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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2015/jul/28/business-live-uk-gdp-growth-figures-osborne-greece-live
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| Version 11 | Version 12 |
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| UK growth accelerates; Greece begins talks with creditors - as it happened | UK growth accelerates; Greece begins talks with creditors - as it happened |
| (6 months later) | |
| 2.11pm BST | |
| 14:11 | |
| PS: Don’t miss this piece on child poverty in the UK ; worth considering alongside today’s ‘encouraging’ GDP data: | PS: Don’t miss this piece on child poverty in the UK ; worth considering alongside today’s ‘encouraging’ GDP data: |
| Related: Britain’s rich are thrust into the future. The poor get kicked back into the past | Aditya Chakrabortty | Related: Britain’s rich are thrust into the future. The poor get kicked back into the past | Aditya Chakrabortty |
| Excellent @Chakrabortty piece on child poverty, charity and holiday hunger, a "Live Aid" for Britain's poor http://t.co/lXD7KXJuHH | Excellent @Chakrabortty piece on child poverty, charity and holiday hunger, a "Live Aid" for Britain's poor http://t.co/lXD7KXJuHH |
| Updated | |
| at 2.11pm BST | |
| 2.06pm BST | |
| 14:06 | |
| That may be all for today, I think. I’ll be back if there’s any major news out of Greece. Otherwise, enjoy the afternoon..... GW | That may be all for today, I think. I’ll be back if there’s any major news out of Greece. Otherwise, enjoy the afternoon..... GW |
| 2.04pm BST | |
| 14:04 | |
| Greece has been given the green light to re-open its stock market, according to Bloomberg. | Greece has been given the green light to re-open its stock market, according to Bloomberg. |
| #ECB approves Greek proposals for Bourse reopen, BBG reports citing ASE spokeswoman. | #ECB approves Greek proposals for Bourse reopen, BBG reports citing ASE spokeswoman. |
| It’s almost a month since the Athens exchange was closed, when capital controls were implemented. | It’s almost a month since the Athens exchange was closed, when capital controls were implemented. |
| 1.57pm BST | |
| 13:57 | |
| Those bailout talks in Greece have not got off to a great start: | Those bailout talks in Greece have not got off to a great start: |
| Troika official stuck in Athens lift – PHOTOS - http://t.co/KIGONn1CZi pic.twitter.com/nabSbpi6M5 | Troika official stuck in Athens lift – PHOTOS - http://t.co/KIGONn1CZi pic.twitter.com/nabSbpi6M5 |
| 1.28pm BST | |
| 13:28 | |
| #Greece FinMinistry: Troika heads expected in Athens tomorrow,expect to complete technicl work on bailout discussions by Friday ~@livesquawk | #Greece FinMinistry: Troika heads expected in Athens tomorrow,expect to complete technicl work on bailout discussions by Friday ~@livesquawk |
| 1.06pm BST | |
| 13:06 | |
| Standard & Poor’s has issued a warning that monetary policy is diverging, in both major economies and developing ones. | Standard & Poor’s has issued a warning that monetary policy is diverging, in both major economies and developing ones. |
| The US is likely to raise interest rates in September, S&P reckons, followed by the Bank of England. In contrast, the European Central Bank is continuing to ease policy with its €60bn/month stimulus programme. | The US is likely to raise interest rates in September, S&P reckons, followed by the Bank of England. In contrast, the European Central Bank is continuing to ease policy with its €60bn/month stimulus programme. |
| S&P senior economists Tatiana Lysenko predicts: | S&P senior economists Tatiana Lysenko predicts: |
| “Over the next 18 months, we expect tightening of monetary policy in Turkey and South Africa--the countries with large external deficits that are vulnerable to a reversal in global capital flows. | “Over the next 18 months, we expect tightening of monetary policy in Turkey and South Africa--the countries with large external deficits that are vulnerable to a reversal in global capital flows. |
| In Latin America, we expect both Brazil and Mexico to tighten monetary policy, albeit for different reasons.” | In Latin America, we expect both Brazil and Mexico to tighten monetary policy, albeit for different reasons.” |
| But banks in the Asia-Pacific are likely to ease policy. Ditto Russia, although this might not be possible if there is fresh turbulence in the currency market. | But banks in the Asia-Pacific are likely to ease policy. Ditto Russia, although this might not be possible if there is fresh turbulence in the currency market. |
| 12.55pm BST | |
| 12:55 | |
| EC denies controlling Greece's public revenues | EC denies controlling Greece's public revenues |
| The tale of former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis’s secret Plan B for a parallel payment system has taken another twist. | The tale of former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis’s secret Plan B for a parallel payment system has taken another twist. |
| The European Commission has robustly denied Varoufakis’s claim that Greece’s creditors had control of the computer systems of the tax offices, forcing him to consider hacking into it. | The European Commission has robustly denied Varoufakis’s claim that Greece’s creditors had control of the computer systems of the tax offices, forcing him to consider hacking into it. |
| At presser @Mina_Andreeva denies @yanisvaroufakis claim troika controls gen secretariat of public revs. Troika "certainly do not control" it | At presser @Mina_Andreeva denies @yanisvaroufakis claim troika controls gen secretariat of public revs. Troika "certainly do not control" it |
| Strong stuff -- EU's @Mina_Andreeva says @yanisvaroufakis claim Troika controlled state tevnue mechanism 'false and unfounded' | Strong stuff -- EU's @Mina_Andreeva says @yanisvaroufakis claim Troika controlled state tevnue mechanism 'false and unfounded' |
| Details of Varoufakis’s plan leaked over the weekend, after he disclosed them on a conference call with hedge fund managers. | Details of Varoufakis’s plan leaked over the weekend, after he disclosed them on a conference call with hedge fund managers. |
| Unbowed, he’s now published a comment piece in the FT defending his plan, claiming the new system would have provided urgently-needed liquidity, by allowing firms to offset tax payments against outstanding bills: | Unbowed, he’s now published a comment piece in the FT defending his plan, claiming the new system would have provided urgently-needed liquidity, by allowing firms to offset tax payments against outstanding bills: |
| Sorry you lost me, Prof. Varoufakis. #Greece http://t.co/pJUM5cpwhK pic.twitter.com/uqTyeUqqpy | Sorry you lost me, Prof. Varoufakis. #Greece http://t.co/pJUM5cpwhK pic.twitter.com/uqTyeUqqpy |
| Varoufakis: Once my plans were leaked, I became committed to transparency. Amazing http://t.co/oGtflEjLaP pic.twitter.com/AltSRJu11F | Varoufakis: Once my plans were leaked, I became committed to transparency. Amazing http://t.co/oGtflEjLaP pic.twitter.com/AltSRJu11F |
| 12.16pm BST | |
| 12:16 | |
| Tight security in Greece as negotiations begin | Tight security in Greece as negotiations begin |
| Time to look at Greece. And in Athens the inspector tour by international auditors continues apace – under draconian security. | Time to look at Greece. And in Athens the inspector tour by international auditors continues apace – under draconian security. |
| Our correspondent Helena Smith reports. | Our correspondent Helena Smith reports. |
| At no time in the five years that international monitors have visited Greece has security been as visible or tight. | At no time in the five years that international monitors have visited Greece has security been as visible or tight. |
| After the very public row of where to host officials representing the EU, ECB, ESM and IMF and what to let them see, Greek authorities have now gone the other way throwing a security ring around them like no other. | After the very public row of where to host officials representing the EU, ECB, ESM and IMF and what to let them see, Greek authorities have now gone the other way throwing a security ring around them like no other. |
| As auditors kicked off their inspection tour with a visit to the State General Accounting Office – the government agency that oversees financial management of the Greek state – police trailed them on the streets while a helicopter monitored their every move overhead. Some 250 police are believed to have been seconded to guard the Athens Hilton where the teams are now staying. | As auditors kicked off their inspection tour with a visit to the State General Accounting Office – the government agency that oversees financial management of the Greek state – police trailed them on the streets while a helicopter monitored their every move overhead. Some 250 police are believed to have been seconded to guard the Athens Hilton where the teams are now staying. |
| At least 250 police tasked with #Troika 's security in #Athens #Greece - VIDEO - http://t.co/rbCxq4CvWD pic.twitter.com/nzUuL1MDA0 | At least 250 police tasked with #Troika 's security in #Athens #Greece - VIDEO - http://t.co/rbCxq4CvWD pic.twitter.com/nzUuL1MDA0 |
| The draconian measures will be stepped up when mission heads join the technical teams later this week. In the past mission chiefs have been the focus of protests with demonstrators not only heckling the auditors but on one occasion throwing coins at them. The imposition of new biting austerity – by a leftist government no less – has raised fears of impromptu protests again. | The draconian measures will be stepped up when mission heads join the technical teams later this week. In the past mission chiefs have been the focus of protests with demonstrators not only heckling the auditors but on one occasion throwing coins at them. The imposition of new biting austerity – by a leftist government no less – has raised fears of impromptu protests again. |
| All of which might explain why Alexis Tsipras’ government is still trying to play down the visit. | All of which might explain why Alexis Tsipras’ government is still trying to play down the visit. |
| “Whatever there is to learn from the meetings you will learn from the coordinators of the negotiation on the part of the government,” the deputy finance minister Dimitris Mardas told reporters outside the General Accounting Office shortly after technical teams had slipped in. | “Whatever there is to learn from the meetings you will learn from the coordinators of the negotiation on the part of the government,” the deputy finance minister Dimitris Mardas told reporters outside the General Accounting Office shortly after technical teams had slipped in. |
| “We are informing [them] and giving the information that is needed so that the negotiations move normally.” | “We are informing [them] and giving the information that is needed so that the negotiations move normally.” |
| 12.07pm BST | |
| 12:07 | |
| The decision on whether to raise UK interest rates will soon fall, in part, on the shoulders of economist Gertjan Vlieghe. | The decision on whether to raise UK interest rates will soon fall, in part, on the shoulders of economist Gertjan Vlieghe. |
| He’s just been named as the newest member of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee. | He’s just been named as the newest member of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee. |
| Vlieghe, who starts in September, is currently a partner at hedge fund giant Brevan Howard. He’s previously worked at Deutsche Bank. | Vlieghe, who starts in September, is currently a partner at hedge fund giant Brevan Howard. He’s previously worked at Deutsche Bank. |
| Vlieghe will be an ‘external’ member of the MPC, replacing David Miles. But he won’t need any help finding his way around the BoE - as he was once an advisor to former governor Mervyn King. | Vlieghe will be an ‘external’ member of the MPC, replacing David Miles. But he won’t need any help finding his way around the BoE - as he was once an advisor to former governor Mervyn King. |
| Appointing an external member to the MPC who worked at the #BoE and a large hedge fund? https://t.co/uDezPw4osk #GBP #GDP | Appointing an external member to the MPC who worked at the #BoE and a large hedge fund? https://t.co/uDezPw4osk #GBP #GDP |
| Updated | |
| at 12.18pm BST | |
| 11.49am BST | |
| 11:49 | |
| Lunchtime summary: UK growth picks up | Lunchtime summary: UK growth picks up |
| Time for a recap on the GDP figures, by Jill Treanor: | Time for a recap on the GDP figures, by Jill Treanor: |
| Britain’s economic growth bounced back in the second quarter of the year, according to official data on Tuesday, fuelling the debate about the first rise in interest rates since the financial crisis. | Britain’s economic growth bounced back in the second quarter of the year, according to official data on Tuesday, fuelling the debate about the first rise in interest rates since the financial crisis. |
| There were also signs that living standards are returning to their pre-crisis levels as the Office for National Statistics said that GDP per head was now “broadly equal” to the first quarter of 2008, before the economic crisis drove the UK into recession. | There were also signs that living standards are returning to their pre-crisis levels as the Office for National Statistics said that GDP per head was now “broadly equal” to the first quarter of 2008, before the economic crisis drove the UK into recession. |
| After a slowdown in the first three months of the year to 0.4%, the first estimate for second quarter growth stood at 0.7%, in line with City expectations, but just off the pace of growth recorded at the end of 2014. | After a slowdown in the first three months of the year to 0.4%, the first estimate for second quarter growth stood at 0.7%, in line with City expectations, but just off the pace of growth recorded at the end of 2014. |
| The growth was fuelled by the service sector, which will stoke fears that the recovery is not spreading to all sectors of the economy. Manufacturing, one of the sectors targeted by the government, fell by 0.3%. | The growth was fuelled by the service sector, which will stoke fears that the recovery is not spreading to all sectors of the economy. Manufacturing, one of the sectors targeted by the government, fell by 0.3%. |
| Vicky Redwood, chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said: “Admittedly, growth remains very unbalanced. The services sector drove the rise in GDP, while construction output was flat and manufacturing output fell. But at least it looks as though productivity growth is continuing to pick up”.... | Vicky Redwood, chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said: “Admittedly, growth remains very unbalanced. The services sector drove the rise in GDP, while construction output was flat and manufacturing output fell. But at least it looks as though productivity growth is continuing to pick up”.... |
| Here’s Jill’s full story: | Here’s Jill’s full story: |
| Related: UK economy powers ahead by 0.7% | Related: UK economy powers ahead by 0.7% |
| Updated | |
| at 11.51am BST | |
| 11.36am BST | |
| 11:36 | |
| My colleague Katie Allen writes that while Britain’s economy is growing at a decent rate, the underlying picture is less cheery - with many people still finding the labour market tough: | My colleague Katie Allen writes that while Britain’s economy is growing at a decent rate, the underlying picture is less cheery - with many people still finding the labour market tough: |
| The Bank of England’s chief economist, Andy Haldane, has warned about this as he makes the case for holding off a potentially damaging early interest rate rise. | The Bank of England’s chief economist, Andy Haldane, has warned about this as he makes the case for holding off a potentially damaging early interest rate rise. |
| “There are still people without a job who would like a job; there are still people with jobs who would like to work more hours. And, even for those that have got jobs, their pay – in most cases – isn’t racing away,” he told BBC Newsnight last week. | “There are still people without a job who would like a job; there are still people with jobs who would like to work more hours. And, even for those that have got jobs, their pay – in most cases – isn’t racing away,” he told BBC Newsnight last week. |
| The latest analysis of what jobs are available gives yet more reasons for caution. Advertised salaries have fallen to an 11-month low, as growth in the workforce is driven by lower-paid roles and part-time positions, according to jobs search engine Adzuna.co.uk which aims to list every vacancy advertised. | The latest analysis of what jobs are available gives yet more reasons for caution. Advertised salaries have fallen to an 11-month low, as growth in the workforce is driven by lower-paid roles and part-time positions, according to jobs search engine Adzuna.co.uk which aims to list every vacancy advertised. |
| These latest GDP figures underline the very British addiction to low-paid labour rather than more innovative and productive economic activity. For all the government’s pledges to rebalance the economy, the dominant services sector is the only part of Britain’s economy to be back to its pre-crisis peak. | These latest GDP figures underline the very British addiction to low-paid labour rather than more innovative and productive economic activity. For all the government’s pledges to rebalance the economy, the dominant services sector is the only part of Britain’s economy to be back to its pre-crisis peak. |
| Here’s Katie’s full analysis: | Here’s Katie’s full analysis: |
| Related: UK GDP growth: we have rarely had it so good, apparently | Related: UK GDP growth: we have rarely had it so good, apparently |
| 11.25am BST | |
| 11:25 | |
| UK growth bounces back as GDP rises by 0.7%: http://t.co/qzpOQuBmef pic.twitter.com/YGLg6RfptU | UK growth bounces back as GDP rises by 0.7%: http://t.co/qzpOQuBmef pic.twitter.com/YGLg6RfptU |
| 11.08am BST | |
| 11:08 | |
| Chris Leslie MP, Labour’s shadow chancellor, fears Britain’s economy isn’t balanced enough to handle fresh problems in Europe and China, or a slowing world economy. | Chris Leslie MP, Labour’s shadow chancellor, fears Britain’s economy isn’t balanced enough to handle fresh problems in Europe and China, or a slowing world economy. |
| “The OBR has revised down productivity next year and for three years after that. Manufacturing is down by 0.3% and the Government is on course to miss its exports target by hundreds of billions of pounds. | “The OBR has revised down productivity next year and for three years after that. Manufacturing is down by 0.3% and the Government is on course to miss its exports target by hundreds of billions of pounds. |
| “The Chancellor is complacent at a time when he should take action to support exporters and strengthen Britain’s infrastructure. Pulling the plug on major rail electrification and hitting households next April with a work penalty in the tax credit system are the wrong choices for the long term.” | “The Chancellor is complacent at a time when he should take action to support exporters and strengthen Britain’s infrastructure. Pulling the plug on major rail electrification and hitting households next April with a work penalty in the tax credit system are the wrong choices for the long term.” |
| 10.55am BST | |
| 10:55 | |
| TUC: Manufacturing shrinking on Osborne's watch | TUC: Manufacturing shrinking on Osborne's watch |
| The 0.3% decline in manufacturing output in the last quarter has alarmed Britain’s trades unions. | The 0.3% decline in manufacturing output in the last quarter has alarmed Britain’s trades unions. |
| TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: | TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: |
| “The government’s economic plan is not delivering what was promised. We were told there would be a march of the makers, but instead manufacturing continues to decline. And while there is a desperate need for affordable homes, construction output remains in the doldrums. | “The government’s economic plan is not delivering what was promised. We were told there would be a march of the makers, but instead manufacturing continues to decline. And while there is a desperate need for affordable homes, construction output remains in the doldrums. |
| “We need a new plan for productivity and growth, because the current one is not delivering across the whole economy – a plan with stronger investment in infrastructure, innovation and skills. But the cuts the Chancellor is planning will damage demand and run the risk of reducing future growth.” | “We need a new plan for productivity and growth, because the current one is not delivering across the whole economy – a plan with stronger investment in infrastructure, innovation and skills. But the cuts the Chancellor is planning will damage demand and run the risk of reducing future growth.” |
| 10.49am BST | |
| 10:49 | |
| Andrew Sentance, senior economic adviser at PwC, is also struck by how private sector service firms are leading the recovery, thanks to consumer spending. | Andrew Sentance, senior economic adviser at PwC, is also struck by how private sector service firms are leading the recovery, thanks to consumer spending. |
| Activity in retailing, hotels, restaurants and related services is 4.5% up on a year ago and the output of transport services has risen by 3.7%. Business and financial service growth in the past year is also over 3%. | Activity in retailing, hotels, restaurants and related services is 4.5% up on a year ago and the output of transport services has risen by 3.7%. Business and financial service growth in the past year is also over 3%. |
| Manufacturing output and public services are much more sluggish, with output growing by just 0.5% or so over the past year | Manufacturing output and public services are much more sluggish, with output growing by just 0.5% or so over the past year |
| 10.38am BST | |
| 10:38 | |
| Britain’s factories probably suffered from the weak European economy and stronger pound, says Jeremy Cook of World First: | Britain’s factories probably suffered from the weak European economy and stronger pound, says Jeremy Cook of World First: |
| “People are spending money because they feel more secure in their jobs and those jobs are starting to pay more than inflation is taking away. | “People are spending money because they feel more secure in their jobs and those jobs are starting to pay more than inflation is taking away. |
| “The environment for manufacturers is less pleasant. Despite the government’s pledges to drive a ‘march of the makers’ and reinvigorate the UK’s manufacturing sector, growth remains hard to come by. | “The environment for manufacturers is less pleasant. Despite the government’s pledges to drive a ‘march of the makers’ and reinvigorate the UK’s manufacturing sector, growth remains hard to come by. |
| “A 0.3% contraction can be chalked up to many things, but weakness in Europe and the overt strength of the pound will not be helping matters. | “A 0.3% contraction can be chalked up to many things, but weakness in Europe and the overt strength of the pound will not be helping matters. |
| 10.37am BST | |
| 10:37 | |
| I now understand George Osborne’s motoring references: | I now understand George Osborne’s motoring references: |
| Interviewing Chancellor in motorbike factory Him: The UK is motoring ahead Me: But it’s been a long & winding road, no? Now feel a bit sick | Interviewing Chancellor in motorbike factory Him: The UK is motoring ahead Me: But it’s been a long & winding road, no? Now feel a bit sick |
| 10.32am BST | |
| 10:32 | |
| UK on course to grow at 2.6% in 2015. @PwC_UK forecasts Britain will head G7 growth league for 2nd year in a row http://t.co/JSd2AweQbh #GDP | UK on course to grow at 2.6% in 2015. @PwC_UK forecasts Britain will head G7 growth league for 2nd year in a row http://t.co/JSd2AweQbh #GDP |
| 10.31am BST | |
| 10:31 | |
| The pound jumped when the GDP data was released, as traders anticipated that stronger growth made an interest rate rise more likely. | The pound jumped when the GDP data was released, as traders anticipated that stronger growth made an interest rate rise more likely. |
| Sterling has gained half a cent against the US dollar today. | Sterling has gained half a cent against the US dollar today. |
| 10.26am BST | |
| 10:26 | |
| James Knightley of ING sums up the growth data: | James Knightley of ING sums up the growth data: |
| The dominant service sector also grew 0.7% quarter-on-quarter, while there was also a strong contribution from the oil and gas industry. | The dominant service sector also grew 0.7% quarter-on-quarter, while there was also a strong contribution from the oil and gas industry. |
| However, manufacturing output fell 0.3% as a combination of the strong pound and weak export markets hurt activity. Construction output was flat on the quarter. | However, manufacturing output fell 0.3% as a combination of the strong pound and weak export markets hurt activity. Construction output was flat on the quarter. |
| And with spare capacity being mopped up, the Bank of England could raise borrowing costs by early 2016: | And with spare capacity being mopped up, the Bank of England could raise borrowing costs by early 2016: |
| We suspect that two members of the MPC may well vote for a rate hike in August although there may not be critical mass until February next year. | We suspect that two members of the MPC may well vote for a rate hike in August although there may not be critical mass until February next year. |
| 10.21am BST | |
| 10:21 | |
| If Britain maintains its current growth rate, it could retain the title of fastest-growing G7 country. | If Britain maintains its current growth rate, it could retain the title of fastest-growing G7 country. |
| Howard Archer of IHS Global Insight explains: | Howard Archer of IHS Global Insight explains: |
| Growth of 2.6% in 2015 would likely make the UK, the fastest growing G7 economy as it was in 2014. | Growth of 2.6% in 2015 would likely make the UK, the fastest growing G7 economy as it was in 2014. |
| IHS currently forecasts GDP growth in 2015 of 2.2% in the US, 1.7% in Germany, 1.2% in France and 1.0% in Japan. We see overall Eurozone growth at 1.5% in 2015 | IHS currently forecasts GDP growth in 2015 of 2.2% in the US, 1.7% in Germany, 1.2% in France and 1.0% in Japan. We see overall Eurozone growth at 1.5% in 2015 |
| 10.15am BST | |
| 10:15 | |
| After a slow start, Britain is the third-fastest growing member of the G7 since the financial crisis, behind Canada and the US: | After a slow start, Britain is the third-fastest growing member of the G7 since the financial crisis, behind Canada and the US: |
| These other countries will all report their GDP in the next few weeks - we get the US on Thursday, Canada on Friday, eurozone data on August 14, and Japan on the 17th. | These other countries will all report their GDP in the next few weeks - we get the US on Thursday, Canada on Friday, eurozone data on August 14, and Japan on the 17th. |
| 10.07am BST | |
| 10:07 | |
| Oil and gas extraction also made a positive contribution to growth, with output jumping by 7.8%. | Oil and gas extraction also made a positive contribution to growth, with output jumping by 7.8%. |
| The ONS say that may be due to tax cuts for the oil industry announced in March’s budget. | The ONS say that may be due to tax cuts for the oil industry announced in March’s budget. |
| 9.59am BST | |
| 09:59 | |
| This is disappointing. Britain’s manufacturing sector shrank by 0.3% during the last quarter, dealing another blow to hopes of a “March of the Makers”. | This is disappointing. Britain’s manufacturing sector shrank by 0.3% during the last quarter, dealing another blow to hopes of a “March of the Makers”. |
| In contrast, the business services and finance sub-sector grew by 0.8%. | In contrast, the business services and finance sub-sector grew by 0.8%. |
| 9.55am BST | |
| 09:55 | |
| I know we bang on about services being the ‘dominant’ part of the economy. But it’s true. | I know we bang on about services being the ‘dominant’ part of the economy. But it’s true. |
| For all the talk of manufacturing revival, only the service sector is larger than its pre-crisis peak: | For all the talk of manufacturing revival, only the service sector is larger than its pre-crisis peak: |
| 9.53am BST | |
| 09:53 | |
| GDP: Key charts start here | GDP: Key charts start here |
| The UK economy has now grown for 10 straight quarters, and bounced back from its weakness at the start of the year: | The UK economy has now grown for 10 straight quarters, and bounced back from its weakness at the start of the year: |
| Updated | |
| at 9.55am BST | |
| 9.44am BST | |
| 09:44 | |
| UK GDP growth in Q2 leaps to 0.7%, not cold, not too hot. No wonder the PM was so full of beans: up in a mo in Singapore talking corruption | UK GDP growth in Q2 leaps to 0.7%, not cold, not too hot. No wonder the PM was so full of beans: up in a mo in Singapore talking corruption |
| 9.43am BST | |
| 09:43 | |
| Osborne: Britain is motoring ahead | Osborne: Britain is motoring ahead |
| Chancellor George Osborne has welcomed today’s figures with a flurry of automotive metaphors: | Chancellor George Osborne has welcomed today’s figures with a flurry of automotive metaphors: |
| GDP growth 0.7%. Shows Britain motoring ahead with economy producing as much per head as ever before. We must stay on road we've set out on | GDP growth 0.7%. Shows Britain motoring ahead with economy producing as much per head as ever before. We must stay on road we've set out on |
| Updated | |
| at 10.36am BST | |
| 9.42am BST | |
| 09:42 | |
| UK GDP per head back at pre-crisis peak | UK GDP per head back at pre-crisis peak |
| Now this is significant. Britain’s economic output, per person, has finally reached its level achieved before the crisis. | Now this is significant. Britain’s economic output, per person, has finally reached its level achieved before the crisis. |
| The ONS says that: | The ONS says that: |
| The 0.7% increase in GDP growth in Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2015 implies that GDP per head would be broadly equal to the pre-economic downturn peak in Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2008. | The 0.7% increase in GDP growth in Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2015 implies that GDP per head would be broadly equal to the pre-economic downturn peak in Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2008. |
| ONS says UK GDP per head now "broadly level" with its pre-crisis peak | ONS says UK GDP per head now "broadly level" with its pre-crisis peak |