The Confederation of Business Industry (CBI) today said retailers were enduring 'a gloomy festive period' with a fall in year-on-year sales in December to date.
These sessions are notorious for being turgid waffle-fests yet Sir Keir sat before the U-shaped table with discernible excitement, writes QUENTIN LETTS.
The Prime Minister said he was still committed to the UK having the highest 'sustained growth' in the G7 group of leading nations by the end of Labour's first term.
The County Councils Network (CCN), which represents 37 county and unitary authorities, delivered a withering verdict on a revised local government finance settlement.
Inflation rose for the second month in a row in November, hitting 2.6 per cent to further increase pressure on Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves over her Budget's impact on the country.