S&P said UK manufacturing’s rapid expansion may be temporary after the final May
PMI rose to 53.9 from 53.7, a four-year high. S&P said much of the upswing
reflects firms front‑loading purchases to hedge expected price rises and
delivery delays tied to the Middle East/Iran conflict, creating a marked
divergence from the broader economy. Domestic uncertainty, including a continued
challenge to Prime Minister Starmer’s leadership, could begin to weigh on
consumer spending and corporate decisions.