The Bank of England's decision to cut its benchmark interest rate for a second time came as a surprise to many, but the central bank has been paving the way for the move for several months now.

The central bank said future cuts would be gradual amid higher inflation forecasts after the new government introduced spending and tax increases in its budget.

LONDON, Nov 7 (Reuters) - The Bank of England cut interest rates on Thursday for only the second time since 2020 and said future reductions were likely to be gradual, seeing higher inflation and growth after the new government's first budget.