EU cuts UK growth forecast as eurozone motors ahead

Brussels' health check of member states sharply cuts UK forecast to 1.5% as eurozone enjoys best year since financial crisis of 2007

The European commission enters key Brexit talks with the government with the eurozone economy in its best shape for a decade and activity in the UK weaker than expected six months ago.

In its half-yearly health check, the commission sharply cut its forecast for UK growth this year and said it was likely to continue struggling in 2018 and 2019 even on the assumption that trade would not be disrupted by its departure from the EU.

Related: EC slashes UK growth forecasts but sees best eurozone growth in a decade - business live