<h1>UK Economy Grows 0.3% in Q2, Beats Expectations Despite Higher Taxes and Global Tariff Risks</h1> The UK economy grew by 0.3% in the second quarter, slower than the previous quarter's 0.7% but exceeding market expectations of 0.1%, despite higher business taxes and global tariff uncertainties. The growth, driven mainly by strong performance in June, supports the current government's priority to improve economic growth and may ease pressure on the Treasury to implement further tax increases in the upcoming budget. The Treasury chief acknowledged the positive figures but emphasized the need for continued efforts to stimulate growth. The economy has underperformed since the 2008-09 financial crisis, and critics attribute some of the recent economic challenges to the Treasury chief's tax policies and cautious outlook since the government took office in mid-2024.