Reeves hails surprise UK economic growth

BRITAIN’S economy grew faster than expected in February, as the services and manufacturing sectors picked up after recent slow activity, official figures show.

- Rachel Reeves

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.5%, surprising economists who had forecast just 0.1% growth.

It also marks a significant monthly improvement after no growth in January, the ONS added.

The figures come as a surprise boost for Labour and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, after the party made growing the economy its key priority since winning the election last year, but momentum has been slow amid falling consumer confidence and rising inflation.

However, Ms Reeves said recent trade tariffs by US President Donald Trump had upended prospects for the global economy.