Labour attacks Kwarteng’s ‘disgraceful’ claim his mini-budget not to blame for UK financial chaos – as it happened

Former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng. Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PA

5.10pm GMT

Afternoon summary

• Jeremy Hunt has warned of a “tough road ahead” after Britain’s economy shrank in the three months to September, in what is expected to be the beginning of a lengthy recession.

• Hunt has appeared to reject suggestions by his predecessor that the “black hole” in Britain’s finances cannot be blamed on the short-lived Truss administration.

• Labour has said it is “disgraceful’” that the former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng is claiming his mini-budget is not to blame for the poor state of the public finances. (See 1.10pm.)

• Senior civil servants at the Ministry of Justice were offered “respite or a route out” of the department when Dominic Raab was reappointed last month, amid concerns that some were still traumatised by his behaviour during a previous stint there, the Guardian has revealed. The Liberal Democrats have called for an inquiry. Responding to the Guardian’s story, Daisy Cooper, the deputy Lib Dem leader, said:

This government hasn’t got a shred of integrity left - every day more chaos, sleaze and scandal is unearthed. These latest reports are deeply disturbing and must be investigated immediately by the Cabinet Office. Britain has had enough of bullies running the country.

Dominic Raab now joins a long list of Conservative ministers to have allegations made against them for inappropriate behaviour.

Updated at 5.12pm GMT

4.31pm GMT

MoJ staff offered ‘route out’ amid concerns over Dominic Raab behaviour

Senior civil servants at the Ministry of Justice were offered “respite or a route out” of the department when Dominic Raab was reappointed last month, amid concerns that some were still traumatised by his behaviour during a previous stint there, my colleague Pippa Crerar reports. Pippa writes:

Several sources told the Guardian that about 15 staff from the justice secretary’s private office were taken into a room where departmental chiefs acknowledged they may be anxious about his behaviour and gave them the option of moving roles.

Some of the civil servants were said to have been in tears during the meeting and several subsequently decided to move to other positions in the department, with one thought to be considering leaving entirely, although sources suggested a couple of staff had since returned.

It is also understood that Antonia Romeo, the MoJ permanent secretary, had to speak to Raab when he returned to the department to warn him that he must treat staff professionally and with respect amid unhappiness about his return. One source, who was not in the room at the time, claimed she had “read him the riot act”.

The full story is here.