Boris Johnson insists Britain will dodge recession amid soaring inflation and cost-of-living crisis 

Despite inflation reaching a four-decade high, Johnson says 'there are ways forward for the UK that are incredibly exciting'

Boris Johnson, the British prime minister: As inflation hits 9%, the Bank of England is expecting a sharp contraction in growth later this year and a prolonged stagnation afterwards.

Boris Johnson, the British prime minister, said the UK could a dodge a recession in the months ahead even as the cost-of-living crisis sets the stage for a “difficult” period.

Economic pressures are emerging as the gravest political threat to Mr Johnson and his party, beyond the various scandals that have dogged his government such as the row over illegal parties in Downing Street during the pandemic.