Liz Truss stiffened the Bank of England’s resolve on inflation
Spectator (UK)Dec 27, 2022
The Facts
The Bank of England (BOE) on Thurs. raised interest rates by 50 basis points to 1.75% - the biggest increase in 27 years - and warned of a recession as the economy is forecasted to shrink from October until the end of 2023.
Eight of the BOE's nine Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) members supported the rate hike, with the Bank predicting inflation will exceed 13% in the last three months of the year - its highest level in over four decades.
The Spin
Right narrative
Liz Truss's tough new standards and criticisms have forced the MPC to act to tackle the spiraling economy. It's a positive indicator that the Conservative politician who will likely become the next leader of the country has the common sense and influence to make key institutions like the BOE more decisive and effective.
Left narrative
This sixth interest rate rise in a row is not designed to cool an overheating economy, but to keep the BOE's policy in step with senior Conservatives' thinking. This increase is only going to add economic pain to the poorest in society while Liz Truss turns the current chaos of the UK economy into an electioneering weapon.
