UK Economy Shows Signs of Recovery with 0.2% Growth in April

The UK economy grew by 0.2% in April, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), following a contraction of 0.3% in the previous month.

This suggests a pick-up in spending at shops and in bars and restaurants.

Over the three months to April, growth was 0.1%.

However, the services sector dragged growth downwards, partly due to the impact of public sector strikes.

The construction industries were a key driver of growth.

High inflation remains a concern, with the Bank of England widely tipped to act further by imposing a further interest rate hike next week.

The Chancellor supports the Bank's rate hike path, but emphasizes the need to tackle inflation to drive long-term growth.

His Labour shadow disagrees, arguing that the Tories would rather continue down a path of managed decline.