UK economy grows faster than expected with 0.6 per cent expansion

The UK economy grew by 0.6 per cent in the last three months, official figures revealed today.

The Office for National Statistics results show GDP has expanded faster than expected and proves the economy was in a healthy position heading into last month’s Brexit vote.

The three month period, known as the second quarter, ended one week after the EU referendum vote.

The figure is an increase from the 0.4 per cent growth recorded from January to March.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said: "Today's GDP figures show that the fundamentals of the British economy are strong.

"In the second quarter of this year our economy grew by 0.6% - faster than was expected. Indeed, we saw the strongest quarterly rise in production for nearly 20 years, so it is clear we enter our negotiations to leave the EU from a position of economic strength.

"Those negotiations will signal the beginning of a period of adjustment, but I am confident we have the tools to manage the challenges ahead, and, along with the Bank of England, this Government will take whatever action is necessary to support our economy and maintain business and consumer confidence."