UK: PM Burnham-"I Mean Point About The Bond Markets"

Speaking in a lengthy New Statesman profile: PM Andy Burnham says that he sticks by his 2025 comment claiming the UK should not be "in hock to the bond markets". In attempting to add clarity, Burnham states, "I mean, the point about the bond markets, it holds - in that what I was saying was the country has left itself over-exposed." Burnham argues that far from calling for spending restraints to be bypassed, he was making an argument for "a much more streamlined, productive state". * The comments come as IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva says in an interview with the BBC: that developed countries, including the UK, must work to curtail borrowing and cut down on debt amid rising interest costs. * Georgieva: "There are these two things that must be done: bring debt levels down, put fiscal consolidation as a priority, and make sure that the central banks deliver on their mandate for price stability. It is impossible to stress strongly enough how critical it is to get the courage to take the steps that are necessary. These are politically tough steps to take, but necessary steps to take." * The notable events over the coming weeks are the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool,