UK 10-year gilt yields drop to lowest since June 2017 as May's future in doubt

LONDON, May 24 (Reuters) - British 10-year government bond yields edged past the previous day's low early on Friday to touch their lowest level since June 2017, amid expectations that Prime Minister Theresa May would make a statement later in the morning.

Ten-year gilt yields GB10YT=RR dropped to 0.947%, down 1 basis point on the day and their lowest since June 2017, while five-year yields GB5YT=RR sank to the lowest since December 2017 at 0.705%.

British ministers expect May to make a statement by mid morning, following growing pressure from many Conservative Party lawmakers for her to announce the end of her premiership and open the door to a successor who would take a tougher line on European Union exit talks.

(Reporting by David Milliken; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)

((david.milliken@reuters.com; +44 20 7542 5109; Reuters Messaging: david.milliken.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

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