The UK economy grew at the fastest rate in a year over the first quarter of 2025, in a boost to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, new official figures show.
Gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.7% between January and March, the Office for National Statistics said.
This means it came in ahead of economists’ expectations of 0.6% growth for the quarter.
It was also the highest GDP rate since the first quarter of 2024, when the economy jumped by 0.9%.
Ms Reeves said the figures “show the strength and potential of the UK economy”.
“Up against a backdrop of global uncertainty we are making the right choices now in the national interest,” she said.
Liz McKeown, ONS director of economic statistics, said: “The economy grew strongly in the first quarter of the year, largely driven by services, though production also grew significantly, after a period of decline.
“Growth in services was broad based, with wholesale, retail and computer programming all having a strong quarter as did car leasing and advertising.
“These were only slightly offset by falls in education, telecoms and legal services.”
Source: independent.co.uk
