The UK Office of National Statistics, has some sobering numbers:-
UK general government gross debt was £2,720.8 billion at the end of Quarter 4 (Oct to Dec) 2023, equivalent to 101.3% of gross domestic product (GDP). UK general government gross debt is mainly made up of medium and long-term bonds (Gilts), issued by HM Treasury.
Courtesy of the UK Office for National Statistics
The £2720.8 Billion is made up of Bills & Short Term loads, Loans, Currency & Deposits and then the bulk is Medium and Long Term Bonds (Gilts)
in 2023-24, the UK Government paid out £104.7 Billion in Interest Payments on the national debt. Money that is simply paid to the UK Government lenders (creditors), cash that can not be used for public services such as Schools, Universities, Armed Forces, Police, Fire Service, The National Health Service, it is pure financing costs.
Courtesy of HM Treasury & The Office of Budget Responsibility.
In 2024-25 UK Government is forecast to pay out £89 Billion in interest payments to the lenders to the UK Government debt. This is purely the interest on the £2000 Billion of national debt, again cash that can not be used for public services such as Schools, Universities, Armed Forces, Police, Fire Service, The National Health Service, it is pure financing costs.
Courtesy of HM Treasury & The Office of Budget Responsibility.