Sunak vs. Starmer: Fiery Debate Sparks Clash on Taxes, NHS, and Immigration Amid Election Campaign

Keir Starmer dismisses Rishi Sunak's tax assertions as 'nonsense' – yet surveys indicate the PM slightly edged ahead

During their initial televised debate for the 2024 election, Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer clashed over issues such as the economy, healthcare, and immigration.

Political journalist @fayebrownSky

Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 08:

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

Sir Keir Starmer dismissed as "garbage" allegations that he would increase taxes by £2,000, as he and Rishi Sunak engaged in a spirited exchange during their initial televised debate.

Initially, the leader of the Labour Party did not counter the prime minister's ongoing claims that Labour's budget proposals would amount to an extra £2,000 expense for every family.

He ultimately dismissed it as "nonsense" and "absolute garbage," claiming his commitment to funding green initiatives would lead to lower energy costs.

Latest in Politics: Recent Survey Indicates Starmer Takes the Lead

Labour has claimed that the statistic is derived from deceptive data presented in a "questionable Conservative document," and has urged Mr. Sunak to set the record straight.

They argue that one of the 11 counterpoints is that the financial estimates are based on "special advisers' assumptions" instead of being evaluated by an unbiased Civil Service.

Initially, Sir Keir found it difficult to clarify his position during a debate where he and his opponent frequently interrupted each other, prompting ITV moderator Julie Etchingham to step in and cut them off.

A quick YouGov survey following the debate indicated that Mr. Sunak slightly edged ahead, with 51% of viewers thinking he performed better than Sir Keir. Yet, a poll released on Wednesday morning showed that Sir Keir was perceived more favorably.

Labour's deputy leader in charge of budget matters, Jonathan Ashworth, spoke to Sky's assistant chief political correspondent, Sam Coates, claiming that Labour emerges from the discussion "stronger," while he charged Mr. Sunak with "lying" about Labour's tax strategies.

"In that debate, Rishi Sunak, driven by desperation, resorted to falsehoods," he stated.

"There are no intentions to implement a taxation strategy on families as outlined by Rishi Sunak, nor are there plans to increase income tax, national insurance, or VAT."

"The sole party to have proposed financial commitments without providing cost details in this election is the party led by Rishi Sunak."

Labour has previously stated that it does not intend to increase individual taxes, and that all of its policies are financially accounted for.

Sunak mocked for statements about the NHS

In addition to economic issues, the two also sparred over the NHS and immigration, with the audience at times responding to Mr. Sunak with groans and laughter.

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

The initial signs of dissatisfaction emerged when the prime minister was questioned about the timeframe to repair the "deteriorated" healthcare system.

He referred to the havoc wreaked by the COVID pandemic but noted, "we are now advancing: waiting lists are decreasing."

The leader of the Labour Party responded, "There were 7.2 million, now there are 7.5 million. He claims they are decreasing, yet this is the same person who prides himself on his math skills."

Mr. Sunak stated that NHS waiting times have decreased from previous peaks, which led to laughter from the crowd. He subsequently attributed this issue to strikes, causing the audience to groan.

Paraphrasing Sir Keir's reaction, he stated, "He's blaming someone else."

During a pivotal segment of the discussion, both individuals were questioned about whether they would opt for private medical treatment if a relative faced extensive delays for NHS services. Mr. Sunak affirmed he would, while Sir Keir stated he would not.

Stay informed on the most recent developments both in the UK and internationally by tuning into Sky News.

Discussion on immigration intensifies

The discussion on immigration sparked considerable controversy.

Mr. Sunak has hinted more strongly than before that he might consider exiting the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) if legal obstacles continue to hinder the government's Rwanda deportation initiative.

He stated: "When faced with the decision between protecting our nation's borders and security or adhering to an international tribunal, I will always prioritize our national security."

He stated that deportations to Rwanda would commence in July, contingent upon his continued role as Prime Minister.

"Adhere to our strategy and unlawful migrants will be aboard those flights – under Labour, they will be roaming our cities."

Sir Keir responded, "The migration figures have reached unprecedented levels – 685,000. They have never been this high, except perhaps in the last year or two."

"The prime minister has expressed concern over the levels being excessively elevated. Who holds the authority? He does. He is recognized as the most progressive prime minister in terms of immigration policies that we have ever seen."

The leader of the Labour Party stated that Mr. Sunak had utterly failed to fulfill his promise to halt the small boat crossings of the Channel.

He warned that if the UK were to withdraw from international conventions, it could be seen as an outcast among nations.

Overview of Main Discussion Topics

Political Correspondent

Discussing fiscal policies and the national economy, Rishi Sunak criticized the Labour Party's economic strategies as unaccounted for, asserting that implementing them would result in a tax increase of £2,000. He highlighted his party’s efforts to reduce inflation, decrease National Insurance contributions, and his commitment to enhancing tax reductions for retirees with the "triple lock plus" initiative as reasons for the public to support him. In contrast, Sir Keir Starmer dismissed Mr. Sunak’s £2,000 figure as "absolute garbage" and assured that his party’s proposals were thoroughly budgeted. He also noted that the tax burden has escalated to its highest point in seven decades under the Conservative government and used Mr. Sunak’s considerable wealth to argue that he is out of touch with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Regarding the NHS: Rishi Sunak faced jeers and laughter when he asserted that waiting lists were decreasing and attributed the backlog to strikes. Sir Keir highlighted Labour's proposal to introduce 40,000 new appointments, while emphasizing his connection as the spouse of an NHS employee.

Regarding education: Rishi Sunak expressed that parents who are diligent should have the option to choose private schooling for their children, criticizing Labour's stance on VAT. Sir Keir Starmer countered by stating that a primary initiative under Labour would be the hiring of 6,500 new teachers to address shortages. He plans to fund this by eliminating the tax exemption for private schools, acknowledging that "it's a difficult decision, but I am aware of that."

Regarding immigration, Sunak hinted more forcefully than before that he might consider exiting the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) should the courts continue to obstruct the government's delayed Rwanda deportation strategy. However, he mentioned that flights could be departing as early as July. Sir Keir warned that the UK could be isolated internationally if it withdrew from global agreements, and he highlighted his strategy to dismantle criminal smuggling networks to curb the influx of small boat arrivals.

On the topic of climate policy, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak justified his choice to scale back initiatives aimed at achieving the UK's net zero carbon emissions objectives. He argued that these targets could still be achieved without imposing significant costs on households, while also ensuring the country's energy security. In contrast, Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the significant potential within the renewable energy sector, which he said could lead to reduced energy costs, enhanced energy security, and increased employment opportunities. He committed to achieving clean energy by 2030, even though he has reduced the initial funding he planned to allocate for this goal.

Who emerged victorious?

Throughout the debate, the duo exchanged their customary criticisms. Mr. Sunak criticized Sir Keir for lacking a strategy, while the Labour leader focused on criticizing the Conservatives' 14-year governance, especially pointing out the consequences of Liz Truss's mini-budget.

Analysis of the YouGov survey showed that Mr. Sunak was the favored candidate in discussions on tax and immigration.

Although he emerged as the debate's overall winner, Sir Keir triumphed in specific discussions concerning the cost of living, the NHS, education, and climate change.

The survey revealed that a significant majority, 60% of respondents, felt the debate was aggravating, while only 17% considered it useful, and a mere 4% viewed it as genuine.

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

After a fiery exchange of views, political campaigning will pause temporarily while the nation marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day with several days of remembrance.

The leaders will set aside their disagreements to commemorate the anniversary of the Normandy landings.

Mr. Sunak and Sir Keir are set to join the national commemoration in Portsmouth with the Royal Family and veterans on Wednesday. The focus will then shift to Normandy for additional anniversary events.

Associated Subjects

Footer of Sky News

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Networks

Additional Sky Websites