UK GDP growth: we have rarely had it so good, apparently

Services fuel accelerating GDP pace in third-longest spell of growth since 1955 but there are signs that the spoils are not being shared equally

After a sluggish first quarter, the UK economy got going again in the second quarter, with signs even that the long-awaited recovery in living standards is taking root. Chancellor George Osborne says Britain is "motoring ahead", which is an interesting choice of words given manufacturing shrank.

However, he is right that the headlines from Tuesday's growth figures tell a generally happy tale.

We've rarely had it so good. Today's GDP data will confirm UK is enjoying its 3rd-longest spell of growth since 1955. pic.twitter.com/TSlRedG47Z