Sunak Defends Economic Legacy Against Labour Criticism Following King’s Speech

Sunak defends his tenure during King's Speech debate with Starmer, asserting economic improvement

The ex-Prime Minister argues he handed over robust financial conditions to the incoming Labour administration, a fact he claims the current chancellor downplays. However, Sir Keir Starmer contends that the Tory legacy of decay will require significant time to mend.

Political journalist @NifS

Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 5:

Rishi Sunak has sought to justify his governmental track record by stating that Labour took over an economy that was already improving.

Addressing the House of Commons after the King's Speech on Wednesday, the ex-prime minister, who lost power in the recent general election, accused the new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, of deliberately portraying a very negative view of the public finances that the Conservatives had managed during their time in office.

He mentioned he would "politely highlight that the actual facts tell a different story" after his term as the replacement for Liz Truss, who had a chaotic period in office.

Live Politics: Starmer Promises 'National Renewal' During King's Speech

"The inflation rate stands at 2%, unemployment at 4%, and we're leading the G7 in economic growth," declared the Conservative leader. "The opposition is taking over an economy that's already climbing."

Mr. Sunak, who previously held the position of chancellor during Boris Johnson's tenure, stated that the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) had already provided [Labour] with a complete overview of the public financial situation when they developed their manifesto for the general election campaign.

Stay updated on the most recent developments from the UK and across the globe with Sky News.

"Mr. Sunak further mentioned, 'The OBR has correctly stripped governments of the power to manipulate forecasts to their own advantage.'"

"However, they have also deprived incoming opposition governments of the opportunity to claim ignorance about the actual financial situation."

"Paul Johnson from the Institute for Fiscal Studies has made it clear that the financial records are completely transparent. He argues that any attempts to claim that the situation is worse than it actually is simply won't hold up."

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

However, Sir Keir Starmer responded to his predecessor's assertions by informing Members of Parliament that "every day that goes by, my administration uncovers new and unforeseen signs… traces of the past 14 years during which politics took precedence over the country's best interests, with decline embedded deeply within the core of our institutions."

The Prime Minister noted: "This issue is prevalent throughout our correctional facilities. It's even more pronounced in our rivers and oceans than we initially believed."

"Our local councils have been stretched to their limits by the former administration and are now struggling to provide essential services to children who require special education."

Sir Keir stated that his administration had "already begun addressing numerous key issues that we presented to the citizens of the UK."

He emphasized that his agenda for "national renewal" won't yield immediate results, noting, "The decay from 14 years will require time to mend."

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

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

The atmosphere also allowed for some light-hearted moments in one of the initial interactions in the Commons between Sir Keir and Mr Sunak following their role reversal.

Discussing the shift in his career trajectory, the Conservative leader commented, "Suddenly, you find your promising future is in the past, and you question if it's plausible to be considered a senior political figure at 44."

However, Mr. Sunak also pledged that during his tenure as the leader of the opposition, he would prioritize the country's needs, stating in Parliament: "We will not oppose merely for opposition's sake, but in the national interest."

"However, when our views differ from those of the government, it is our duty to express this disagreement."

Associated Subjects

Footer of Sky News

Information about Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sky Websites