Grant Fitzner, Chief Economist at the UK Office for National Statistics: The inflation rate in December rose slightly, partly due to an increase in tobacco prices following the government's recent hike in related excise taxes. Airfare prices also drove up inflation, with increases exceeding the levels of the same period last year, likely related to the timing of flights during Christmas and New Year. Rising food costs, particularly the prices of bread and cereals, were also factors contributing to higher inflation.