BBC Breakfast presenter Sarah Campbell interrupted Thursday’s (January 16) show to deliver some urgent “breaking news”.
In the latest episode of the popular morning programme, Sarah and her co-host Roger Johnson announced that the UK economy had grown by only 0.1 percent in November – marking the first growth in three months.
“In the last few minutes, we’ve had an official update on how the UK economy is performing,” Sarah disclosed before passing over to her colleague Ben Boulos.
“It’s the thinnest of margins, and it’s below expectations,” Ben clarified as a breaking news banner appeared on the screen.
He went on to detail that while sectors like construction and services saw growth, areas such as production fell. Pubs, restaurants, and IT services were highlighted as particularly strong performers.
Ben Boulos shared that the UK economy had only grown by a mere 0.1 percent in November 2024
(Image: BBC)
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Ben pointed out that these figures were an “estimate” and could be subject to future revisions. This follows a slight contraction in the economy in September and October 2024.
Despite a monthly increase in GDP, there was no growth in the three months to November compared to the three months to August.
“This GDP figure, a growth of 0.1 percent in November, comes at a sensitive time as the lack of economic growth in the latter half of last year is partly why investors have been less confident about lending to the government,” Ben concluded, reports Lancs Live.
The presenter highlighted concerns among businesses regarding the increase in national insurance and the minimum wage, suggesting these factors may contribute to the slowdown in economic growth.
In response to the figures, chancellor Rachel Reeves pledged to “fight every day to deliver”
(Image: BBC)
Chancellor Rachel Reeves responded to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics by promising to “fight every day to deliver.”
She said: “I am determined to go further and faster to kickstart economic growth, which is the number one priority in our Plan for Change”.
Reeves outlined her approach: “That means generating investment, driving reform and a relentless commitment to root out waste in public spending, and today I will be pressing regulators on what more they can do to deliver growth.”
She emphasised the government’s focus on economic expansion, stating: “After 14 years of economic stagnation, this government’s number one mission is to grow our economy. I will fight everyday to deliver that growth and put more money into working people’s pockets.”
BBC Breakfast airs daily at 6am on BBC One.