Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton and Sunderland South has expressed her concern at the downgrading of Britain’s economic growth forecast by the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC).

The BCC has cut its growth forecast for 2011 from 1.3% to 1.1% and has called for the government to do more to stimulate economic growth.

Commenting on the news, Bridget said:

“This is another blow for hard-working families across the North East who are already facing high unemployment, slow economic growth and a squeeze on living standards.

“The Tory-led government should take the BCC’s downgrade very seriously as it is yet more evidence that this government’s reckless actions with the British economy are prolonging the economic downturn resulting in more families suffering for longer. George Osborne needs a plan B for growth to get the economy moving again.”

Angela Eagle, Labour’s shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, said:

“It’s time George Osborne started taking some responsibility for the choices he has made. Tax rises and spending cuts which go too far and too fast have already choked off last year’s recovery, leaving us more exposed to the global economic turmoil that we have seen in recent weeks.”