UK economy grew slightly and avoided recession, revised official figures confirm

Published

2 years ago

March 31, 2023

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Revised figures have confirmed that the UK economy avoided recession in the second half of last year, posting 0.1% growth in the fourth quarter.

The original estimate for gross domestic product (GDP) between October and November, released in mid-February, had shown zero growth.

A recession is generally defined in the UK as two consecutive quarters of declining GDP, and the economy had already contracted 0.2% in the third quarter.

Darren Morgan, director of economic statistics at the Office for National Statistics, said: “The economy performed a little more strongly in the latter half of last year than previously estimated, with later data showing telecommunications, construction and manufacturing all faring better than initially thought in the latest quarter.

“Households saved more in the last quarter, with their finances boosted by the government’s energy bill support scheme.

“Meanwhile, the UK’s balance of payments deficit with the rest of the world narrowed, driven by increased foreign earnings by UK companies, particularly in the energy sector.”

The dominant services sector grew by 0.1%, boosted by a jump in nearly 11% for travel agents.

Manufacturing was up by 0.5%, driven by the pharmaceutical sector, and construction grew 1.3%.

‘We still think the economy will slip into a recession this year’

The cost of living crisis has taken a heavy toll on consumer spending in recent months, with inflation remaining in double digits.

Updated predictions last week from the Bank of England, which had forecast that the economy entered recession in the second half of last year, ruled out the likelihood of a recession in 2023.

Ruth Gregory at Capital Economics said the upward revisions to the GDP figures for the third and fourth quarters showed that high inflation took a slightly smaller toll on the economy than previously thought.

“But with around two-thirds of the drag on real activity from higher rates yet to be felt, we still think the economy will slip into a recession this year,” she said.

‘Underlying resilience’

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt told reporters that the revised GDP figure showed there is “underlying resilience” in the UK economy.

Mr Hunt acknowledged, however, that many people across the country are “facing real pressure”, with inflation remaining above 10%.

He said: “That’s why we will continue to take the difficult decisions necessary to bring down inflation caused by what’s happened in Ukraine.

“That is the way we will get back to healthy growth and relieve the pressure on families.”

UK

Two-phase public inquiry into Southport murders formally launched

Published

2 hours ago

April 7, 2025

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Two-phase public inquiry into Southport murders formally launched

A two-phase statutory public inquiry into the Southport murders has been formally launched.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the first phase would look at the circumstances around Axel Rudakubana’s attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last summer.

It will focus on issues around policing, the criminal justice system and the multiple agencies involved with the attacker who killed three girls – seven-year-old Elsie Stancombe, six-year-old Bebe King and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine.

It follows the revelation Rudakubana had been referred to the government’s Prevent scheme on three occasions, with the cases being closed each time.

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Police officer in van that followed teens before Cardiff e-bike crash won’t face charges

Published

3 hours ago

April 7, 2025

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Police officer in van that followed teens before Cardiff e-bike crash won't face charges

A police officer who was driving a van that followed two teenagers shortly before they died in an e-bike crash will not be prosecuted.

The deaths of Harvey Evans, 15, and Kyrees Sullivan, 16, sparked riots in the Ely area of Cardiff in May 2023.

The officer was facing a dangerous driving allegation but prosecutors decided there was not enough evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.

A Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) statement said: “We fully understand that this will be disappointing news for the families of both boys and will offer a meeting with them to explain our reasoning further.”

Rumours on social media that the teenagers were being pursued by police were initially denied.

South Wales Police said none of its vehicles were in Snowden Road at the time of the crash.

But police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) later confirmed it was investigating after video appeared to show them being followed by a van – without blue lights or a siren – minutes before the incident.

Other footage, however, showed the van turn off and it wasn’t following the boys at the time of the collision.

A key factor under consideration was whether there was any point at which the actions of the officers in the van “constituted a pursuit”.

The driver and passenger of the marked police van were previously issued with gross misconduct notices.

A second investigation was also opened by the IOPC into issues including police management of the crash scene and treatment of the families.

A riot of several hours broke out after the boys’ deaths, with cars set alight and fireworks and other missiles thrown at police.

Eleven officers needed hospital treatment and 31 people were eventually charged.

The decision not to charge the police officer driving the van can be challenged under the victims’ right of review scheme.

UK

Keiron Charles: Teenagers charged with murder after boy, 17, stabbed to death

Published

4 hours ago

April 7, 2025

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Keiron Charles: Teenagers charged with murder after boy, 17, stabbed to death

Two teenagers have been charged with murder after a 17-year-old boy was stabbed to death in west London on Saturday, police have said.

The suspects have not been named because they are both 16, the Metropolitan Police said.

Keiron Charles, 17, from East Acton, died in Erconwald Street, Shepherd’s Bush, after police were called at 1.10pm on Saturday.

Met officers and London Ambulance Service crews attended the scene near the junction with Du Cane Road and Old Oak Common Lane.

Paramedics tried to save the teenager, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, who is leading the investigation, called it “an awful incident in which a teenager has lost his life”.

“The thoughts of everyone in the Met remain with Keiron’s family and loved ones as they begin to come to terms with their tragic loss,” the officer added.

The suspects are due to appear at Highbury Corner Youth Court on Monday.