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Reeves's worst week so far?

Jan 18, 2025
Join Michael Simmons, Data Editor at The Spectator, as he analyzes the UK's economic turmoil. He discusses Rachel Reeves' surprising resilience amidst sharp criticism about borrowing costs and stagnant GDP. They explore the impact of the Bank of England's policies on the economy and compare the UK's stagnation with the US's growth. The conversation pivots to the challenges in housing policy and the lingering effects of the pandemic on infrastructure. Simmons also probes the paradoxes faced by newly elected Labour MPs caught between ideals and reality.
16:33

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Rachel Reeves faces significant challenges managing the UK's record-high borrowing costs while attempting to maintain political confidence amidst economic stagnation.
  • External factors like international tariffs and political influences are complicating the UK's financial situation, further undermining investor trust in the economy.

Deep dives

UK Government Borrowing Costs at a High

The borrowing costs for the UK government are at a 30-year high, with long-term borrowing rates surpassing those witnessed during previous economic crises, such as Liz Truss's mini-budget. Although there are signs of a slight decrease in rates, the overall economic climate reveals a troubling lack of investor confidence, intensified by the country’s debt nearing 100% of its GDP. Rachel Reeves, the current chancellor, faces the challenge of addressing these high borrowing costs while trying to manage the limited funds available due to the necessity of servicing this debt. The political fallout from past governments, particularly attributed to Truss, allows Reeves to navigate questions about her budget with a degree of confidence despite the serious economic implications at play.

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