HUNT: WE'VE DONE THE HARD YARDS ...NOW I WILL CUT TAXES AND BET ON GROWTH

IN a rallying cry to the nation, Jeremy Hunt says Britain has done the hard yards and the Government is now ready to cut taxes and bet on growth.

- Martyn Brown

The Chancellor said the nation's fortunes were on the up and lower inflation, higher wages, and a return to growth were "clear signs the economy has turned a corner".

Writing exclusively in the Daily Express, a bullish Mr Hunt says it is now time to "release the handbrake" and unleash more growth.

He said: "Now we need to make this stick.

"I plan to go further, cutting taxes that hold back growth.

"As inflation falls further, the handbrake which is holding back growth will be released, setting off sustainable growth that leaves people feeling better off and secures funding for public services.

"Britain has done the hard yards on inflation, now we are ready to cuts taxes and bet on growth."

Mr Hunt's upbeat outlook comes as figures show the economy is continuing to grow, following a mini-slump last year.

Gross Domestic Product grew by 0.1% in February, following a 0.3% rise in January, according to the Office for National Statistics. Production, notably the motor industry, is helping the economy to roar back to life.

However, the washout winter dampened performance in the construction, retail and farming industries, the ONS said.