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UK borrows more than expected as impact of Iran war takes toll
UK NewsPoliticsBusiness•June 19, 2026 at 7:34 AMNational

UK borrows more than expected as impact of Iran war takes toll

By Heather Stewart Economics editor•The Guardian - UK News

May figure of £23.3bn underlines challenge facing Andy Burnham if he ends up as Labour leaderThe UK borrowed a higher-than-expected £23.3bn in May amid the economic fallout from the Iran war, underlining the fiscal pressures facing Andy Burnham if he takes over as the Labour leader.In figures released shortly after Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield byelection, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said public sector net borrowing – the difference between government spending and income – for the month was the second highest for any May on record. Continue reading...

May figure of £23.3bn underlines challenge facing Andy Burnham if he ends up as Labour leader

The UK borrowed a higher-than-expected £23.3bn in May amid the economic fallout from the Iran war, underlining the fiscal pressures facing Andy Burnham if he takes over as the Labour leader.

In figures released shortly after Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield byelection, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said public sector net borrowing – the difference between government spending and income – for the month was the second highest for any May on record.

Continue reading...

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