Good morning, Europe. Wednesday starts with a sharper rise in UK shop prices and a quick cold-weather fire-safety check.
Reuters morning read: British shop prices were 2.1% higher in October than a year earlier, the fastest rise since February 2024 and up from 1.4% in September, according to the British Retail Consortium. The trade body said retailers are finding it harder to absorb transport, energy, employment and packaging costs as the government prepares to present its budget.
Read more: Reuters: UK retail body warns price rises are gathering pace
Useful this morning: Before colder nights make heaters, fires and electric blankets part of the routine, give them a safety check. UK government guidance says to keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture, never use them to dry clothes, and unplug them when leaving or going to bed. Keep chimneys and flues maintained, fit a carbon-monoxide alarm in rooms with fuel-burning appliances, and stop using an electric blanket that shows wear or damage.
Read more: GOV.UK: Fire safety in the winter
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