Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, responding to news of zero growth in three months to January 2020, said:

“On the day of the Budget these figures expose the fundamental weaknesses in the economy after a decade of decline under the Tories.

“News of zero growth and falling production, even before the outbreak of coronavirus, show the Tories do not have a grip on the economy.

“For years the Tories have had no plan for the economy – and unfortunately today’s Budget announcements look likely to spell more of the same, and more disappointment for the country as a whole.”