Britain's economy grew 0.4 per cent in May, stronger than expected and offering new Prime Minister Keir Starmer a boost at the beginning of his mandate.&nbsp; 
 
The 0.4 per cent rise, driven significantly by surging housing construction, was double the 0.2 per cent increase forecast by a Reuters poll of economists. 
 
The Office for National Statistics announced across-the-board increases in activity pointing to services, manufacturing, and construction.&nbsp; 
 
Most dramatically of all, construction rose 1.9 per cent—mainly driven by the housing sector. 
 
The UK economy expanded by 0.9 per cent in the three months to May, its highest growth rate since Q3 2021, while it also came in hotter than consensus expectations for a 0.7 per cent rise. 
 
Last month the Bank of England had forecast second-quarter growth of 0.5 per cent, highlighting&nbsp;the unexpected strength of May's figures. 
 
"The economy grew strongly in May with all the main sectors seeing increases," said Head of Economic Statistics at ONS, Liz McKeown.&nbsp; 
 
She added that many wholesalers and retailers rebounded from a weak start in April to underpin good economic performance. 
 
This can be very encouraging data to take on board for the new government amidst all the headwinds that would prepare it for the economic challenges ahead, demonstrating the resilience and recovery in many sectors of the economy. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

Britain's economy grew 0.4 per cent in May, stronger than expected and offering new Prime Minister Keir Starmer a boost at the beginning of his mandate. The 0.4 per cent rise, driven significantly by surging housing construction, was double the 0.

Britain's economy grew 0.4 per cent in May, stronger than expected and offering new Prime Minister Keir Starmer a boost at the beginning of his mandate. The 0.4 per cent rise, driven significantly by surging housing construction, was double the 0.2 per cent increase forecast by a Reuters poll of economists. The Office for National Statistics announced across-the-board increases in activity pointing to services, manufacturing, and construction. Most dramatically of all, construction rose 1.9 per cent—mainly driven by the housing sector. The UK economy expanded by 0.9 per cent in the three months to May, its highest growth rate since Q3 2021, while it also came in hotter than consensus expectations for a 0.7 per cent rise. Last month the Bank of England had forecast second-quarter growth of 0.5 per cent, highlighting the unexpected strength of May's figures. "The economy grew strongly in May with all the main sectors seeing increases," said Head of Economic Statistics at ONS, Liz McKeown. She added that many wholesalers and retailers rebounded from a weak start in April to underpin good economic performance. This can be very encouraging data to take on board for the new government amidst all the headwinds that would prepare it for the economic challenges ahead, demonstrating the resilience and recovery in many sectors of the economy. (With inputs from Reuters)

UK economic output surged by 0.4 per cent in May, exceeding expectations

According to Britain's Office of National Statistics(ONS), over seven out of ten&nbsp;people in England have had COVID-19 since the pandemic began in 2020.

The agency said 71 per cent citizens living in England were estimated to have contracted the virus between April 2020 and February 2022.

Britain is one of the worst-hit countries hit by the virus with over 22 million cases and over 173,980 COVID-19 deaths in the last two years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ba2-covid-variant-driving-new-infections-in-some-parts-of-us-471264">Also Read:&nbsp;BA.2 Covid variant driving new infections in some parts of US</a>

The study said the number of cases may have risen after the Omicron wave hit England in January. Last month, the ONS had said there was a steep rise in infections due to Omicron BA.2 subvariant&nbsp;with one in 16 people in England believed to got the virus in March.

The ONS however added that&nbsp;the death rate due to the virus had fallen this year with the Omicron variant&nbsp;showing mild symptoms although hospitalisations in England and Wales had shot up.

Watch:&nbsp;China finds new virus subtype of COVID-19

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Britain's record agency had said infections had climbed to a record high in end March as the UK government ended free government testing in England with 4.9 million estimated to have had COVID-19 until March 26.

The ONS said Omicron BA.2 variant was responsible for the rapid rise in infections even as UK health secretary Sajid Javid said people must "learn to live with Covid".

The UK government had earlier ended mandatory jabs for health workers as a job requirement with a raft of&nbsp;other COVID-19 restrictions being lifted this year including ending legal requirement to self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 as the Johnson&nbsp;government moved to ease&nbsp;rules for international travellers.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

According to Britain's Office of National Statistics(ONS), over seven out of ten people in England have had COVID-19 since the pandemic began in 2020. The agency said 71 per cent citizens living in England were estimated to have contracted the virus between April 2020 and February 2022.

According to Britain's Office of National Statistics(ONS), over seven out of ten people in England have had COVID-19 since the pandemic began in 2020. The agency said 71 per cent citizens living in England were estimated to have contracted the virus between April 2020 and February 2022. Britain is one of the worst-hit countries hit by the virus with over 22 million cases and over 173,980 COVID-19 deaths in the last two years. Also Read: BA.2 Covid variant driving new infections in some parts of US The study said the number of cases may have risen after the Omicron wave hit England in January. Last month, the ONS had said there was a steep rise in infections due to Omicron BA.2 subvariant with one in 16 people in England believed to got the virus in March. The ONS however added that the death rate due to the virus had fallen this year with the Omicron variant showing mild symptoms although hospitalisations in England and Wales had shot up. Watch: China finds new virus subtype of COVID-19 Britain's record agency had said infections had climbed to a record high in end March as the UK government ended free government testing in England with 4.9 million estimated to have had COVID-19 until March 26. The ONS said Omicron BA.2 variant was responsible for the rapid rise in infections even as UK health secretary Sajid Javid said people must "learn to live with Covid". The UK government had earlier ended mandatory jabs for health workers as a job requirement with a raft of other COVID-19 restrictions being lifted this year including ending legal requirement to self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 as the Johnson government moved to ease rules for international travellers. (With inputs from Agencies)

Over seven in 10 people in England had COVID-19: Study

As the UK continues to report nearly 200,000 COVID-19 cases a day, Britain's Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that one in 15 people were estimated to have been infected with COVID-19 until December 31 in England.

ONS data revealed an estimated one in ten people in London had tested positive for coronavirus.

"COVID-19 infection rates continued to increase across all age groups in England with the highest rates still seen in school-age children and young adults," ONS said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-toughens-vaccination-rules-mandates-jab-for-those-over-50-442536">Also Read:&nbsp;Italy toughens vaccination rules, mandates jab for those over 50</a>

The UK has eased testing rules for travelling into England even as British PM Boris Johnson told parliament that COVID-19 cases have been increasing at the fastest rate ever.

The UK prime minister informed that hospitalisation was increasing among older age groups.

"I'm confident that we can get through this wave of Omicron with the measures, with the balanced and proportionate approach that we are taking," PM Johnson told UK lawmakers.

Watch:&nbsp;Omicron cases surge across Europe

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The UK has eased testing rules for people travelling to England from Friday onwards. Fully vaccinated travellers coming to the UK do not have to take a pre-departure test and from Sunday onwards travellers can take a lateral flow test rather an RT-PCR.

However, unvaccinated passengers will have to take the pre-departure tests and&nbsp;PCR tests on day two and day eight, and self-isolate for ten days.

UK is one the worst-hit countries with the virus recording&nbsp;nearly 150,000 fatalities and more than 11 million COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began in March 2020.

After the arrival of the Omicron variant in late November last year, the country witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases.

"Now Omicron is so prevalent, these measures are having limited impact on the growth in cases&nbsp;while continuing to pose significant costs on our travel industry," PM Johnson told Parliament.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the UK continues to report nearly 200,000 COVID-19 cases a day, Britain's Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that one in 15 people were estimated to have been infected with COVID-19 until December 31 in England.

As the UK continues to report nearly 200,000 COVID-19 cases a day, Britain's Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that one in 15 people were estimated to have been infected with COVID-19 until December 31 in England. ONS data revealed an estimated one in ten people in London had tested positive for coronavirus. "COVID-19 infection rates continued to increase across all age groups in England with the highest rates still seen in school-age children and young adults," ONS said. Also Read: Italy toughens vaccination rules, mandates jab for those over 50 The UK has eased testing rules for travelling into England even as British PM Boris Johnson told parliament that COVID-19 cases have been increasing at the fastest rate ever. The UK prime minister informed that hospitalisation was increasing among older age groups. "I'm confident that we can get through this wave of Omicron with the measures, with the balanced and proportionate approach that we are taking," PM Johnson told UK lawmakers. Watch: Omicron cases surge across Europe The UK has eased testing rules for people travelling to England from Friday onwards. Fully vaccinated travellers coming to the UK do not have to take a pre-departure test and from Sunday onwards travellers can take a lateral flow test rather an RT-PCR. However, unvaccinated passengers will have to take the pre-departure tests and PCR tests on day two and day eight, and self-isolate for ten days. UK is one the worst-hit countries with the virus recording nearly 150,000 fatalities and more than 11 million COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began in March 2020. After the arrival of the Omicron variant in late November last year, the country witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases. "Now Omicron is so prevalent, these measures are having limited impact on the growth in cases while continuing to pose significant costs on our travel industry," PM Johnson told Parliament. (With inputs from Agencies)

As UK battles Omicron wave, 1 in 15 infected with COVID-19 in England

As the Omicron variant continues to spread worldwide, UK reported 75 new cases of the variant on Saturday with 29 cases already reported the previous day taking the total number of confirmed omicron variant cases in the country to 143.

The Omicron variant cases have now reportedly spread from London to east Midland including northwest and eastern England.

Britain which is one of the hardest-hit countries due to the virus has ramped up its booster programme allowing all adults to take the jab.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-omicron-in-india-updates-two-cases-found-in-karnataka-433212">Also Read |&nbsp;Live Omicron update: India reports third variant case from Gujarat</a>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had also taken the booster shot this week as he urged more people to take it amid the Omicron threat. The British prime informed that over 18 million booster jabs were also already completed in the country.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked for help from the defence forces to ensure the third dose is administered to everyone.

Watch:&nbsp;WHO's Chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan asks people not to panic

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UK had ordered a further 114 million Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines in a bid to ramp up its booster dose campaign. The government has set a two-month target to inoculate all adults with booster shots.

Britain has been registering a surge in COVID-19 cases for the past two months as UK's&nbsp;Office for National Statistics&nbsp;(ONS) said infections have been rising among children.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-spreads-in-australia-as-authorities-look-to-reopen-economy-434065">Also Read:&nbsp;Omicron variant spreads in Australia as authorities look to reopen economy</a>

UK has suffered over 145,000 fatalities in the pandemic so far with over 10 million infected.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the Omicron variant continues to spread worldwide, UK reported 75 new cases of the variant on Saturday with 29 cases already reported the previous day taking the total number of confirmed omicron variant cases in the country to 143.

As the Omicron variant continues to spread worldwide, UK reported 75 new cases of the variant on Saturday with 29 cases already reported the previous day taking the total number of confirmed omicron variant cases in the country to 143. The Omicron variant cases have now reportedly spread from London to east Midland including northwest and eastern England. Britain which is one of the hardest-hit countries due to the virus has ramped up its booster programme allowing all adults to take the jab. Also Read | Live Omicron update: India reports third variant case from Gujarat British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had also taken the booster shot this week as he urged more people to take it amid the Omicron threat. The British prime informed that over 18 million booster jabs were also already completed in the country. Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked for help from the defence forces to ensure the third dose is administered to everyone. Watch: WHO's Chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan asks people not to panic UK had ordered a further 114 million Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines in a bid to ramp up its booster dose campaign. The government has set a two-month target to inoculate all adults with booster shots. Britain has been registering a surge in COVID-19 cases for the past two months as UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) said infections have been rising among children. Also Read: Omicron variant spreads in Australia as authorities look to reopen economy UK has suffered over 145,000 fatalities in the pandemic so far with over 10 million infected. (With inputs from Agencies)

UK reports 75 new Omicron virus cases; confirmed cases rise to 134

According to UK's Office for National Statistics(ONS), coronavirus infections in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fantastic-news-uk-approves-first-ever-covid-antibody-treatment-407215">England</a> are&nbsp;26 times the levels witnessed last year.

The ONS in a report earlier had said that COVID-19 cases in England had risen over 15 per cent after the UK government relaxed virus curbs. The number of cases also reportedly climbed in Wales and Northern Ireland.

Boris Johnson's government had eased curbs earlier after health officials inoculated 71 per cent of adults. However, amid the vaccination, last month hospitalisations rose for the first time since March.

Watch:

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Britain has been hit hard due to the Delta variant. The UK is one of the worst-hit countries due to the virus with over 6.7 million cases and over 132,600 fatalities since last year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-vaccine-experts-mull-over-handing-out-covid-booster-shots-406951">Also Read: UK vaccine experts mull over handing out Covid booster shots</a>

According to government data, England's COVID-19 reproduction "R" rose from 0.9 to 1.2 last week which means for every 10 people infected, they will on average infect between 9 and 12 other people even as the latest daily growth rate was estimated at -1 per cent to +3 per cent.

England has also relaxed quarantine rules for foreigners, however, authorities this week had added Thailand and Montenegro to the "red list" requiring travellers who return from these countries to enter into quarantine in a hotel.&nbsp;

England's "green list" includes Canada, Switzerland, Denmark where citizens can travel without requiring quarantine on return.

Britain's economy had registered growth with the Gross domestic product growing by 0.8 per cent in May on easing of lockdown measures as the country emerged from months of stay-at-home order.&nbsp;

Britain's unemployment rate also dipped in the three-month period to the end of April as the nation began opening up. The UK had reopened non-essential retail in April in an attempt to boost the economy which&nbsp;experienced severe strain last year amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to UK's Office for National Statistics(ONS), coronavirus infections in England are 26 times the levels witnessed last year. The ONS in a report earlier had said that COVID-19 cases in England had risen over 15 per cent after the UK government relaxed virus curbs.

According to UK's Office for National Statistics(ONS), coronavirus infections in England are 26 times the levels witnessed last year. The ONS in a report earlier had said that COVID-19 cases in England had risen over 15 per cent after the UK government relaxed virus curbs. The number of cases also reportedly climbed in Wales and Northern Ireland. Boris Johnson's government had eased curbs earlier after health officials inoculated 71 per cent of adults. However, amid the vaccination, last month hospitalisations rose for the first time since March. Watch: Britain has been hit hard due to the Delta variant. The UK is one of the worst-hit countries due to the virus with over 6.7 million cases and over 132,600 fatalities since last year. Also Read: UK vaccine experts mull over handing out Covid booster shots According to government data, England's COVID-19 reproduction "R" rose from 0.9 to 1.2 last week which means for every 10 people infected, they will on average infect between 9 and 12 other people even as the latest daily growth rate was estimated at -1 per cent to +3 per cent. England has also relaxed quarantine rules for foreigners, however, authorities this week had added Thailand and Montenegro to the "red list" requiring travellers who return from these countries to enter into quarantine in a hotel. England's "green list" includes Canada, Switzerland, Denmark where citizens can travel without requiring quarantine on return. Britain's economy had registered growth with the Gross domestic product growing by 0.8 per cent in May on easing of lockdown measures as the country emerged from months of stay-at-home order. Britain's unemployment rate also dipped in the three-month period to the end of April as the nation began opening up. The UK had reopened non-essential retail in April in an attempt to boost the economy which experienced severe strain last year amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. (With inputs from Agencies)

COVID-19 cases in England higher than a year ago, says UK agency

Net <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../no-more-preferential-treatment-for-eu-migrants -after-brexit-uk-conservatives-262734">migration to Britain</a> fell to its lowest level in nearly six years during the year to June, driven by a fall in the number of European Union citizens moving to the country for work ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../wion-edit-lessons-to-learn-from-jeremy-corbyns -blunders-265031">Brexit</a>, official data showed on Thursday.

The Office for National Statistics said 212,000 more people moved to Britain than left, the lowest total since the year to September 2013.

Immigration of EU citizens fell to 199,000 the lowest level since the year ending March 2013, the ONS said, extending a declining trend since the 2016 referendum, when Britons voted by 52 per cent&nbsp;to 48 per cent&nbsp;to leave the EU.

By contrast, 151,000 EU citizens left Britain in the year to June, the largest total since records started 10 years ago.

Immigration is a hot political topic ahead of the December&nbsp;12 national election.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to limit the number of people coming to Britain by implementing an Australian-style points system, while the opposition Labour Party said migration policy should fit the needs of the economy.

"While there are still more EU citizens moving to the UK than leaving, EU net migration has fallen since 2016, driven by fewer EU arrivals for work," the ONS said in a statement.

"In contrast, non-EU net migration has gradually increased for the past six years, largely as more non-EU citizens came to study."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../uk-election-poll-predicts-conservative-majority- 264965">Johnson</a> has said Britain will leave the EU by the end of January if his ruling Conservatives win a parliamentary majority in a Dec. 12 election.

Net migration to Britain fell to its lowest level in nearly six years during the year to June, driven by a fall in the number of European Union citizens moving to the country for work ahead of Brexit, official data showed on Thursday.

Net migration to Britain fell to its lowest level in nearly six years during the year to June, driven by a fall in the number of European Union citizens moving to the country for work ahead of Brexit, official data showed on Thursday. The Office for National Statistics said 212,000 more people moved to Britain than left, the lowest total since the year to September 2013. Immigration of EU citizens fell to 199,000 the lowest level since the year ending March 2013, the ONS said, extending a declining trend since the 2016 referendum, when Britons voted by 52 per cent to 48 per cent to leave the EU. By contrast, 151,000 EU citizens left Britain in the year to June, the largest total since records started 10 years ago. Immigration is a hot political topic ahead of the December 12 national election. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to limit the number of people coming to Britain by implementing an Australian-style points system, while the opposition Labour Party said migration policy should fit the needs of the economy. "While there are still more EU citizens moving to the UK than leaving, EU net migration has fallen since 2016, driven by fewer EU arrivals for work," the ONS said in a statement. "In contrast, non-EU net migration has gradually increased for the past six years, largely as more non-EU citizens came to study." Johnson has said Britain will leave the EU by the end of January if his ruling Conservatives win a parliamentary majority in a Dec. 12 election.

Net migration to UK falls to lowest level in almost six years: Official data

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