GDP up by 0.6%

Britain’s economic output grew by 0.6 per cent between April and June, double the rate of growth during the opening three months of the year.

The increase marks the first time in two years that gross domestic product (GDP) has increased for two consecutive quarters.

The largest contribution to second-quarter GDP growth came from services sector, with the three other main components – agriculture, construction and production – also posting increases.

Today’s figures mark the first estimate of second-quarter GDP, with revised reading being issued in each of the next two months.