Last November, his niece

The US import tariffs are also expected to hit growth, with thefor the global economy and UK.

that will reduce or remove tariffs on some UK exports, although the blanket 10% levy still applies to most goods entering the US.Reeves told the BBC: "We are set to be the fastest growing economy in the G7 in the first three months of this year."We still have more to do," she added. "I absolutely understand that the cost of living crisis is still real for many families, but the numbers today do show that the economy is beginning to turn a corner."

Mel Stride criticised the rise in employers' NI payments, calling it a "jobs tax"."Labour inherited the fastest-growing economy in the G7, but their decisions have put that progress at risk," he said.

Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Daisy Cooper said the data was "positive news", but there was "no time for complacency".

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice MP said: "We are yet to see the impact of Rachel Reeves' April tax rises on growth, it won't be pretty."or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

The controversial Chatham Docks plans have been approved but its fate is yet to be sealed.Owner Peel Waters wants to redevelop the site - the last working docks in Medway - into a business hub.

At a special planning meeting on Thursday, Medway Council approved the plans with eight votes for and seven against but the application cannot proceed due to the general election.Phil Taylor, a member of the campaign to keep the site as a working dockyard, said they were "hugely disappointed" but said the decision "wasn’t unexpected".