GMB halted for urgent 'breaking news' as Charlotte Hawkins delivers ominous tax warning

ITV's Good Morning Britain was interrupted for a breaking news announcement as broadcaster Charlotte Hawkins delivered a fresh update about the UK economy. She revealed: "The UK economy grew 0.3% in the three months to August. The Office of National Statistics said 'the boost was driven by positive activity within the services and construction industries.'" Charlotte continued: "Growth, even marginal, will likely be welcomed by the treasury."

"The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that tax hikes could be needed in November's budget to meet spending commitments," the presenter added. The ITV programme then played a clip of the politician declaring: "We will continue to prioritise economic and fiscal stability in the UK because that is so important for renewal and investment." Reeves continued: "As we get the forecast and develop our plans, of course, we're looking at further measures on tax and spending to make sure that the public finances always add up."

Gross domestic product (GDP), the main estimate of UK economic growth based on the value of goods and services produced during a given period also grew by 0.3% in the three months to August 2025 compared with the three months to May 2025.

The rise represents a slight increase following growth of 0.2% in the three months to July 2025. However, production output fell by 0.3% in the three months to August 2025, compared with the three months to May 2025

According to the ONS: "Construction output increased by 0.3% in the three months to August 2025, compared with the three months to May 2025, a smaller increase than the growth of 0.5% in the three months to July 2025 (revised down from 0.6% in our previous publication).

"Monthly GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.1% in August 2025, following a fall of 0.1% in July 2025 (revised down from no growth in our previous bulletin) and a growth of 0.4% in June 2025."

The GDP figures were in line with a Reuters poll of City economists, which expected a return to modest growth of 0.1% in August based mainly on a recovery in the manufacturing sector.

It keeps the UK on track to meet International Monetary Fund forecasts on Tuesday that it will be the second-fastest growing economy in the G7 group this year.

A spokesperson for the Treasury said: "We have seen the fastest growth in the G7 since the start of the year, but for too many people our economy feels stuck. Working day in, day out without getting ahead.

"The Chancellor is determined to turn this around by helping businesses in every town and high street grow, investing in infrastructure and cutting red tape to get Britain building."