Tesco reports that its UK sales growth slows in the first quarter, attributing weaker momentum to uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict. In the three months to the end of May, the retailer says comparable UK sales rise 1.8%, down from 4.2% in the previous quarter, a figure that several outlets describe as better than analysts had expected. Financial Times and other reports also note Tesco maintains a cautious outlook and that it continues to gain market share. Other figures cited across coverage include total sales increasing by 1% to £16.8 billion over the 13 weeks to May 30. The Independent adds that Tesco says shopper sentiment is affected by the war-linked uncertainty, but that it does not see prices being materially affected. Retail Gazette and The Guardian both highlight Tesco’s reference to “ongoing uncertainty for many households,” which weighs on purchasing behaviour. Overall coverage portrays Tesco’s performance as slower than the prior quarter but not broadly collapsing, with online sales strength mentioned by The Guardian as part of support for results.