Latest figures from the ONS show the government borrowed £11.7 billion in November. More than City economists’ expectation of £10.2 billion…
Despite this being £1.9 billion less than November 2024, borrowing between April to November 2025 was £132.3 billion. £10 billion more than the same period of 2024 and the second highest ever other than during the pandemic…
Borrowing for October was revised up to £21.2 billion from an initial estimate of £17.4 billion. Meanwhile retail sales suffered a surprise shrink of 0.1% in November from October, compared to an expected 0.4% rise. Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said: “Under Labour people are having to tighten their belts and make savings in the weekly shop. As this year ends, it’s clearer than ever the Chancellor has no plan for growth.” Reeves will hope 2026 comes with better news…
Sarah Pochin at Reform Scotland’s manifesto launch event: “I really wanted to come on in a Reform tartan burka, but apparently I wasn’t allowed… One day let’s do one of these events not live-streamed. We’ll do all the naughty stuff…”