of 2019 after six months of stagnation, according to a first estimate that highlighted the impact of higher household spending and strong construction activity.
GDP was up 0.4% quarter-on-quarter, in line with analysts’ expectations. Economy Minister Peter Altmaier called the figures a “first ray of hope” but warned that the economy was still at risk from international trade tensions — among them the U.S.-China trade row and an imminent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump on whether to impose tariffs on European car imports to the U.S.
, and it is far from clear that enough Labour parliamentarians can be persuaded to back something which still looks like a"Tory Brexit". Failure to pass the bill would make it hard to get it through parliament before the summer recess, effectively signalling curtains for May's premiership.