UK economy grew faster than expected in February

The UK economy grew by a faster-than-expected 0.5% in February, official figures show.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) also said the economy grew by 0.1% in January after previously saying the start of the year had seen no growth.

The figures cover a period before the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran on 28 February, which has caused a major energy shock and experts warn risks a global recession if it is prolonged.

This week the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its estimate for UK growth this year, warning it was set to be the hardest hit of the world's advanced economies.