In the first head-to-head debate of the 2024 General Election campaign, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer clashed on key voter issues, including the economy and healthcare. The debate was watched by an average of five million viewers, including those tuning in on streaming services.
Sunak said his plan to tackle the cost-of-living crisis “is working,” referencing falling inflation and his record as chancellor. He repeatedly said there would be “£2,000 higher taxes for every working family” under a Labour government. In response, Sir Keir said that this £2,000 he keeps saying it’s going to cost is absolute garbage.” Initial analysis by the charity Full Fact said the prime minister’s claim was based on Conservative estimates of Labour spending plans and covered a long list of policy announcements.
Sir Keir continued that “this government has lost control,” adding that Mr. Sunak’s predecessor, Liz Truss, had “crashed the economy”. Both leaders confirmed later in the debate that they did not intend to raise income tax, national insurance, or VAT.
The two party leaders also clashed over progress being made to hospital waiting lists. Sunak, who made cutting NHS waiting lists one of his key priorities when he first became PM, was told by Sir Keir that more people are now awaiting routine hospital treatment today than when he first made the pledge.
Both candidates were asked if they would use private healthcare if either had a loved-one on a long waiting list for surgery. Sunak said he would, whereas Sir Keir replied: “No.” The Labour leader added that he doesn’t use private health.
Both men were asked if they would want a “special relationship” with Donald Trump, now a convicted criminal, if he were re-elected to the White House in November. Sir Keir said that if he is elected president of the US, then they will deal with him.
One of the key voter topics coming into the debate was immigration, which elicited some of the most divisive discussions. Sir Keir accused Mr Sunak of being “the most liberal prime minister we’ve ever had on immigration”. Sunak said deportation flights will take off to Rwanda “in July, but only if I’m your prime minister.”
Labour leader Sir Keir said that one of Labour’s first steps would be to recruit 6,500 teachers to fill gaps, and he would get rid of the tax break on private schools to pay for it.
Valid arguments for each candidate:
Rishi Sunak:
- Believes in having six debates to address all potential factors that could influence public opinion.
- Known for implementing the furlough scheme and speaking of his notoriious use of helicopters.
- Claims to have a plan for achieving net zero targets while saving money.
- Proposes National Service, despite facing ridicule from the public.
Keir Starmer:
- Sees the debates as an opportunity to present himself to voters who may not be familiar with him.
- Highlights his modest background and upbringing, which may be novel to undecided voters.
- Presents the Great British Energy Company as an innovative proposal in the environmental segment.
- Argues against the need for additional debates, emphasising the burden it places on viewers.
