Britain on the up

IN marked contrast to the doom-mongers who delight in talking this country down (yes, we’re talking about George Osborne, the BBC and the Financial Times), one of Britain’s most respected think- tanks struck a remarkable note of optimism yesterday for our economic future.

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research said 2017 will mark the bottom of our current economic cycle. Although growth is not as strong as it was, it has remained robust. Next year, says NIESR, it will begin to accelerate again.

Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce declares profits of £1.9billion, businesses say manufacturing is rising at the fastest pace for seven years and demand for exports is growing at near-record levels.