UK economy far exceeds forecasts to grow 0.5% in boost to Rachel Reeves
GuardianAPR 12
UK: Economy Sees Unexpected 0.5% Rise in February
Above: U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the Jaguar Land Rover automobile manufacturing plant in Solihull, UK, on Monday, April 7, 2025. Image copyright: Adam Vaughan/Contributor/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
February's stronger-than-expected growth shows the U.K. economy and Rachel Reeves's Treasury Department are more resilient than critics have claimed. The broad-based expansion — from services to manufacturing — highlights consumer confidence and steady wage growth. It's clear the Chancellor's plan is starting to work, putting the U.K. on a firmer footing in an uncertain global landscape.
Opposition narrative
February’s GDP growth may look like good news, but it raises serious questions. Key economic indicators remain weak, and critical ONS data feeds were halted just before this surprise boost — leaving no clear explanation for the jump. With exports spiking ahead of U.S. tariffs, this feels more like a temporary fluke than real progress. The U.K. economy isn't out of the woods yet.