The UK economy grew by 0.4% in the second quarter, a slowdown from 0.6% in the first three months of the year, but a better-than-expected June performance was boosted by heatwaves and the World Cup, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.3% month-on-month in June, against expectations for a flat performance. Firms across the service sector reported buoyant trade thanks to extreme hot weather and the start of the World Cup football tournament.
June growth beats expectations
The June rise followed flat growth in May, revised down from 0.1% growth previously estimated, and a 0.1% contraction in April.
Liz McKeown, ONS director of economic statistics, said: “Growth slowed in the second quarter of the year, following a strong start to 2026, but remained relatively robust.”
Services sector drives growth
“Services also drove growth in June, with some businesses reporting that good weather and sporting events may have had a positive impact that month,” she added.
The better-than-expected performance helped offset impacts from the Iran war, which had been a source of pressure on the economy.
