Inflationary pressure could lead to rate rise - papers 20th April

But Tony Blair has shrugged off the rise in inflation to its highest level in almost seven years, reports the Guardian. The paper says with Labour making the economy the central thrust of its campaign for a third term, the Prime Minister played down the impact of dearer air fares, more expensive food and costlier petrol. The rise in oil prices to more than $50 a barrel and the early date of Easter is believed to have contributed to a rise from 1.6% to 1.9% in the consumer prices index in March - just below the 2% target set by Gordon Brown. The Guardian claims city analysts see t...