- Headline
- IMF lifts UK growth forecast but warns domestic uncertainty could hit spending and investment
- Publishing date and time
- 18 May 2026, 12:02 BST
- What happened
- The IMF raised its 2026 UK growth forecast from 0.8% to 1.0%, while warning that political uncertainty and global shocks could still weaken investment and household confidence.
- Why it matters
- It gives the government a modest economic lift, but the warning about borrowing, inflation and fiscal discipline keeps pressure on Westminster.
- Possible Newsgle angle
- A plain explainer on how a small growth upgrade can still come wrapped in a warning.
- Suggested tag/category
- Economy