Government spokesman James Slack has...>

GILT SUMMARY: Government spokesman James Slack has stated that the prime

minister will chair a political cabinet at 1700GMT today. Slack further stated

that the UK and EU are discussing a non-permanent backstop from Northern Ireland

and dismissed claims that the PM will call a vote of confidence in himself. 

- The Dec-19 gilt future trades at 133.75, down 9 ticks from Wednesday's close

and 18 ticks off the day's high; L-H: 133.54-133.93.

- Gilts trade a touch firmer on the day. Cash yields (Last / 1d chg / L..H): 2Y

(0.442% / -0.9bp / 0.4336%...0.4438%); 5Y (0.3662% / -0.8bp /

0.3585%...0.3687%); 10Y (0.5299% / -0.1bp / 0.5147%...0.5309%); 30Y (0.9572% /

-0.3bp / 0.9414%...0.9574%).

- Short sterling futures have broadly rallied with greens outperforming: W (+

0.5/1.5 ticks); R (+ 1.5 tick); G (+ 1.5/2.0 ticks); B (+ 1.0/1.5 ticks).