WorldSPECIAL REPORT

Britain's welfare bill and borrowing costs under strain

Britain now pays more to service its debt than France, and the welfare bill keeps growing; the Treasury is calling it a challenge.

On air: Gloria Vance and Hank Ledger on BBN Tonight
Published 9:53 PM ET, Sunday, October 11, 2026

At a glance

First reported by WSJ: “The Welfare State Is Crushing Britain”.
Covered on BBN on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 9:53 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Gloria Vance and Hank Ledger.
Topics: Britain.
BBN covered this story before: Russia behind Britain's Brexit vote, UK prime minister admits for… (October 11).

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Gloria Vance · World News AnchorIn London tonight, the Wall Street Journal says Britain's welfare bill has ballooned, and the cost of its borrowing is now higher than that of any other G-7 nation.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe paper also reports that Britain now pays more to service its debt than France, a country London has long described as the spendthrift of Europe.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSo Britain is first in something.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorFirst among the wealthy democracies in the cost of borrowing, Hank, and for ordinary families that means the money is going to interest, not to services they were promised.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorIs there a trophy? I have covered a lot of award ceremonies and the winner usually gets a trophy.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe winner gets a bill.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorOfficials there say the welfare system is straining under its own weight, and the Journal's argument is that support programs themselves are now at risk.