Rishi Sunak had promised to boost the economy, but recent figures show that growth has stagnated. The Office for National Statistics reported that there was zero growth in April, down from 0.4% in March, indicating a slow recovery from the brief recession. The particularly wet weather in April, with rainfall above average, dampened consumer spending, although spending on services did increase for the fourth consecutive month. However, declines in production and the construction industry weighed on overall growth.
The cost of living crisis and declining output in consumer services have put pressure on the general public. This news comes as the prime minister faces challenges in the polls and is striving to maintain his position. Despite Sunak’s previous statement that the economy had turned a corner in February, there seemed to be no strong economic rebound leading up to the general election on July 4.
However, there is some positive news amidst the lackluster growth. The economy experienced its fastest growth in two years from January to March, allowing the UK to exit the recession swiftly. Monthly GDP data can fluctuate greatly, and from February to April, the economy grew by 0.7%. Nevertheless, the recent ONS update quells the PM’s optimistic assertion that the UK economy is thriving, especially after the first-quarter growth of 0.6%.
Labour’s shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves criticized Sunak for claiming progress when there is no growth in the economy. She highlighted the damage caused by years of Conservative rule and outlined Labour’s plan for economic growth through stability, private sector investment, and planning system reform. Reeves accused the Tories of offering more of the same without addressing the underlying issues.