London: The UK economy recorded stronger-than-expected growth in March, with output in the first quarter of 2025 rising at its fastest pace in a year, according to official data released Thursday.

According to Qatar News Agency, the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.7 percent between January and March, exceeding the Bank of England's forecast of 0.6 percent.

The ONS attributed the growth primarily to a robust performance in the services sector, while industrial output also posted a notable recovery following a period of contraction. Business investment further contributed to the positive momentum.

In response to the data, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said that the growth figures demonstrate the resilience and potential of the UK economy and that in the first quarter of the year, the UK outpaced the United States (US), Canada, France, Italy, and Germany in terms of economic growth.

Reeves, alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is leading efforts to revive the UK's economy through increased infrastructure spending and a series of reforms aimed at stimulating investment and long-term growth.