UK economy barely grows as new PM Andy Burnham prepares to take charge

The economy grew by just 0.1% in May 2026, the ONS said — barely recovering from April's 0.1% shrink. Analysts called growth "fragile." Paul Dales of Capital Economics said it was "not a bad welcome gift" for incoming PM Andy Burnham. The ONS said renewed fighting between the US and Iran hurt factories, hospitality, travel and entertainment.