Robust consumer spending and exports powered economic growth in the third quarter as business investment rose despite the vote to leave the EU, according to official figures.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed that the UK economy grew by 0.5pc in the three months to September compared to the previous quarter.

The largest contribution to growth came from net trade, as the weaker pound boosted exports.

Household consumption rose 0.7pc, the ONS said, while business investment increased by 0.9pc to £44.2bn during the quarter.