MP for Newcastle upon Tyne North, Catherine McKinnell, has responded to news that the Bank of England has cut its growth forecast for the UK economy.

The figures, released today, show that there has been a sharp increase in long-term unemployment and increased speculation that the country will enter a ‘double-dip’ recession.

Ms McKinnell said ‘the writing has been on the wall since the first coalition Budget. These figures are evidence that the misguided Lib-Con policy of reckless cuts are undermining the recovery put in place by the last Labour government. This is only the tip of the iceberg.’