The Government is facing fierce criticism from campaigners after celebrating the state of the economy.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that GDP grew by 0.6% between January and March 2024 after two quarters of decline meaning the UK was officially in recession.
While the Government is presenting the increase as a victory, Labour have been quick to point out that the economy is still far smaller than when Sunak became Prime Minister, something which is unlikely to change as forecasters expect the UK to grow slowly this year as high interest rates and inflation continue to take their toll on disposable incomes.
Campaigners have further criticised the government for their jubilant tone as living standards have only fallen since the Tories took power in 2010. Recent analysis suggests that mortgage payments of about 800,000 homeowners will jump by more than £200 a month between now and a likely November election.
Cal Roscow, Director of Campaigns at Best for Britain said,
“It’s obscene that the Government is congratulating themselves for this small uptick after 14 years of stagnation, interrupted only by the economic vandalism of Brexit, mismanagement of the pandemic and Liz Truss.
“The plan isn’t working, with productivity, per capita GDP, and living standards all stalled or in reverse, it is clear we need a new government and our polling shows that the public want an election now.”
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