Labour Warns Against Complacency as Tories Fight Back Amid Rising Reform UK Support

General election: Labour cautions against 'returning matches to arsonists' amid warnings of voter complacency

A leading government official emphasizes that the election focuses on the future, reiterating his party's caution that supporting Nigel Farage's Reform UK could lead to a substantial majority for Sir Keir Starmer, effectively giving him "carte blanche" while in power.

Sunday, June 16, 2024, 3:

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Wes Streeting has cautioned voters against returning "the matches to the arsonists to complete their task," as he highlighted the dangers of becoming complacent about surveys that forecast a sweeping victory for Labour.

In an interview with Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, the opposition's health spokesperson emphasized the critical decision facing voters during the upcoming election, describing the Conservative party's manifesto as "Liz Truss's budget on steroids." He also warned of "a nightmare on Downing Street" should the current administration be re-elected.

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Mr. Streeting voiced his opinions amid new survey results that painted a bleak future for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with one poll showing the Conservatives likely to secure only 72 seats.

In the meantime, cabinet member Mark Harper emphasized that the Conservatives were actively campaigning for each vote. However, he reiterated his party's caution that casting ballots for Reform UK could potentially lead to a substantial Labour victory, essentially handing them unchecked power.

Following a recent poll released on Thursday evening, Nigel Farage's party has overtaken the Conservatives for the first time, securing 19% of the vote, while the Tories gathered 18%.

Mr. Streeting cautioned, "I urge everyone, amid this astonishing complacency in the media regarding the opinion polls, not to hand the matches back to the arsonist to complete the task."

He stated: "Are voters inclined to witness an intensified version of Liz Truss's mini budget, as proposed in the Conservative manifesto, particularly if chaos ensues on Downing Street come July 5th? Or would they prefer a stable economy that fosters economic growth and shared prosperity, allowing for investment in our public services without burdening the working class with heavy taxes? That is the decision facing the electorate in this election."

Explore further on Sky News: Farage foresees 'conflict' within Conservative ranks. What changes might a Labour leadership bring to football? On the ground: An insider's view of the election campaign coverage.

Despite what the polls indicate, Mr. Harper assured Phillips, "I am fully committed to this battle."

"Under the leadership of the prime minister, the Conservative Party nationwide is vigorously campaigning for every single vote."

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He further stated, "However, what the polls consistently indicate is that if voters shy away from the Conservative party and instead opt for smaller party candidates, and if Labour secures a substantial majority, it will effectively give them free rein."

In this election campaign, efforts are being made to avoid detailing the funding mechanisms for their commitments. It's clear that there is a financial deficit; the extent of which is up for discussion.

"We've stated that it will be £2,000 for each family during the next parliament, but there is certainly a financial gap.

"We've outlined the potential tax increases they could implement, and they have not dismissed them."

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Mr. Harper continued: "To the voters leaning towards the Reform Party, who have traditionally supported the Conservatives—those who favor reduced taxes and controlled immigration—casting a vote for the Reform will likely result in a Labour-dominated government. Such an outcome would be contrary to their desires, as it would bring policies that are the exact opposite of what they seek."

Mr. Harper emphasized that the election focused on the future, not on past events.

He stated: "Elections focus on what's ahead. They concern the choices we are presented with."

In his discussion with Phillips, Mr. Streeting hinted at the possibility of larger funding boosts for the NHS than those pledged in the Labour manifesto, emphasizing that such increases would depend on favorable conditions.

He was reacting to a study from the Nuffield Trust thinktank which indicated that the health funding promises made by both Labour and the Conservatives would result in smaller yearly increases for the NHS compared to those seen during the period of austerity.

Capitalizing on the moment, a Conservative spokesperson commented, "The Labour Party's manifesto is merely superficial ornamentation for the electoral campaign, and they intend to increase spending and taxes beyond what they are disclosing to the voters."

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