BRITAIN's economy rebounded in August, according to official data released on Friday, offering a timely lift for the new Labour government as it prepares for its first budget at the end of October.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the country's gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.2 per cent in August compared to July, when output was flat.
The rise in GDP met analysts' expectations, marking a return to growth after two months of stagnation in June and July. This development provides a much-needed boost for the government, which has made economic growth a central focus of its agenda since taking office in July.
"It's welcome news that growth has returned to the economy," said chancellor Rachel Reeves, who is set to present the budget on October 30. Reeves emphasised that growing the economy is a top priority for the government.
Liz McKeown, the ONS director of economic statistics, highlighted that while growth occurred across all major sectors in August, the broader trend shows slowing growth compared to the first half of the year.
The Labour government, led by Keir Starmer, took power at the start of July after 14 years of Conservative leadership. The recent economic data signals that Britain is on track for a third consecutive quarter of economic growth. However, the ONS noted that the September GDP figures would need to show a monthly decline of 0.3 per cent to 0.6 per cent for the third quarter's reading to be flat.
While the sterling remained relatively unchanged against the US dollar following the ONS announcement, investors have increased their expectations of a quarter-point rate cut by the Bank of England in November.
The ONS also left its previous estimates for GDP growth in June and July unchanged. However, it revised down its estimates for April and May, with April now showing a contraction of 0.1 per cent. and May registering growth of 0.2 per cent.
In its outlook, the Bank of England projects a slight slowdown in growth to 0.4 per cent for the third quarter and 0.2 per cent for the final quarter of 2024, aligning more closely with the economy's underlying growth rate.
Compared to the same period last year, economic output in August was 1.0 per cent higher, falling short of the 1.4 per cent growth forecast by economists. The lower-than-expected growth reflected downward revisions to previous months' data.
As part of its strategy to stimulate economic growth, the government will host an international investment summit on October 14, with a focus on increasing foreign direct investment—a key objective since Starmer assumed office.
(With inputs from agencies)
Gurinder Chadha’s ‘Christmas Karma’ unveils first look posters and confirms November release Instagram/christmaskarmamovie 
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Jason Ralph fuels speculation over Rachel Brosnahan marriage after controversial Instagram activity
Rachel Brosnahan marriage speculation grows after Jason Ralph’s controversial Instagram activity
Highlights
Rachel Brosnahan’s husband, actor Jason Ralph, is at the centre of a heated social media debate after he liked a provocative Instagram comment about her on-screen chemistry with Superman co-star David Corenswet. The online reaction has been swift, with fans speculating whether his action was a subtle dig, a careless mistake, or simply a misunderstood joke.
The comment in question accused Brosnahan of crossing boundaries with a co-star and suggested Ralph should “stand up for himself” and “leave her.” Within hours, screenshots of Ralph’s ‘like’ were circulating across Reddit, X, and Instagram gossip pages. Soon after, Ralph disabled comments on his posts, but by then, the digital trail was impossible to erase.
When did Rachel Brosnahan and Jason Ralph get married?
Brosnahan and Ralph first met while working on the indie film I’m Obsessed With You in 2013. After several years of dating, the pair quietly tied the knot—so quietly, in fact, that the public only learned about it years later.
In a 2019 interview, Brosnahan revealed that she had been wearing her wedding ring for some time before speculation began, adding:
“We’ve been married for years and been together for even longer. We had a good laugh when the news came out that we had just got married like, ‘Happy six-month anniversary, honey!’”
The couple’s decision to keep their marriage private was intentional. Brosnahan explained that she disliked the double standard in media coverage, where she was constantly asked about her relationship while Ralph was not.
Have they worked together professionally?
Yes. Ralph appeared alongside his wife in the hit series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, joining in seasons four and five as Mike Carr. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Ralph praised Brosnahan’s leadership on set, saying:
“She’s just the best, and I feel very lucky to see her command a set like that.”
Their collaboration was warmly received by fans, and until now, the couple has maintained an image of mutual respect and professional admiration.
What did Jason Ralph ‘like’ on Instagram?
The controversy began when Ralph liked a comment on one of his posts that read:
“It’s genuinely sad to see your career being tucked out to be remembered as a cuckold because your wife couldn’t handle herself with her co-actor. Like bro, let’s have some self-love and stand up for yourself, leave her to be with him if she wants that much.”
The remark, widely interpreted as targeting Brosnahan’s scenes with David Corenswet in Superman, was seen by many as insulting and sexist. Fans immediately questioned why Ralph would engage with it at all.
Was it intentional or a mistake?
Social media reactions are split. Some argue that it was likely an accidental double-tap, noting that Ralph’s Instagram activity is minimal and sporadic. Others believe it was deliberate, citing his history of dry humour and occasional trolling behaviour online.
Regardless of intent, the timing has amplified speculation. Brosnahan’s chemistry with Corenswet has been heavily discussed since the film’s release, and this incident has only fuelled more rumours about their personal lives.
What’s next for the couple?
Neither Brosnahan nor Ralph has publicly commented on the incident. Given their preference for privacy, it’s unlikely they will address the speculation directly. Still, with screenshots continuing to circulate, the story has already left its mark on fan discussions around the couple. Whether the Instagram ‘like’ was a slip of the finger or a calculated move, it has put an unusually public spotlight on one of Hollywood’s most private marriages. For now, the internet is left to debate: accident, sarcasm, or subtle message?