The Bank of England says the UK entered a recession in the middle of 2008 which will continue through 2009. In its quarterly inflation report, the Bank warns that the economic landscape has changed dramatically since August. It now expects inflation to decline to 1% by 2010, below its 2% target, in a dramatic change to its last forecast. This could open the way for further interest rate cuts if the Bank is to maintain inflation at its target rate in two years' time. "We are certainly prepared to cut bank rate again if that becomes necessary," said Mervyn King, the Bank of England's governor. UK consumers plan to spend 7% less this Christmas than they did last year, a survey from business advisory group Deloitte has suggested. Deloitte warned this festive season may be "one of the toughest in decades" for retailers. The expected fall compares with a 7% rise in spending in 2007. (BBC News)
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