Summer sun and sports fixtures helped the UK economy grow between April and June, according to official data, but some economists warned the outlook for the rest of the year was weaker.
The economy expanded by 0.4%, in line with market expectations but below a 0.6% increase in the first three months of this year.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said growth had “remained relatively robust”, with the UK ahead of other G7 countries for growth this year so far.
Experts questioned whether this resilience would be maintained, however, given growth was fuelled by some temporary factors and energy prices could remain volatile if the Middle East conflict continues.
The British economy is now 1.2% bigger than a year ago, the ONS said, despite fears that the Iran war, which started at the end of February, and politically uncertainty around Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as prime minister would hold back growth.
Between April and June, sectors including computer programming, advertising and the pharmaceutical industry lifted growth. That was offset by falls in power generation and sewerage.
The ONS said some businesses reported that “good weather and sporting events may have had a positive effect” in June, boosting month-on-month growth to 0.3%.
The men’s football World Cup, which kicked off mid-June, increased customers at hospitality venues showing the matches.
June also saw several of summer’s heatwaves. However, May’s growth was revised down from 0.1% to zero growth.