Britain’s economic growth slowed in the first quarter of this year to 0.4 per cent, down from 0.6 per cent at the end of last year, according to ONS figures out today.
What did George Osborne have to say about the slowdown? Predictably enough, he invoked the threat of Brexit and turned the news into a pitch for staying in the EU. The Chancellor said:
‘It’s good news that Britain continues to grow, but there are warnings today that the threat of leaving the EU is weighing on our economy. Investments and building are being delayed and another group of experts, the OECD, confirms British families would be worse off if we leave the EU. Let’s not put the strong economy we’re building at risk and vote to remain on June 23rd.’
It’s difficult to argue with Osborne that the looming ‘threat’ of Brexit won’t be having some impact on these figures.
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