Labour MP Dr Peter Prinsley has welcomed new figures showing the UK economy grew by 0.4% between April and June, describing the figures as evidence of resilience amid continuing global uncertainty.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Thursday show that UK real gross domestic product increased by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2026, following growth of 0.6% during the first three months of the year.
The services sector was the main driver of growth, expanding by 0.5% during the quarter, while construction grew by 0.3%. Production output was unchanged overall. The ONS also estimated that GDP per head increased by 0.4% during the quarter and was 1.0% higher than a year earlier.
Welcoming the figures, Labour MP Dr Peter Prinsley said:
“Welcome news that the UK economy grew by 0.4% between April and June, showing resilience despite considerable global uncertainty.
“There is more to do, but our focus must remain on delivering sustainable growth, supporting businesses and ensuring people across the country feel the benefits.”
The latest figures show continued economic expansion during the first half of 2026, although the pace of quarterly growth moderated from the 0.6% recorded between January and March.
There were encouraging signs within the services sector, with 10 of its 14 component sectors recording growth during the quarter. Information and communication grew by 2.7%, while professional, scientific and technical activities increased by 1.7%.
Manufacturing also recorded growth of 1.0% over the quarter, although this was offset by falls elsewhere in the wider production sector, leaving overall production output flat.
Prinsley’s comments underline Labour MPs’ argument that the priority now must be to turn headline economic growth into improvements felt by households, workers and businesses across the country.
With the economy continuing to grow, attention will now turn to whether the momentum can be sustained in the second half of the year and translated into stronger living standards and investment across the UK.
