Britain has officially entered into the largest recession on record after figures showed the pandemic sent the economy plunging by 20.4% between April and June.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed the UK nosedived into recession for the first time since the financial crisis in 2008 after the record-breaking contraction in the second quarter.

A recession is defined as two successive quarters of decline in gross domestic product (GDP).

But while the news might not be surprising some economists believe it could herald opportunities, particularly for the green economy and Christians could help support that. 

"For me the question mark is what kind of recovery will happen, what are the policies that will be put in place for this kind of recovery. Will the recovery be a fair one and also one that improves equality in the UK and also our relationship to nature?" Christian Economist Nicholas Baumgartner told Premier.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak (pictured below) said that the ONS figures "confirm that hard times are here".

He added: "But while there are difficult choices to be made ahead, we will get through this, and I can assure people that nobody will be left without hope or opportunity."

Hope is one thing Christians should and do have. 

"Economic growth has always been linked to hope," says Baumgartner. "Christians have a particular understanding of hope, one that overcomes death at the end of the day."

For now the message is clear. Whether the nation's comeback is swift or slow Christians have a part to play. 

"I really believe Christians should participate in the formation of the economy. Praying for discernment at an individual level, you and I."