UK economy growth tops 3%

The UK economy grew by an estimated 3.1% in 2004 after the pace of expansion accelerated over the final three months of the year, it emerged today.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show gross domestic product (GDP) rose by a stronger than expected 0.7% in the three months to December 31. That compared with growth of 0.5% in the previous three months.