Business · 13 August 2026

UK economy expanded 0.4% in second quarter, official data reveals

Official figures indicate that the UK economy's growth reached 0.4% during the year's second quarter, surpassing certain forecasts. The growth happened despite political uncertainty from Sir Keir Starmer's resignation in June and a May heatwave. Economists report that businesses frequently experience a slowdown during the latter half of the year because of Budget speculation.

By BriefTea Editorial · 13 August 2026 at 7:11

Reported by BBC · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

How do we measure the UK economy? How does the UK compare globally? What's a 'Budget'? What's a 'quarter' anyway?

More briefs

BusinessIceland supermarket boss tells the Chancellor to cut business taxes for employers BusinessNorwich trains face disruption in September and October for rail works BusinessEngland's free bus pass age will rise to 67 by April 2028 BusinessBritish tourist visits to Japan up 40.8% since 2019 TechnologyGoogle paying £260m to settle UK Play Store developer lawsuit BusinessSnack makers warn new UK rules could undo years of reformulation work More business stories → Browse all stories →