What's happened
Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer faced off in the final televised debate ahead of the UK general election. The debate, held at Nottingham Trent University, ended in a draw according to a YouGov poll, with both leaders receiving 47% support. Sunak, who has struggled to narrow Labour's 20-point lead, delivered an energetic performance, focusing on attacking Labour's policies. The debate covered key issues such as tax and immigration, with both leaders facing tough questions from the audience. The event highlighted the public's disillusionment, with some questioning the suitability of both candidates for the role of Prime Minister.
Why it matters
This debate is crucial as it represents one of the final opportunities for both leaders to sway undecided voters ahead of the general election. With Labour holding a significant lead in the polls, Sunak's performance was particularly important for the Conservative Party's chances. The debate also reflects broader public dissatisfaction with the current political landscape, as evidenced by the audience's reactions and the questions posed. The outcome of this election will have significant implications for the UK's future policies on tax, immigration, and other critical issues.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the debate ended in a draw with both leaders receiving 47% support in a YouGov poll. The Sky News debate: all is lost for Rishi Sunak" target="_blank">New Statesman highlighted Sunak's energetic performance, noting his focus on attacking Labour's policies. The Scotsman emphasized the key issues discussed, including tax and immigration, and the public's disillusionment with both candidates. The Mirror reported on the backlash Sunak faced over his policies, particularly his hints at withdrawing from the European Convention of Human Rights and implementing national service.
How we got here
The UK is approaching a general election with Labour holding a significant lead in the polls. Rishi Sunak, the current Prime Minister, has struggled to narrow this gap, facing criticism over his handling of various issues, including immigration and national service. Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has focused on presenting his party as a viable alternative, promising not to raise certain taxes while leaving the door open for other tax increases. The final televised debate was a critical moment for both leaders to make their case to the public.
Common question
More on these topics
-
Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
-
Rishi Sunak is a British politician who has served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2022.
-
The Labour Party is a centre-left political party in the United Kingdom that has been described as an alliance of social democrats, democratic socialists and trade unionists.
-
Elizabeth Frances Rigby is a British journalist. She has worked for Sky News since 2016 and became their political editor on 12 April 2019. Rigby has previously worked as a newspaper journalist for the Financial Times and The Times.
-
Question Time is a topical debate programme, typically broadcast on BBC One at 10:35 pm on Thursdays. It is usually repeated on BBC Two and on BBC Parliament, later in the week. Question Time is also available on BBC iPlayer.
-
The Conservative Party, officially the Conservative and Unionist Party, and also known colloquially as the Tories, Tory Party, or simply the Conservatives, is a political party in the United Kingdom.
-
Sir Edward Jonathan Davey FRSA MP is a British politician serving as Acting Co-Leader of the Liberal Democrats since 13 December 2019. He has been the Member of Parliament for Kingston and Surbiton since 2017, and previously from 1997 until 2015. Davey is
-
The National Health Service is the publicly funded healthcare system in England, and one of the four National Health Service systems in the United Kingdom.