‘may grow by only 0.3% next year if Middle East disruption goes on’ The UK economy will barely grow next year if disruption to the Strait of Hormuz linked to the Iran war continues until the end of 2026, Treasury officials have briefed the prime minister. Internal modelling from the Treasury suggests UK GDP could see growth as low as 0.3% in 2027, government sources have said. It comes amid a backdrop of modest growth in the UK economy, although the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is expected to reveal on Thursday that UK GDP saw no growth in June. Andy Burnham has announced plans to support high street businesses with further business rates relief at the upcoming budget, building on the 20% rates relief for pubs, clubs, and venues. The new measures aim to ease the cost-of-living pressures on these businesses. Volkswagen has launched the new ID.3 Neo in the UK, starting at £33,080 before the government’s £1,500 Electric Car Grant, reducing the entry price to £31,580. The refreshed electric hatchback features redesigned styling, a revamped interior, and Volkswagen’s latest infotainment system. Three battery options are available, offering up to 390 miles of WLTP range and rapid charging at up to 183kW. Stock markets in London showed mixed performance on Wednesday, with the FTSE 100 closing down slightly, the FTSE 250 nearly unchanged, and the AIM All-Share rising modestly. The pound traded at 1.3507 dollars, down slightly from the previous day. British stargazers experienced an astronomical event with a solar eclipse and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, with over 90% of the Sun obscured by the Moon. The UK could see its hottest day of the year as parts of England may hit 38°C during the fifth heatwave of the summer. Amber extreme heat warnings were issued by the Met Office for London and several regions from 9am to midnight on Thursday. Fish Brothers, a car dealer group, reported a small dip in profits despite a rise in new and used vehicle sales in 2025. Jaguar has revealed the interior of its upcoming electric Type 01 saloon car. A car dealer was jailed after stealing three Mercedes cars and £42,000 from a former friend and fleeing to Cyprus. Meanwhile, water boards in the south of England could face bans on cleaning vehicles due to a drought order. Greenhous Group has appointed Matthew Jones to its board after 14 years with the dealer group. A motor trade manager achieved a record-breaking 411-yard hole-in-one.