Shoppers increase spending despite Brexit uncertainty

UK retail sales rose 0.4% in February, although food stores recorded big drop, says ONS

• Next profits fall but boss says Brexit not affecting spending

British consumers appear to have shrugged off mounting fears over Brexit by raising their spending in February, as unseasonably warm weather tempted shoppers to the high street.

The Office for National Statistics said sales volumes rose by 0.4% last month compared to January, confounding City economists' expectations for sales to fall by the same amount. Annual sales growth eased slightly to 4% in February from 4.2% a month earlier.