Several reports say the UK economy is likely to have stayed in a “slow lane” in the latest monthly data, with growth remaining very weak. The Independent reports that most economists expect gross domestic product (GDP) to rise only slightly in May, with forecasts around a 0.1% increase following a 0.1% decline in April. The Belfast Telegraph links the weak performance to disruption attributed to the wider impacts of the Iran war, suggesting that economic activity is being held back rather than rebounding strongly. Together, the sources present a picture of near-stagnation in the near-term outlook, with monthly movement close to zero. While the articles describe expectations rather than confirmed figures, they converge on the idea that momentum in the UK economy is limited and that external disruption tied to the Iran conflict is a contributing factor. Overall, the reporting focuses on low growth rates for the most recent months and highlights continued uncertainty over how quickly conditions will improve.