Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour challenger Keir Starmer engaged in a high-stakes debate on Tuesday, clashing over strategies to revive Britain’s struggling economy. With a general election set for July 4, Sunak accused Labour of planning to raise taxes if they gain power, while Starmer criticized the Conservatives for 14 years of economic mismanagement.
Key Points of the Debate
Economic Strategies and Taxation
In their first debate, both leaders adhered to their campaign messages. Sunak, representing the Conservative Party, argued that he alone had a viable plan to stimulate Britain’s sluggish economic growth. He accused Labour of having a vague agenda that would lead to higher taxes. “Keir Starmer is asking you to hand him a blank cheque when he hasn’t said what he’ll buy with it or how much it’s going to cost you,” Sunak warned. “In uncertain times we simply cannot afford an uncertain prime minister.”
Starmer, in response, emphasized the need for a change after years of Conservative rule. “Imagine waking up on July 5 to five more years of the Conservatives—five more years of decline and division,” he said. “Now imagine turning the page with a Labour government that rolls up its sleeves and gets on with the job… The choice at this election is clear: more chaos with the Conservatives or the chance to rebuild Britain with a changed Labour Party.”
Tackling the Cost-of-Living Crisis and Public Services
The debate highlighted key voter concerns such as the cost-of-living crisis, NHS waiting lists, and immigration. Sunak claimed that Labour’s approach would involve raising taxes by £2,000 ($2,550) per household, a figure Starmer dismissed as “nonsense.” Labour has repeatedly stated it would not increase income tax or National Insurance if elected.
Starmer shared personal anecdotes to connect with the audience, recalling his upbringing with working-class parents. “I do know the anguish of worrying when the postman comes with a bill, what bill is it, am I going to be able to pay it? I don’t think the prime minister quite understands,” he said, addressing a woman struggling with her bills.
Health Service and Immigration Policies
On health care, Sunak faced criticism for attributing long NHS waiting lists to strikes, a remark that drew groans from the audience. He tried to recover by emphasizing his plans to curb immigration, specifically through his controversial proposal to send illegal asylum seekers to Rwanda, positioning it as a strong deterrent absent in Labour’s policy.
Starmer countered by outlining Labour’s immigration plan, which includes potentially processing asylum claims in third countries, provided it complies with international law. He also criticized Sunak’s proposed mandatory national service and framed the Conservative government as chaotic.
Market Reactions and Political Context
The debate comes against a backdrop of political tension and economic uncertainty. Sunak, trailing in polls by about 20 percentage points, faces a tough battle. An opinion poll taken immediately after the debate suggested Sunak had a slight edge, but Labour remains favoured to win.
Adding to the Conservative Party’s challenges is the entry of populist Nigel Farage into the election race. Farage, a prominent Brexit campaigner, declared his candidacy, potentially siphoning votes from the Conservatives. At his campaign launch, Farage promised to be a disruptive force in Parliament, appealing to right-wing voters disillusioned with the current government.
