BBC Breakfast halted for breaking news as viewer rages 'slow clap for Rachel Reeves'

Charlie Stayt delivered an urgent breaking news announcement. The UK economy grew by a faster-than-expected 0.3% in November after car production rebounded and the services sector got a boost. The growth comes despite uncertainy around Rachel Reeves's budget. The BBC Breakfast presenter began, "Now, in the last few moments we have had an update on how the economy is faring."

Peter Ruddick had the details as he addressed what it means for the UK economy. He explained: "When we're talking about GDP we're talking about a measure on whether firms were growing or not, expanding, selling and taking on more staff.

We just found out that in November GDP grew month on month by 0.3 per cent. It's a bit more than had previously been expected. What's behind this is services firms. Estate agents, tour operators, car repairs they all did better than expected."

He continued: "Manufacturing not quite as strong but not enough to offset growth of 0.3%."

"A big caveat with these figures is monthly numbers can and do get revised," Paul explained.

"We care about periods and if you look across the last three months it's still quite flat. Just 0.1 per cent in growth."

Paul concluded that the figures were better than had been expected but added the UK had a "long way to go" before households, businesses and the government actually want to see.

BBC viewers took to social media and blasted Reeves and the Labour government despite some positive news.

One X user fumed: "This government has the worst job losses on record other than WW2. Everyone is laying off staff and now this craven institutions want to gaslight us into 'economic growth.'"

Another remarked: "Average it over 3 or 6 months."

A third mocked: "Slow clap for Rachel," while a fourth echoed: "Stagflation."

Another argued: "Lets see December and January! We already know GDP will be down!"

Others defended the Labour government and welcomed the news, as one remarked, "Why are posters on X so negative?"

A second added: "Just knew that the Beeb would put a downer on the economic growth announcement #BBCBreakfast."

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed the growth this morning in its latest release of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures.

The economy grew faster than expected, with City economists projecting growth of just 0.1 per cent.

Central to the Chancellor's ambitions has been to stimulate sustained growth in the economy, improve investment, and create jobs.

In fact, this time last year, she said: “For too long, we have accepted low expectations, accepted stagnation and accepted the risk of decline. We can do so much better.

“Low growth is not our destiny. But growth will not come without a fight.

“That’s what our Plan for Change is about. That is what drives me as Chancellor. And it is what I’m determined to deliver.”