* BoE keeps rates unchanged; ups QE by 25 billion pounds

* Defensive telecoms, food retailers gain

* Firm U.S. data lifts sentiment

* Banks slightly weaker

By Simon Falush

LONDON, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Britain's top share index closed 0.4 percent higher on Thursday, with energy stocks lifted by optimism on the economic outlook as central banks kept rates steady and U.S. data surprised on the upside.

The Bank of England kept rates steady at a record low of 0.5 percent and said it would expand its quantitative easing programme by 25 billion pounds ($41 billion) to boost Britain's recession hit economy.

The European Central Bank also kept rates steady.