Philip Hammond's claim of economic 'bounce' backed by IMF

Chequers-style deal would lift UK growth rate beyond 1.5% it expects for 2019, says fund

Philip Hammond's claim that the UK economy can expect a bounce following parliamentary backing for a Chequers-style deal has won the backing of the International Monetary Fund.

The Washington-based organisation said there would be a jump in consumer spending and business investment following a deal that secured frictionless trade with the European Union, lifting the UK's growth rate beyond the 1.5% it expects for 2019.