The pound sterling rose 0.8% against the dollar ( GBPUSD = X ) to 1.2979 and 0.01% against the euro ( GBPEUR = X ) to 1.0955 around 9.30 a.m. on Friday in London. The pound has reached a six month high against the dollar. In some positive news, the UK saw a solid and continued recovery in consumer spending after shops were allowed to reopen in June. The pound could return to instability if tensions continue to rise between the UK and the EU, especially if the UK continues its plans to overturn elements of the Northern Ireland Withdrawal Protocol.