The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has  upgraded its growth forecast for the UK economy this year.
The global institution upgraded its  prediction for UK growth to 1.6% for this year from its previous estimate of  1.5%.
As well as upgrading its outlook for the  UK, the IMF suggested the UK economy would perform better than European  economies such as Germany, France and Italy over the next two years.
However, the latest IMF figures suggested  the UK economy had weaker growth last year than the organisation had expected.
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the  Exchequer said:
'The  UK is forecast to be the fastest growing major European economy over the next  two years and the only G7 economy, apart from the US, to have its growth  forecast upgraded for this year.
'I  will go further and faster in my mission for growth through intelligent  investment and relentless reform and deliver on our promise to improve living  standards in every part of the UK through the Plan for Change.'
Internet  link: IMF HM Treasury