Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Rachel Reeves Accused of Hiding £1.3 Trillion Borrowing in Budget

The claim stems from a Sir John Redwood analysis that attributes much of the total to gilt refinancing presented as outside the headline plan.

Overview

  • Redwood’s report puts the total at £1.3 trillion, combining £675 billion to refinance maturing gilts with £628 billion of extra spending over five years.
  • Reeves told MPs her fiscal rules would get borrowing down and cut debt, a message the analysis disputes as misleading.
  • The paper argues the additional burden would lift national debt to about £3.53 trillion, or roughly £50,840 per person.
  • The report warns bond markets could struggle to absorb the issuance because the Bank of England is selling gilts and pension funds are buying fewer.
  • The allegations were circulated by The Telegraph and covered by Express.co.uk and GB News, and the articles do not include a detailed Treasury rebuttal.