How Labour policy is determining the UK economy’s winners – and losers

The UK economy grew by 0.7 per cent in the third quarter, beating expectations, and Labour ministers have pointed to the figures as evidence of progress. The article argues that growth is increasingly concentrated in sectors the government has identified as priorities, raising questions about whether its strategy is producing the “good growth” ministers want and who may be left behind.

The government’s IS-8 strategy covers areas including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, finance and life sciences. Around a fifth of recent growth has been linked to AI investment, while legal and accounting grew by 2.3 per cent in the quarter; since the 2024 election, creative industries and pharmaceuticals have each risen about 15 per cent, financial services added more than £1bn in value, and aircraft and spacecraft repair grew 29.9 per cent. Despite stronger output, the article notes that the gains have not yet translated into improved living standards.