[Institution: Weak Economic Growth in the UK May Prompt the Bank of England to Cut Interest Rates Early] Jin10 Data, February 12 – The UK’s GDP grew by 0.1% in the fourth quarter, lower than the Bank of England’s forecast of 0.2%. Thomas Pugh, an economist at audit, tax, and consulting firm RSM UK, stated in a report that given the weaker-than-expected economic growth compared to the Bank of England’s latest projections, the likelihood of a rate cut in March has increased. However, Pugh believes that as the uncertainty brought by last November’s government budget continues to dissipate and inflation begins to translate into stronger consumer spending, economic growth should accelerate this year. He pointed out that the biggest current risk is a prolonged Labour Party leadership struggle, which could open the door to tax increases and inject new uncertainty for consumers and businesses, thereby offsetting much of the improvement in economic fundamentals.