Official data released on Friday revealed that Britain has exited recession, showcasing stronger-than-expected growth in the first quarter of 2024. This positive development provides a boost to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak amidst electoral challenges and underscores the nation's economic resilience.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 0.6 percent in the first three months of the year, surpassing market expectations of 0.4 percent growth. This robust performance follows two consecutive quarters of contraction in the latter part of 2023, meeting the technical definition of a recession.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, facing political pressure as his Conservative Party trails in polls, has prioritized economic growth. Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt hailed the growth figures as evidence of the economy's resurgence, emphasizing the government's efforts to navigate through challenges, including the pandemic-induced crisis.

The upbeat data coincides with the Bank of England's decision to maintain its main interest rate at a 16-year high. However, the bank hinted at a potential rate cut in the summer amid cooling inflation. The positive growth outlook positions the UK favorably among European G7 nations for the next six years.