Sunak and Starmer Square Off: Insights and Surprises from the Leaders’ Grimsby Event

Insights from Sunak and Starmer at the leadership gathering – including the prime minister's criticized eating habits

Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer were questioned by Sky's political editor Beth Rigby and a live audience in Grimsby.

Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 10

For an enhanced viewing experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser.

Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer responded to inquiries from Sky News and an in-person audience, with an immediate poll indicating that the Labour leader had a superior performance during the event.

What insights did their answers provide on the critical challenges confronting the nation?

Here are the main highlights from the Sky News leadership discussion held in Grimsby.

Recent developments in the national election

Queue for NHS services

As NHS England's waiting list reached approximately 7.5 million cases, the crowd expressed their frustration vocally when Mr. Sunak mentioned the strikes undertaken by healthcare workers.

"He admitted, "We haven't advanced in reducing waiting lists as much as I had hoped."

"I was eager to tackle that challenge, but it has turned out to be more challenging than anticipated for various reasons, particularly due to the complexities of rebounding from a pandemic."

He was met with groans and jeers after stating, "I believe it's clear to everyone the effect the strikes have had, which is why our progress has been limited."

For an optimal video viewing experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser

Sir Keir stated that the government was unable to fulfill the pay increase demands of junior doctors, but mentioned that Labour would "take the initiative to resolve this conflict."

Conservative fiscal load

Mr. Sunak reiterated his commitment to implementing tax reductions for individuals at every phase of their lives.

Addressing concerns that taxes might increase under a prospective Conservative administration, Mr. Sunak stated, "Our platform promises tax reductions for individuals throughout their lives – including working professionals, small business founders, the self-employed, young first-time homebuyers, retirees, and families."

For optimal video playback, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

Consequences of D-Day

"Overall, the past 18 months have been challenging," Mr. Sunak acknowledged, in response to questions about his party's difficulties.

"I will continue to battle vigorously until the final day of the election," he declared.

For an enhanced viewing experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

Prime Minister Sunak's choice to depart early from the D-Day events led to significant criticism from the public.

"He expressed deep regret for causing pain and distress, hoping for forgiveness from those affected," he stated.

Compulsory

In response to a question about why young people should trust that the Conservative Party cares about their welfare, Mr. Sunak expressed great enthusiasm about his daughters participating in national service, saying he is "incredibly excited" for them.

"He believes it will revolutionize our nation," he further stated.

For an enhanced video experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser.

Challenging inquiries directed at Starmer regarding taxation

Discussing his tax policies, Sir Keir emphasized that "working individuals should not face higher taxes" and reiterated "no tax increases for working individuals."

Rigby highlighted that while this encompasses income tax, VAT, and National Insurance, increases in fuel taxes, for instance, would affect the working class.

It has not been definitively excluded.

Explore further: Poll indicates Starmer as top performer at Sky event – Conservatives concerned over potential Labour landslide in advertisements – Labour's claim on Tory manifesto mortgage viewed as 'highly conjectural'

Rigby mentioned that boosting the capital gains tax could potentially generate an additional £14 billion annually. However, Sir Keir pointed out that this proposal is not included in our party's manifesto.

He expressed willingness to increase his own tax contributions, even though he already ranks in the highest 3% of taxpayers, having earned £128,000 and contributed £44,000 to income tax the previous year.

"Absolutely," he confirmed, prompting chuckles from the crowd as he recalled his father's profession as a toolmaker—a detail he frequently mentioned—and how his family struggled financially.

For an enhanced viewing experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

Value-added tax applied to independent educational

When questioned about his proposal for a VAT tax on private school tuition, Sir Keir explained to an attendee that the party aims to eliminate an existing tax exemption, rather than imposing a new tax.

"Currently, there's a tax exemption in place, meaning you're charged VAT on various services, but private schooling is not one of them," he explained.

"I now see the reason for its implementation, however, we are eliminating this tax relief. It does not constitute the establishment of a new tax."

Limit on benefits for families with two

Sir Keir acknowledged that his party's manifesto does not include a proposal to remove the limit on benefits for families with more than two children, describing the decision as a challenging one.

"I'm aware of the advantages and we'll plan accordingly, but I believe people are tired of politicians promising to do everything before the elections," he stated.

It is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser for an enhanced video player experience.

Maritime migration and issues related to

Rigby questioned Mr. Sunak regarding the issue of small boat crossings. Over 10,000 migrants have reached the UK shores in 2024 by traversing the Channel in small boats, setting a new record for this early in the year.

As part of the Conservative plan to reduce migrant crossings, Mr. Sunak reiterated his commitment to implementing the contentious Rwanda scheme, promising its launch in July should he secure a victory in the upcoming election.

For an optimal viewing experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser to

When questioned about his certainty that flights would resume in July and why he didn't demonstrate this prior to initiating an election, Mr. Sunak responded that it was the appropriate time to hold an election.

Rigby highlighted that over the last three years, net migration has reached 1.9 million individuals, compared to 836,000 prior to Brexit.

Mr. Sunak acknowledged that the number has more than doubled since the departure from the European Union, stating, "it's too high."

"He expressed certainty that this situation is causing frustration among people," he noted. "The figures are excessively elevated."

Starmer Distances Himself from Corbyn

When asked about his credibility, Sir Keir justified his shift from earlier positions he had taken, including those related to Labour policies.

He emphasized that "the nation is the priority, followed by the party," and reflected on his past decisions to determine if they were made in the best interest of the country, rather than just for Labour.

When questioned about his previous assertion during the last election that Jeremy Corbyn would be an excellent leader for the country, the Labour leader did not provide a straightforward response.

He reiterated his conviction that the party was bound to lose the 2019 election.

For an enhanced viewing experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser.

Unveiling the Unknowns About Our Leaders

When questioned about his greatest concern regarding his potential role as prime minister, the leader of the Labour Party expressed his apprehension about the effects it might have on his family, particularly his two children, who are 16 and 13 years old.

For optimal video playback, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

Rigby invited Mr Sunak to share something with the audience that they may not already know about him.

For an enhanced viewing experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser.

He mentioned his diet was terrible because he's quite fond of sweets, naming Haribo and Twix as his top choices.

Associated Subjects

Sky News Bottom Section

Information About Sky News

Services Offered by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sky Websites