No. 10 dismisses Reeves’ suggestion that Trump is to blame for the weak economy.

Downing Street has rejected Rachel Reeves’ suggestion that Donald Trump was responsible for Britain’s economic underperformance.

A No 10 spokesperson dismissed claims that tariffs imposed by the US president contributed to the economy’s contraction at the beginning of the year.

Ms Reeves pointed the finger at the Trump administration after official figures revealed that the UK’s GDP unexpectedly shrank by 0.1% in January.

However, when asked if the US president was to blame, a spokesman for the Prime Minister firmly replied, “No.”

He added, “We recognize that the cost-of-living crisis is ongoing, and this Government is committed to improving people’s lives. That’s why economic growth is the Prime Minister’s top priority.

“Growth funds our public services, enables investments in our hospitals and schools, and most importantly, raises living standards for everyone.”

Ms Reeves remarked, “the world has changed and we are all experiencing its impacts,” following the release of official data that challenged her growth aspirations.

Mr Trump, who was inaugurated in January, had pledged to implement tariffs on his very first day in office after winning the election in November.

While Ms Reeves did not directly address the US president, she implied that his tariff policy would harm the economy.

During a visit to Scotland, the Chancellor told broadcasters, “I believe, and this Government believes, in free and open trade, and we will continue to advocate for that. We are currently negotiating an economic agreement with the United States to ensure that British exporters can reach global markets, including the US, and to prevent any tariff-driven price hikes for UK consumers.”