UK Economy Grows 0.7% in Third Quarter at Fastest Pace in Two Years

What changed

The UK economy grew 0.7% between July and September 2026, its fastest pace in more than two years. Growth accelerated from the previous three-month period, with official figures pointing to a more resilient consumer economy than expected over the summer.

Why it matters

The result gives households and businesses a stronger economic backdrop than the summer appeared to promise. Consumers were spending or holding up better than expected, helping lift overall activity across the quarter.

The immediate outlook is more encouraging, though the number alone cannot show what drove the expansion or whether the momentum will last. The next figures will matter because they can show whether this was a broad improvement or a short burst of strength.