The British government announced an expansion of free child care, extended household energy subsidies and bolstered business investment incentives on Wednesday as ministers attempt to pull the nation’s economy out of stagnation.Amid double-digit inflation, rising interest rates and widespread labor strikes, Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor of the Exchequer, detailed his plan to help Prime Minister Rishi Sunak keep the promise he made in January to expand the economy this year.Mr. Hunt laid out his tax and spending plans to lawmakers in Parliament in the annual spring budget speech, which aimed to coax economic growth while avoiding any surprises that could shake Britain’s restored but fragile fiscal credibility.“We remain vigilant,” Mr. Hunt said on Wednesday. “I will not hesitate to take whatever steps are necessary for economic stability.”As he delivered the speech, junior doctors who work for the National Health Service, transit workers, some civil servants and teachers were on strike, adding to a wave of labor unrest that began last year over higher pay. The chancellor didn’t announce …
