Labour leader tried to focus on the Tories’ record while the prime minister accused opponent of planning tax rises
tore into each other’s election promises on tax and immigration in a fiery first TV debate of the campaign.
Both leaders committed not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT. Starmer defended his policy to introduce VAT to private schools, saying it was a “tough choice” but necessary, to applause from the audience. “Because I want the UK to be a respected player on the global stage, not a pariah who doesn’t agree with international law.”On the cost of living, Starmer accused Sunak of being out of touch and living “in a different world”.
“Now imagine turning the page with a Labour government that rolls up its sleeves and gets on with the job that puts the country back in your service.” While Labour has been running a cautious, safety-first campaign, the Conservatives have spent the first two weeks making a flurry of policy announcements in the hope that some of them will be appealing to voters.
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