Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Labour Party leader Keir Rodney Starmer fiercely debated over key issues including taxes, immigration and the National Health Service (NHS) in a heated first televised debate. The debate, broadcast on ITV, marked the beginning of an intense election campaign as the state prepares to go to the polls on 4 July.
I’ve changed the Labour Party and put it back in the service of working people.
Now, I want to change Britain, to make it work once again for you and your family.#ITVDebate pic.twitter.com/LCzbwHgRs1
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 4, 2024
Key Issues
Starmer opened the debate by targeting the Conservative Party’s record over the past 14 years, accusing Sunak of failing to take personal responsibility for ongoing crises, including the cost of living situation and the state of the NHS. He labelled Sunak as “the most liberal prime minister we’ve ever had on immigration,” pledging that a Labour government would maintain the UK’s commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Sunak responded by describing Starmer as an “unreliable politician pursuing power for power’s sake,” and asserted that Labour’s policies would result in a £2000 tax hike for families. “Labour will raise your taxes. It’s in their DNA,” Sunak claimed, stressing that Labour would tax work, cars and pensions.
It couldn’t have been clearer in last night’s debate.
Keir Starmer’s tax rises will cost working families £2,094. pic.twitter.com/dVKDb699Jb
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 5, 2024
Starmer countered by accusing the Conservatives of fabricating Labour policies to generate misleading figures.
Highlights
Taxes: Sunak attacked Labour’s fiscal policies, repeating the claim that Labour’s plans would lead to substantial tax increases. Starmer dismissed these accusations as “absolute garbage,” arguing that the Conservatives had manipulated Treasury data to scare voters.
Cost of Living and NHS: Starmer criticized Sunak for the timing of the election, suggesting it was called early to avoid the fallout from rising inflation and energy prices. He accused Sunak of hiding the true state of the economy. Sunak, in turn, blamed NHS waiting lists on strikes and emphasized his plans to manage illegal immigration through a controversial policy of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Immigration: A major point of contention was the UK’s stance on the ECHR. Sunak indicated he would prioritize national security over adherence to the ECHR if it interfered with his immigration policies. Starmer defended the UK’s commitment to international law, arguing that withdrawing from the ECHR would damage their global standing.
Backgrounds
The debate often veered into personal territory, with both leaders highlighting their backgrounds to connect with voters. Sunak referenced his parents’ professions to show his understanding of the NHS while Starmer built upon his working-class upbringing to empathize with those struggling with the cost of living.
Public Reaction
The debate concluded without a clear winner, but a snap poll by YouGov suggested Sunak had a slight edge, with 51% of respondents saying he performed better compared to 49% for Starmer. However, on specific issues such as the cost of living, NHS and education, Starmer was viewed more favourably while Sunak was seen as stronger on tax and immigration.
