Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has warned there will be no rabbits in the upcoming budget, describing himself as “Scrooge who is going to do things that make sure Christmas is never cancelled”.
Mr Hunt spoke to The Sunday Times ahead of Thursday’s autumn statement, which is likely to see a number of tough measures taken to plug a £55bn black hole.
He said: “I think it’s fair to say this is going to be the first rabbit-free budget for very many years.
“I’m sorry to disappoint but, no, this is not going to be a time for rabbits, I’m afraid.”
Last week, figures showed the economy contracted by 0.2% between July and September – if GDP also shrinks in the current quarter, the country will officially be in recession.
The Bank of England has said the recession could last for two years – the longest since reliable records began in the 1920s.
Mr Hunt said he will publish forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility on Thursday which are “likely to present a similar picture”.
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