The economy
Fact checks about the economy, covering levels of inequality, prices, taxation, employment, unemployment and housing across the UK nations and regions
Express overstates Brexit trade deal value, again
The Express claimed that post-Brexit, the UK has struck new free trade deals with 70 countries worth over £760bn. This is the total value of trade with these countries, not …
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UK is fastest growing G7 economy by one measure, and fifth by another
Economic growth between the third quarter of 2020 and 2021 was the highest in the G7. The UK’s growth between the second and third quarter of 2021 placed fifth.
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Is income inequality falling?
While the Prime Minister claimed income inequality was falling, the latest analysis suggests it may be rising again after income support schemes were removed.
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The Warm Home Discount is £140 for the entire winter, not a week
The Prime Minister described the discount incorrectly during PMQs.
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Boris Johnson did say inflation fears had been ‘unfounded’
The Prime Minister denied ever making the comment during the first PMQs of the year.
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Data likely overstates the number of house hunters per house
Data from estate agent membership organisation Propertymark estimates in November 2021 there were 29 buyers per house. This is probably too high.
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Brazil doesn’t produce 25% of the world’s food, as the UK’s trade envoy to the country claimed
UN data shows Brazil actually produces about 10% of the world’s food by weight and 4% by value.
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Express vastly overstates impact of UK trade deals
The Express suggested that post-Brexit trade deals will deliver a £766 billion boost. This figure refers to the total value of trade between the UK and countries it has agreed …
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Misleading for Nadine Dorries to say Channel 4 is ‘in receipt of taxpayers’ money’
The broadcaster is publicly owned, but pays for itself through commercial operations. Its borrowing counts as public debt, but that doesn’t mean the taxpayer pays for it in the usual …
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Numbers ‘in work’ not yet back to pre-pandemic levels
At PMQs the Prime Minister claimed the number of people in work had returned to pre-pandemic levels. This is true only for payrolled employees, not all workers.
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