UK economy failed to grow in January, figures show

The UK economy failed to grow in January, the latest official figures show.

The zero growth for the month was weaker than had been expected, and followed growth of 0.1% in December.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS), which released the GDP figures, called the overall picture "subdued".

The figures cover a period before the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran which has caused a major energy shock that could have a ripple effect on economies around the world.

The longer the conflict lasts, the more likely it is that there will be an effect on the UK economy, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned this week.

Labour has made growing the economy its number one priority since coming to power.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "Our economic plan is the right one, but I know there is more to do.

"In an uncertain world, we are building a stronger and more secure economy by cutting the cost of living, cutting national debt and creating the conditions for growth to make all parts of the country better off."

GDP stands for gross domestic product, and is a measure of all the economic activity of companies, governments, and people in a country.

The ONS said the services sector showed no growth in January, while production fell by 0.1%. Meanwhile the construction sector grew by 0.2%.