UK economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.1% in January in blow to Rachel Reeves - The slowdown in January piles further pressure on Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer ahead off this month’s spring statemen

Britain's economy unexpectedly shrank in January, official data showed Friday, piling more pressure on the Labour government ahead of its Spring Statement on the economy. The data provides a fresh blow to the government and Prime Minister Keir Starmer,

The UK economy shrank unexpectedly by 0.1% in January, with a slowdown in manufacturing one of the main reasons for the dip. The performance was weaker than expected, and came after the economy had grown by 0.4% in December. It will be seen as a blow to the government, which has said its number one priority is to boost UK economic growth.