UK economy picked up in Jan but Brexit uncertainty remains Official figures show that the British economy rebounded in January following a disappointing end in 2018, though uncertainty remains high due to Brexit

LONDON -- Official figures show that the British economy recovered in January from a disappointing end in 2018, though uncertainty remains high due to Brexit.

The Office for National Statistics said Tuesday that the economy expanded by 0.5 percent from the previous month. That more than recouped the 0.4 percent decline recorded in December and suggests that the British economy held up in the face of mounting concerns about the potential impact of Brexit.

The monthly increase, which is based on partial data, was broad-based with manufacturing and construction doing well.

Britain is due to leave the European Union in 17 days but uncertainty is high. Prime Minister Theresa May will try to get her withdrawal agreement with the EU through Parliament later Tuesday.