Burnham pressed on economy at first PMQs as UK borrowing costs rise
Andy Burnham, in his inaugural Prime Minister's Questions, faced scrutiny from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch regarding the UK's escalating borrowing costs and his government's economic spending plans. Burnham emphasized his administration's commitment to fiscal responsibility, attributing the current economic turbulence to the previous Tory government.
Why it matters
This article details a significant political event in the UK, marking the new Prime Minister's debut in a key parliamentary session and highlighting ongoing economic challenges. The debate over national debt and fiscal policy directly impacts citizens through potential spending constraints and the cost of living.
Image source, Reuters By Jennifer McKiernan Political reporter Published 2 September 2026 Andy Burnham said his government would be "grounded in fiscal responsibility" as his first Prime Minister's Questions took place against a backdrop of rising UK borrowing costs.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called on Burnham to say where spending would be cut and how he would deal with the UK's increasing debt, after the cost of borrowing for the UK reached a new 18-year high on Wednesday.
He blamed the previous Tory government, saying the "turbulence on global markets are because of that exposure that they left behind".
Burnham took over from Sir Keir Starmer in July before Parliament's summer recess, meaning Wednesday was the first time he had faced Badenoch at PMQs.
Burnham sought to stress his administration's fiscal responsibility and said ministers were taking steps to reduce debt.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in