City of London police officers stand guard outside the Bank of England
Low rates force the Bank of England to use unconventional measures
The Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates to a record low and start increasing the money supply in an attempt to revive the economy.
Most analysts believe the Bank will cut rates to 0.5% from 1%. An announcement is expected at 1200 GMT on Thursday.
As rates get closer to zero, the Bank runs out of room to cut the cost of borrowing to stimulate the economy.
As a result, economists suggest that it will opt to expand the money supply by up to 163;150bn ($212bn).
Britain has been in recession since last year, for the first time in nearly two decades, as the global financial and economic crisis intensifies.