BRITAIN’S economic growth fell unexpectedly in the first month of this year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Gross Domestic Product (GDP) edged down by 0.1% in January.

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

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.