Government and Institutions

UK credit rating deservedly on a knife-edge


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Prof Philip Booth comments on Moody's placing the UK on negative outlook

Commenting on Moody’s change of the UK’s outlook to negative, Philip Booth, Editorial Director at the IEA, said:

“The downgrade threat from Moody’s should come as no surprise. Whilst Moody’s are correct to cite the difficulties in the eurozone as a potential threat to the stability of government finances, many of the problems facing the UK government are home grown.

“Public spending continues to rise and the Office for Budget Responsibility has shown that there are huge pressures forthcoming from the effects of ageing populations due to increased health, long-term care and pensions costs.

“Furthermore, the pressures on business coming in the form of increased regulation – including in the vital banking sector – are supressing growth. All these things mean that the UK’s top-notch credit rating is deservedly on a knife-edge.”

To arrange an interview with Prof Philip Booth, IEA Editorial Director, please contact Stephanie Lis, Director of Communications: 020 7799 8909, slis@iea.org.uk



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