Inflation and Economic Growth Forecasts G7 Countries 2023-05-09
2023-05-09
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the comparative assessment of UK's inflation and economic growth rates against those of G7 countries for 2023.
What comparative assessment has been made of forecasts for the UK's rates of (a) inflation and (b) economic growth with those for G7 countries in 2023?
Compared with the G7, the UK had the highest rate of growth in each of the past two years. The International Monetary Fund UK growth forecast for 2023 has been upgraded by more than that for any other G7 country, and the IMF has said that the UK is “on the right track” for economic growth.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the government's claim of positive economic performance, highlighting that projections show UK will have a smaller economy by year-end with lowest growth among G7. He also noted March 2023 saw highest inflation in western Europe.
The Minister paints a pretty picture. The British people want hope for the future, but all they see is Britain continually lagging behind on the global stage and prospects for their families getting worse. In March UK inflation was the highest in western Europe, with projections showing it will be the highest in the G7 this year, while food prices are rising 50% faster than in the G7. Whose fault is it?
It is certainly the hon. Gentleman's fault if, having asked that we assess performance across the G7 and we do precisely that, he does not like the answer. The reality is that across the G7, growth has fallen and inflation has risen, but we know the sources of that—it is not this Government; it is the fault of Putin and the global covid pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP's specific ask about whose responsibility it is for economic performance was deflected by blaming external factors like Putin and the global pandemic.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the gloominess of the opposition and highlighted that today, with more people in our country going out to work than ever before, our economy is demonstrating a dynamism and resilience.
My hon. Friend is right to ignore the gloom and negativity coming from the Opposition Benches. They will always find a reason to talk down the British economy. Is it not the case that today, with more people in our country going out to work than ever before, our economy is demonstrating a dynamism and resilience that few other economies around the world can emulate and a dynamism that we do not get with a Labour Government?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. Resilience is a strong word, and thanks to the actions that this Government have taken over the past six months, the Office for Budget Responsibility has confirmed that the UK is now expected to avoid a recession this year.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy