An unenviable situation has arisen after the official announcement that UK has entered into a recession. As elections are looming large, the prospects of the powers that be in UK seem to be like a candle in the wind. Sunak's pledges to boost the economy ring hollow in the face of recession. The prolonged depression in economic activities is deeper than anticipated.

Every recession comes to an end. The damage inflicted by it needs to be assessed together with the government measures to mitigate it. Inarguably the most worrying effect of the recession in UK is the stagnation in the GDP per person. Since 2022 it has not grown any further. The records of recession can be traced to 1955. Since then it is the longest period of unbroken decline.

This also highlights the daily struggle of the average citizen of UK. Indeed if some of them especially of the older generation choose to find consolation in the days when their country held sway on the lands of palm and line, it is the only course in which they can drown their present woes in.

The GDP contracted by 0.03 per cent in the final quarter of 2023 is a pointer to the severity of the situation. As UK braces for an election it also raised a question mark on Sunak's abilities to deliver on his promises of economic growth. It is upto Sunak and his party to turn their words into deeds in managing the economy. The challenge has never taken a greater proportion and pronouncing cosmetic solutions won't do.

Another layer to the bleak economic outlook is the prospect of a reduction in interest by the Bank of England. If borrowing and spending would be ushered in by a low interest rate, a delicate balance has to be struck to avoid increased inflationary pressure.

A cautious approach on the part of the Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey is a telltale sign of the economic situation. The consequences of failure would bring the UK economy quite a few notches down which would do it no good at home and abroad.

Highlighting “signs of brighter signs ahead" by Chancellor of Exchequer Jeremy Hunt justifiably brings little cheer to a vast section of the electorate. For it does little to assuage concerns and troubles of the long and bitter economic downturn.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party is gaining ground in the opinion polls. Recent by-election results indicate public trust shifting towards their stewardship. The stakes have never been higher for Sunak and his party. A coherent and effective economic plan is essential not only for the Conservative Party and its leader but for UK as a whole.

Time the UK government prioritises it's policies that benefit the most vulnerable sections of UK society. This is the only panacea to end Sunak's woes. (IPA Service)