Clash of Claims: Starmer Accuses Sunak of Lying About Labour’s Tax Plans Amid Election Debate

Sir Keir Starmer has charged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with dishonesty regarding the Labour Party's proposed tax policies, claiming it is a tactic to excuse 14 years of shortcomings. During the initial debate leading up to the election, Sir Keir dismissed claims by the Prime Minister that Labour's fiscal strategies would result in a £38.5 billion deficit in the nation's budget over a span of four years. On Wednesday, top officials from Labour intensified the criticism, outright alleging that the Prime Minister was lying.

By Faye Brown and Alix Culbertson, correspondents covering politics

Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 9:

Sir Keir Starmer has charged Rishi Sunak with intentionally misleading the public about Labour's tax proposals, alleging they would impose a £2,000 burden on households.

The leader of the Labour Party characterized the Prime Minister's remarks as a brief glimpse into his true nature, accusing him of frantically attempting to justify 14 years of unsuccessful governance.

Stay updated – New poll results show a significant shift in debate opinions

During the initial televised debate of the election last night, Mr. Sunak repeatedly asserted that Labour's proposals for the nation were financially unaccounted for and would necessitate yearly tax increases amounting to £2,000 per household.

He attributed this to a £38.5 billion deficit projected over the next four years, a figure calculated by neutral government officials.

Many authorities, such as Sky’s economics and data editor Ed Conway, question the validity of the statement.

Speaking to journalists in Portsmouth, Sir Keir emphasized, "We have consistently maintained that all our proposals are thoroughly budgeted and financed.

"This implies there will be no increase in taxes for the employed population. Let me be clear: no income tax, no national insurance, and no value-added tax."

He stated: "The scene last evening showcased a prime minister cornered, frantically attempting to justify 14 years of shortcomings, and in that moment – revealing a glimpse of his true nature – he resorted to falsehoods. I do not make such a statement lightly."

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During the ITV debate on Tuesday, Sir Keir dismissed the allegation as "absolute garbage," a response that came only after Mr. Sunak had repeatedly mentioned it throughout the program.

Following a YouGov instant poll indicating that 51% of respondents believed the prime minister emerged victorious in the debate, key Labour Party members were quick to counterattack today. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Paymaster General Jonathan Ashworth criticized him, charging the prime minister with dishonesty.

The Conservative Party is maintaining its critical stance, although Conservative minister Laura Trotch clarified that the mentioned £2,000 extends over a parliamentary term, which lasts four years, rather than being an annual figure.

Further insights: Ed Conway's analysis – Each party is detached from reality

Oversight body 'investigating' £2,000 allegation

The UK Statistics Authority, responsible for overseeing official statistics, informed Sky News that it is investigating the assertions made by Mr. Sunak.

Sky's Ed Conway has analyzed the data and suggests that not only is the number in question questionable, but it also falls short of the tax increases implemented by the Conservatives since 2019, which average about £3,000 annually per individual.

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The dispute originates from a document released by the Conservative Party last month, prior to the announcement of the election, which claimed to assess all of Labour's intended tax and expenditure proposals.

Labour criticized the financial estimates, stating they were based on projections from "special advisers" chosen by the prime minister, rather than an unbiased evaluation by the Civil Service, contrary to what Mr. Sunak had implied.

A memo from the top bureaucrat in the Treasury challenged the prime minister's statements by stating that the Conservative evaluation "should not be portrayed as being crafted by the civil service."

In correspondence addressed to Darren Jones, the shadow Treasury chief secretary for Labour, James Bowler indicated that the £38.5 billion figure for Labour policies outlined in the Conservative document "encompasses expenses that exceed those accounted for by the Civil Service."

"He stated that cost estimates obtained from external sources or created by different organizations should not be misrepresented as having been generated by the Civil Service."

He mentioned that he had "reiterated to ministers and advisers that this is how it should be."

Conservatives stand by their figures

Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho stated that the figures were approved by Mr. Bowler. She emphasized, "They wouldn't approve anything questionable, and actually, this likely underestimates the financial impact on families."

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Learn more: The Prime Minister might have edged out the competition, but it's unlikely he'll secure the election victory. Highlights from the initial televised debate. Today, Wales's First Minister is up for a confidence vote, with even his own party suggesting he might be defeated.

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A spokesperson for the Conservative Party stated, "In creating the briefing note on the Labour tax increase, we adhered to fairness by incorporating definite Labour policies, their provided figures, or the most conservative estimates from His Majesty's Treasury."

For instance, according to the calculations provided by Labour for the components of the Green Prosperity Plan, the spending is projected at £23.7 billion spread over four years, rather than the annual £28 billion originally estimated.

Labour now needs to clarify which of their former policies are no longer part of their agenda.

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