UK 30-year borrowing rate hits 6%, first time since 1998

Britain's 30-year government borrowing rate reached 6% on 1 Oct 2026, first time since 1998. Rates on 5- and 10-year debt rose too, lifting borrowing costs broadly. Investors sold bonds on inflation fears as Middle East conflict squeezed oil supply. That leaves Chancellor John Healey little budget flexibility before late-October budget.