The Telegraph: The worst in 300 years

Britain's economy shrank in May and June as the worst housing market slump in decades took its toll on the UK, it has emerged.

It is the most conclusive sign yet that the longest run of sustained economic growth since the early days of the Industrial Revolution over three centuries ago is over.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2008/07/26/cngdp126.xml

It's good to see hyperbole and a penchant for exaggeration exists overseas also.