British economy now political football

Prime Minister Gordon Brown says the British economy is in the same state as England footballer Wayne Rooney's ankle - recovering and in need of support.

The Manchester United striker is suffering ligament damage. But Brown said trying to "jump off the treatment table as if nothing had happened" would "do more damage".

He added: "I believe that securing the recovery is the biggest issue facing our country. That means we shouldn't take money out of the economy this year ... after an injury you need support to recover, you need support to get back to match fitness, you need support to get back your full strength and then go on to lift the World Cup."