GDP stats: Massive obstacles lie ahead in spite of growth

Reacting to estimate figures released this morning showing that the UK's GDP increased by 4.8% in Q2 2021, Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson Christine Jardine MP said: "These figures shouldn't lull us into thinking that all our problems are solved. We still face potentially massive obstacles if the Government goes ahead with ending the furlough scheme and the Universal credit uplift at the end of next month.   "Hard pressed families and struggling businesses need more reassurance than improving GDP figures - they need support extended into next year.   "So many people have done the right thing and got vaccinated, but we also need to be aware of the danger of new variants putting renewed pressure on the NHS and demanding yet more sacrifice from everyone."