Burnham pressed on economy at first PMQs as UK borrowing costs rise
In his first Prime Minister's Questions, Andy Burnham faced criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch regarding rising UK borrowing costs and a lack of detail on spending plans. Burnham defended his position by blaming the previous government's economic legacy and highlighting his recent tax-cutting measures.
Why it matters
The exchange marks the beginning of a new political dynamic in the UK, focusing on fiscal responsibility and the economic challenges facing the new administration.
Image source, House of Commons By Jennifer McKiernan Political reporter Published 2 September 2026, 14:15 BST Updated 34 minutes ago Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has pressed Andy Burnham over UK borrowing and spending at his first Prime Minister's Questions.
Badenoch called on the PM 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 rose, reaching a new 18-year high on Wednesday.
The PM blamed the previous Conservative government saying that the "turbulence on global markets are because of that exposure that they left behind".
Burnham became prime minister in July, having taken over from Sir Keir Starmer just before Parliament's summer recess, and it was the first time he had faced the Tory leader at the Commons session.
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