LONDON (AP) — Economic growth in the United Kingdom slowed sharply in the third quarter of the year, official figures showed Friday. The Office for National Statistics said growth between July and September was just 0.1%. This was lower than the 0.5% recorded in the previous three-month period and below market expectations for 0.2%.

The statistics agency said output in September fell, a development that could fuel accusations from critics of the new Labor government. the economy has failed in the first weeks in power.

Labour, which took office in July for the first time in 14 years, made increasing economic growth part of number one priority in the next five years.

Since the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, the UK economy has underperformed compared to previous years.