UK Economy Exits Recession as Sunak Gets Boost before Election

In a much-needed boost for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, official figures revealed that the UK economy emerged from a short and shallow recession during the first quarter of 2024. Gross domestic product increased by 0.6% in the three-month period, surpassing analysts’ predictions of 0.4%. This growth was particularly strong in March, with an expansion rate of 0.4%, exceeding the previously anticipated figure of 0.1%. These results follow declines of 0.3% in the final quarter of 2023 and 0.1% in the third quarter. The news provides welcome respite for Sunak, who has struggled to meet his pledge to stimulate economic development amid setbacks for his Conservative Party in recent regional polls, which have heightened concerns regarding their prospects in the upcoming general election.