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A budget for the bond markets, not for radical change

Professor Matt Flinders reflects on the first budget of the Burnham premiership and what it may mean for the promise of change.

29 October 2026
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament along the River Thames

In response to the UK government's 2026 Autumn Budget, Professor Matt Flinders said:

"In many ways, this was a budget for the international bond markets as much as it was for the British public. The aim was simple: to convey stability and economic prudence. But whether this is a small step on a journey to a much more radical approach to investing in the future of public services is yet to be seen."

Notes for editors

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Featured staff

  • Professor Matthew Flinders

    125th Anniversary Chair

    Professor Matthew Flinders teaches Politics and Public Policy in the Department of Public Administration and Policy, in the School of Government within the College of Social Sciences at University of Birmingham.

    Phone: +44 (0)7773 144 155
    Email:

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