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Is Britain Heading for a £3 Trillion Debt Crisis?
21 August 2026

Is Britain Heading for a £3 Trillion Debt Crisis?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

About

David Bull sits in for Ian Collins. 


Britain’s soaring welfare bill is pushing national debt towards the £3 trillion mark, while the political right remains divided over whether Reform UK should work with the Conservatives or Restore. We examine whether Britain’s spending and welfare system can continue on its current trajectory.


Steve N Allen, comedian and broadcaster, looks at Reform UK’s refusal to make deals with Restore or the Conservatives, the latest immigration chaos in Europe, and the growing pressure on Britain’s public finances. We also examine the extraordinary case of Infected Blood victims being told to return compensation.


Annunziata Rees-Mogg, Head of Communications at Popular Conservatism, reacts to claims from Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson that racism and sexism have become normalised in Britain. Is the country genuinely becoming more prejudiced, or has the language around discrimination become increasingly politicised?


We also discuss the welfare bill and national debt, the latest clashes between French police and migrants attempting to launch Channel boats, and the continuing divisions between Reform UK, Restore and the Conservatives.


Reform UK, Suella Braverman, Nigel Farage, Restore, Conservatives, welfare, national debt, £3 trillion debt, immigration, migrants, Channel crossings, France, racism, sexism, Infected Blood compensation and British politics.

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