The FTSE 100 edged lower on Thursday but continued to outperform major European peers, supported by gains in heavyweight energy stocks as Brent extended its rally for a fifth straight session.
Oil prices remained elevated after Iran-backed Houthi forces claimed attacks on two oil tankers in the Red Sea, reinforcing supply concerns.
Shell and BP rose around 2% and 1.5%, respectively.
RELX gained nearly 2% after reporting first-half operating profit in line with expectations, while reaffirming its full-year guidance.
BT was little changed after maintaining its annual outlook despite a slight decline in quarterly profit.
Centrica also reaffirmed guidance after posting stronger-than-expected first-half earnings.
Meanwhile, EasyJet said profit fell by 70% in its fiscal third quarter, with its outlook still dependent on fuel prices and remaining summer demand.
Markets were also pressured by weakness in AI-related stocks after Alphabet outlined higher-than-expected capital spending plans.