UK's AAA-rating 'not the be all and end all'

clock

The UK's highly-prized AAA-credit rating should not be seen as the 'be all and end all' of government policy, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander has said.

The Liberal Democrat MP told the BBC's Today Programme that it was more important to tackle unemployment and support economic growth than focus on maintaining a rating from the agencies that many investors think will be lost later this year regardless. He said: "The credit rating is not the be all and end all. What matters is have we got the right policy mix for the country to get people back into work, to support economic growth, to deal with the huge problems in our public finances." The comments leave him at odds with Chancellor George Osborne, who has continually stressed the impo...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Bank of England holds interest rates at 4% as Budget looms large

Bank of England holds interest rates at 4% as Budget looms large

Five MPC members voted to hold rates

Michael Nelson
clock 06 November 2025 • 3 min read
Partner Insight: Tariffs are here to stay. What's next for investors?

Partner Insight: Tariffs are here to stay. What's next for investors?

The current outlook for US tariffs is complex and their full impact on growth remains to be seen. Columbia Threadneedle Investments explores what advisers need to know, key events to keep top of mind and how to navigate the uncertainty.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments
clock 23 October 2025 • 5 min read
IFS: Reeves must plug £22bn fiscal hole to restore 'tiny' headroom

IFS: Reeves must plug £22bn fiscal hole to restore 'tiny' headroom

Think tank urges chancellor to avoid 'limping from one forecast to the next'

Linus Uhlig
clock 16 October 2025 • 2 min read