The UK economy showed no growth in April, according to early figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), leading to criticism of the Conservative government’s economic strategy.
The ONS reported a flat GDP (gross domestic product) for April, following a 0.4% increase in March. Economists had anticipated the stagnation due to adverse weather impacting retail sales and construction.
Overall rainfall was 155% of the long-term average for April, according to the ONS, contributing to a 1.4% decline in construction output and a 0.9% drop in production. The services sector, which represents almost 80% of UK output, grew by a modest 0.2%.
These figures come as a setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose administration has emphasized economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis. The UK had exited a brief recession at the end of 2023 with 0.6% growth in the first quarter of 2024. However, the latest data suggest a slowdown, with economists predicting a 0.3% growth for the second quarter.
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves criticized the Conservative leadership, stating, “Rishi Sunak claims we have turned a corner, but the economy has stalled and there is no growth. These figures expose the damage done after 14 years of Conservative chaos.” Reeves advocated for Labour’s plan to restore economic stability through private sector investment and planning reforms.
Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Sarah Olney echoed these concerns, arguing that the Conservatives have failed to deliver economic growth. “The Conservatives have utterly failed to deliver the growth they repeatedly promised, instead presiding over stagnation and economic misery for hardworking families across the country,” she said.
The ONS report, the last before the upcoming general election, intensifies scrutiny of the Conservatives’ economic policies. Voters are set to decide on July 4 whether the current administration’s strategy will continue or if a new direction will be chosen.
