Fall in UK GDP puts focus back on expectations of tax rises in autumn budget

The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in Downing Street. GDP fell in May by 0.1%. Photograph: Thomas Krych/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock

May’s unexpected 0.1% decline in GDP will make depressing reading for Rachel Reeves before a tough budget in the autumn.

Stronger-than-expected growth would have helped to alleviate the squeeze on the public finances – but there is nothing in this latest data pointing to an upturn.