UK GDP beats expectations to rise 0.6% in Q2

In the preliminary estimate, the ONS said today's figure for the three months to the end of June is an increase on the 0.4% growth during the first quarter of the year, and a 2.2% increase year-on-year. Although the period only includes data up to one week after the referendum, it indicates the country approached Brexit from a period of relative strength. There have now been 14 consecutive quarters of positive GDP growth. Chancellor Philip Hammond said the figures indicated "the fundamentals of the British economy are strong" and reiterated the government would do "whatever action is ...