UK economic growth slowed in the second quarter but still outpaced forecasts, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Gross domestic product rose 0.3% between April and June, down from 0.7% in the first quarter but above the 0.1% expected. Services provided the biggest lift, with construction output up 1.2%, aided by hot, dry weather.
The ONS revised April’s GDP figure, showing a smaller 0.1% contraction versus the 0.3% previously estimated, while June outperformed expectations.
Economists said the resilience came despite a drag from fading first-quarter boosts, including pre-tariff stockpiling by firms and a stamp duty rush.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves called the numbers “positive” but stressed more work was needed. Opposition parties criticised both the pace of growth and government policy.
Analysts warned momentum could weaken, citing global headwinds, April’s tax rises and uncertainty over further fiscal tightening.
"The sun shone on the UK economy in June, with worries about tariffs and taxes appearing to ease off," said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets, Hargreaves Lansdown.