📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
In a final and noisy pre-election debate on Wednesday night, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition Labour Party Leader, Keir Starmer, engaged in a heated discussion over various crucial issues such as taxes, welfare, immigration, and gender. The debate, which took place at Nottingham Trent University in central England, saw the two leaders arguing loudly with each other on the cost of living, taxes, and welfare. The Prime Minister, facing the risk of losing his Richmond (Yorkshire) seat, repeatedly cautioned voters not to ‘surrender’ to Labour on different fronts.
Mr. Sunak’s Conservative Party, which has been in power for 14 years, has been trailing behind Labour in opinion polls by around 20 points. The U.K.’s tax burden had reached record levels under the Sunak government, with warnings that neither party was being transparent about the trade-offs between taxes and public services. During the debate, Mr. Sunak accused Mr. Starmer of planning a tax on pensions, highlighting the differences in their approaches to economic policies.
The discussion also delved into immigration issues, with Mr. Starmer criticizing the government’s plan to deport migrants with failed asylum claims to Rwanda. Both candidates emphasized the importance of protecting women-only spaces, showing agreement on the significance of ‘sex’ and ‘biological sex’ but differing on the legal mechanisms required to ensure women’s safety.
The debate revealed sharp divisions between the candidates on various matters, including trading relationships with the European Union. While Mr. Starmer advocated for a better deal with the EU, Mr. Sunak raised concerns about the implications of free movement of EU citizens across the U.K. border. As the debate progressed, both candidates faced scrutiny over their ability to lead the nation, with audience members expressing disappointment in the answers provided.
Overall, the final debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer before the UK general election shed light on the contrasting visions they have for the country’s future. With tensions running high and differences on key policy areas, voters are left to weigh their options before heading to the polls on July 4, 2024.
