RISHI: OLYMPIC SPIRIT IS FIRING UP ECONOMY

THE UK’s “Olympic spirit” is spurring on our economic revival, Rishi Sunak said last night.

- Giles Sheldrick

After the horrors of coronavirus unleashed 18 months of financial turmoil, the buoyant Chancellor said he was “confident in the strength of our economy”. Households have amassed £180billion in unplanned savings during the lockdown, which experts predict will be splurged in the months ahead.

Mr Sunak said that the great British spirit will see businesses flourish again. He said: “The recurring theme has been positivity, resilience, and people’s commitment to get this country back on its feet.

“Something which has been boosted even further by seeing our inspiring Olympians compete these last few weeks.

“The UK economy has proved to be robust in the face of the largest economic shock in living memory.

“I know there will still be challenges ahead.

“We’re getting there, we aren’t done yet, but I am sure the Olympic spirit demonstrated by so many businesses will live on.”

The rallying cry comes after successive lockdowns dealt businesses a hammer blow, with almost every sector left battered, bruised, and losing cash.

Tens of thousands of jobs were slashed as major firms including Pret A Manger, British Airways, TM Lewin and even Harrods felt the pinch, with the UK economy suffering its worst battering in more than 300 years.