UK factory data debunks Tory claims of economic recovery

Slowing GDP growth and now shockingly weak PMI data show UK economy is fading fast from the housing market sugar-rush and all despite cheap oil and ultra-low interest rates. Not a good week to choose the economy as an election platform

Shockingly weak. That's the only way to describe news highlighting the continuing struggles of Britain's manufacturers last month.

It's easy to see why the health check of industry from Markit/CIPS raised eyebrows. The snapshots of the three most important sectors of the economy - manufacturing, construction and services - are closely watched because they are the first evidence of the state of the economy in the month and they look forward rather than backward.

Related: UK manufacturing slowdown deals blow to Conservatives