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

Economy The Guardian By Heather Stewart Economics editor 19 Jun 2026 06:34 1 min read

May figure of £23.3bn underlines challenge facing Andy Burnham if he ends up as Labour leader Business live – latest updates UK politics – live updates 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 borrowin

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

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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.

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