achel Reeves attend a concert to mark the 80th Anniversary of V-E Day at Horse Guards Parade, London, Thursday May 8, 2025. Britian’s economic growth soared in the first three months of this year, new figures have revealed.In a major boost for Rachel Reeves, the Office for National Statistics confirmed that the UK’s national income (GDP) increased by 0.7% between January and March.By contrast, the economy only grew by 0.1% in the final three months of 2024.The higher-than-expected figure for the first quarter of 2025 comes despite intense criticism from opposition parties of the chancellor’s economic policies, most notably the increase to employers’ National Insurance.Reeves said: “Today’s growth figures show the strength and potential of the UK economy.“In the first three months of the year, the UK economy has grown faster than the US, Canada, France, Italy and Germany.“Up against a backdrop of global uncertainty we are making the right choices now in the national interest. Since the election we have already had four interest rate cuts, signed two trade deals, saved British Steel and given a pay rise to millions by increasing the minimum wage.“Our