United Kingdom Government Debt to GDP — 2026 Data & Trend
The United Kingdom's government debt was 102.06% in December 2025, up from 99.38% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 99.38%.
The United Kingdom's government debt stands at 102.06% as of December 2025. Over the latest readings, the government debt has moved within a band of 34.97% to 104.44%. The most recent figure of 102.06% is up from 99.38% a year earlier, and is 2.67% higher than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 192 economies tracked on this platform, United Kingdom ranks #20 on government debt by latest value. It rose from 99.38% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 99.38%.
What's driving it
The debt ratio moves with budget deficits, growth, interest costs and the currency; faster nominal growth lowers it, while wide deficits push it up.
Recent readings
| Period | Government debt |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 102.06% |
| Dec 2024 | 99.38% |
| Dec 2023 | 98.33% |
| Dec 2022 | 97.12% |
| Dec 2021 | 102.99% |
| Dec 2020 | 104.44% |
| Dec 2019 | 84.54% |
| Dec 2018 | 85.33% |
Data: Source: IMF — International Reserves and Foreign Currency Liquidity (IRFCL), International Liquidity (IL), Monetary and Financial Statistics (MFS), World Economic Outlook (WEO). Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
How Much Government Debt Does the United Kingdom Have in 2026?
The United Kingdom's government debt was 102.06% in December 2025, up from 99.38% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 99.38%.
Is the government debt rising or falling in the United Kingdom?
It rose in the latest reading — 102.06% in December 2025 versus 99.38% a year earlier. Year on year it is higher.
What is government debt?
It measures total public debt expressed as a share of gross domestic product (debt-to-GDP).