Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer engaged in a heated debate on tax, immigration, gender, and Brexit during their final showdown before next Thursday’s general election.
The Tory leader repeatedly accused Sir Keir of planning tax rises and lacking a strategy to address illegal immigration in the 75-minute BBC event.
Sir Keir admonished him for constant interruptions and sought to counter the attacks by accusing Mr Sunak of making unfunded tax promises and being “out of touch” with voters.
Facing questions from the audience at Nottingham Trent University, one member asked pointedly, “Are you two really the best we have got?”
Sir Keir started assertively, criticizing his opponent for being “bullied” into responding to allegations about Tory candidates allegedly betting on the election timing. Mr Sunak defended his actions, emphasizing the importance of handling such matters seriously and appropriately.
With opinion polls indicating a potential Labour victory, the debate was crucial for Mr Sunak to sway momentum before polling day, and he came out fighting. He focused on tax issues, echoing his strategy from the campaign’s outset.
He highlighted a report suggesting Labour’s economic plans could cost hundreds of billions, while Sir Keir emphasized the importance of attracting private investment alongside government spending.
Mr Sunak also claimed under a future Labour government, “the state pension will be subject to a retirement tax,” a statement scrutinized by BBC Verify.
Sir Keir was more confrontational than in previous debates, accusing Mr Sunak of spreading falsehoods when questioned about tax increases.
The leaders also addressed Brexit, with Mr Sunak suggesting the only way to secure a new EU trade deal would compromise on immigration, a stance Sir Keir vehemently opposed.
The debate also delved into immigration policy, with Mr Sunak pressing Sir Keir on his stance regarding asylum seekers and small boat crossings.
Both leaders affirmed their commitment to safeguarding women’s rights in single-sex spaces, regardless of gender recognition certificates.
Sir Keir emphasized his legal background and working-class roots, contrasting them with Mr Sunak’s perceived detachment from everyday issues.
He received applause when asserting he would treat all individuals, including those born into a gender they don’t identify with, with dignity and respect.
Throughout the debate, Sir Keir sought to highlight his plans for economic recovery and criticized Mr Sunak’s handling of welfare benefits, urging him to listen more to the concerns of ordinary people across the country.
