US has hiked the tariffs on $200bn of Chinese goods to 25% overnight, from 10%, escalating the battle between the two economic powers

• Latest: UK growth jumped to 0.5%
• China urges US to meet it halfway
• Summary: Tariffs kicked in overnight
• But goods already sailing to US will be spared
• Full story: Higher tariffs come into effect as talks continue
  

11.04am BST

Britain’s construction sector grew by 1% in the last quarter, as building firms got busier.

But Clive Docwra, managing director of construction consulting and design agency McBains, says Brexit is still hurting the sector.

“Today’s figures mark another increase in output, coming after last month’s statistics showed unexpected moderate growth during February.

“However, this was driven by repair and maintenance - there was no growth in new work across the first quarter of the year, including a decrease in private commercial and housing work.

10.41am BST

Britain’s politicians are predictably split on whether the UK is romping along healthily, or simply scrambling to protect itself from Brexit.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, takes an upbeat view on today’s growth figures, pointing out that we’ve now enjoyed nine years of growth.

“Today’s figures show the economy remains robust, with growth of 0.5% in Q1 benefitting every major sector.

“The economy has grown for nine consecutive years, debt is falling, employment is at a record high and wages are rising at their fastest pace in over a decade.

“It’s not surprising to see households and businesses protecting themselves against a potentially disastrous Tory No Deal Brexit.

“With this government increasingly resembling a business entering administration it’s time they admitted the failure of their approach and stood aside for a General Election.