UK economy flatlined in July after sharp contraction in manufacturing
Independent2 days
UK Economy Fails to Grow in July
Above: A view of the financial district in the City of London. Image copyright: Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
Despite July's data, Britain remains the fastest-growing G7 economy in 2025. Critics focus on headlines but miss the bigger picture: rising real wages, falling mortgage rates, and landmark trade deals with key partners. The doom-mongers want the public to believe the economy is failing, but the evidence suggests otherwise. Recovery takes time, and Britain is on the right track.
Opposition narrative
Labour's core manifesto promise to "kickstart economic growth" lies in tatters. Zero growth exposes a failed strategy, with national insurance hikes crushing business confidence while inflation surges. The Chancellor's spin can't hide reality: anti-business policies have stalled Britain's recovery as November's budget threatens even more devastating tax rises.
Cynical narrative
Monthly GDP figures are pointless. Every month brings breathless headlines about growth or contraction, yet these numbers are routinely revised to the point of near-unrecognizability months later. The average revision since 2022 exceeds the typical monthly movement itself, making initial readings meaningless. Politicians spin whatever narrative suits them while journalists amplify every decimal point.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 16% chance that the U.K. will achieve an average GDP growth rate of 2.5% over the current parliamentary term, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
The Controversies
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.15.2
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.15.2