UK economy grew more than expected in February

The UK economy grew by more than expected in February, according to the latest official figures.

The economy expanded by 0.5%, with the services sector having a strong month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

Economists had predicted growth of just 0.1%, but the ONS said several factors contributed to the surprise rise which was driven by a boost in manufacturing and production.

The better-than-expected figures comes as the UK economy braces itself for the impact of tariffs imposed on goods being imported to the US.

The UK has been hit with the blanket 10% tariff on nearly all of its goods being brought into the US, which is expected to hit British exporters and also impact economic growth.

The government has made growing the UK economy its top priority in its effort to improve living standards.

Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the ONS, said February's surprise growth was due to a computer programming, telecoms and car dealerships in the services sector all having "strong months".

She added in manufacturing, electronics and pharmaceutical businesses performed well, and the car marking industry also picked up after "its recent poor performance".

Chancellor Rachel Reeves called the latest growth figures were an "encouraging sign", but added the government was "not complacent".

"We must go further and faster to kickstart economic growth, provide security for working people and put more money in their pockets," she added.

She said the government would "remain pragmatic and cool-headed" in its efforts to secure a trade deal with the US.

Alongside the better-than-expected growth, the ONS revised up its figure for January from a contraction of 0.1% to no growth.