Economic sentiment in the UK is weighed down by the impact of the war in Ukraine on energy prices as well as overall rising inflation, together with post-Brexit struggles. Recent local election results have also shaken the political landscape.

Last month, the IMF downgraded its UK growth forecast for the year to 3.7 per cent, from the 4.7 per cent it projected in January. Britain's economy had rebounded by 7.5 per cent in 2021, its strongest year of growth since the Second World War, as it recoverd from the Covid-19 pandemic.Can the country shake-off the current downbeat mood?

Chris Blackhurst, The National columnist speaks to host Mustafa Alrawi about the prospects for a rebound in sentiment.

In this episode:

• Conservatives' London wipeout does not bode well for future elections

• China sharpens the cleaver as a game is played to split HSBC

• Reform of the UK's non-dom status is a taxing subject for opposition parties