UK Leads G7 Growth in First Half of 2026, Defying IMF Iran-War Warning

UK GDP grew 0.4% in Q2 2026 after 0.6% in Q1, keeping Britain atop the G7, the ONS reported on August 13. The IMF had warned in spring that Britain faced the heaviest economic blow from the Iran war among advanced nations. Deutsche Bank now estimates 1.1% UK growth for 2026, above the IMF's 0.8% forecast.