http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/12a74338-4884-11de-8870-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1

“The world is a different place now. We have seen Spain and Ireland lose their triple A status this year, and the UK could be next if the government doesn’t fundamentally address the underlying situation with increased fiscal rigour.”

S&P’s decision on the UK was based on concerns that government debt could grow to unsustainable levels and have ramifications for the country’s economy.

rigor 厳しさ，厳格

ramification 分岐点