UK economy unexpectedly flatlines for second month in row

Pre-election slowdown continues in July despite economists predicting growth of 0.2%

The UK economy flatlined in July, after also showing 0.0% growth in June, according to the latest official data.

The Office for National Statistics said the pre-election stalling of growth in June continued for a second month. Gross Domestic Product growth rose 0.5% in the three months to July.