The United Kingdom’s economy showed a slight acceleration in May 2026, with year-over-year GDP growth ticking up to 1.3%, according to data updated on 16 July 2026. This compares with a 1.2% annual increase recorded in April 2026.
Both figures are calculated on a year-over-year basis, meaning May’s 1.3% reading reflects how much the UK economy expanded compared with May of the previous year. Similarly, April’s 1.2% print measured growth relative to April a year earlier. The marginal improvement suggests a modest strengthening in economic activity as the second quarter progresses, though the pace of expansion remains relatively subdued by historical standards.
