The
rate of UK inflation rose sharply in June, pushed up by higher clothing,
footwear, food and non-alcoholic drinks prices, official figures show.
The
Consumer Prices Index rose to 1.9%, up from 1.5% in May, according to the
Office for National Statistics.
Women's
clothing prices contributed heavily to the rise.
Air
fares and furniture prices also pushed the inflation rate up, the ONS said.
The
rate is now close to the Bank of England's 2% target. It has remained below the
target for seven consecutive months.
The
pound jumped against the dollar following the inflation figures, climbing as
high as
