George Osborne has insisted there are "positive signs" for the UK economy despite a think-tank drastically downgrading its growth forecast for Britain.
Britain slumped to its longest double-dip recession in more than 50 years today after shock figures revealed the economy shrank by a worse-than-expected 0.7% between April and June.
Farepak campaigners are reportedly set to press the firm's bank for another £10 million in compensation for customers hit by the collapse of the Christmas hamper business.
A High Court judge has blamed banking giant Hbos for the collapse of Christmas sales firm Farepak, which folded six years ago leaving tens of thousands of savers out of pocket.
Banks will be forced to ring-fence savers' cash from their risky casino-style investment arms to protect deposits and avoid a run like that which brought down Northern Rock in 2007.
The motor insurance market is today facing an investigation by the Competition Commission after a report found the market was "dysfunctional" and may be pushing up premiums by £225 million a year.
31 May 2012
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