British consumer keeps UK plc afloat as key sectors start to sink

As a no-deal Brexit looms sterling is starting a steep slide and growth is stalling

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The British consumer is holding up the country's economic performance but key sectors are showing signs of strain as Boris Johnson threatens to take the UK out of the EU without a deal, according to a Guardian analysis.

In a sign of the mounting stress facing the economy, the pound has slumped to the lowest level against the US dollar for 28 months amid rising fears that Johnson may pursue a no-deal Brexit.