Reeves: I will fix the foundations of Britain's economy to make every part of the UK better off

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves will today vow to "fix the foundations of our economy" and boost economic growth across Britain.

- Michael Knowles

Ms Reeves, who became the first woman Chancellor on Friday, is giving a major speech, declaring "there is no time to waste" and insisting she is prepared to take "difficult decisions".

Over the weekend, ministers embarked on a policy and diplomacy blitz, with announcements on the future of the UK's relationship with Europe, military aid to Ukraine, the economy, the migrant crisis and the junior doctors' strike.

But the new Labour Government is set to make economic growth its "national mission".

Ms Reeves will say today: "Last week, the British people voted for change. And over the past 72 hours, I have begun the work necessary to deliver on that mandate.

"Our manifesto was clear: sustained economic growth is the only route to improving the prosperity of our country and the living standards of working people.

"Where governments have been unwilling to take the difficult decisions to deliver growth - or waited too long to act - I will deliver.

"It is now a national mission.

There is no time to waste.

"This morning I want to outline the first steps this new Government has taken to fix the foundations of our economy so we can rebuild Britain and make every part of our country better off."

Ms Reeves is expected to announce "swift changes to unblock infrastructure and private investment". She will add: "We face the legacy of 14 years of chaos and economic irresponsibility.