Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Poll shows Starmer did better than Sunak in TV election debate

According to YouGov, 64 per cent thought Starmer performed better, while 36 per cent thought prime minister Sunak had done better.

Poll shows Starmer did better than Sunak in TV election debate

Labour leader Keir Starmer performed better than his election rival Rishi Sunak in live television debate broadcast by Sky News on Wednesday, a snap poll by YouGov showed.

According to YouGov, 64 per cent thought Starmer performed better, while 36 per cent thought prime minister Sunak had done better.


Sunak and Starmer were questioned by voters at a televised event on Wednesday, with both challenged over past decisions, pledges, and how they would fund policies if they won the July 4 election.

At the event, the two men took turns facing an interviewer and an audience, highlighting the everyday struggles in Britain and the mistrust of politicians.

With just over three weeks until the election, opinion polls suggest Labour will easily win. Sunak was booed and heckled over doctors' strikes, migration, and his policy to introduce national service for young people.

Starmer was criticised for avoiding questions and for his previous support of his predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn. A poll taken after the event in Grimsby said 64 per cent believed Starmer had won the event on Sky News.

Starmer told the audience he would start implementing his policies from "day one" if he won the election but avoided answering whether he was being honest when in 2019 he said Corbyn should become prime minister.

"I want to get to the place where I can roll up my sleeves and work with you... to say the government is on your side," Starmer said to applause. "That will be a massive difference to the last 14 years."

Sunak was challenged over his policies, which audience members said had yet to solve their issues with dentist appointments, NHS waiting lists, or stopping the arrival of migrants in small boats. "I know we've been through a tough time, of course we have... it's been tough for all of you here tonight, all of you watching, but I do believe we have turned a corner and we've got a clear plan for the future," he said. "I am going to keep fighting hard until the last day of this election."

The event came a day after Sunak unveiled £17 billion of tax cuts in his party's manifesto, trying to convince voters that he had a plan to make them better off while Labour's policies are vague and ill-thought through. He said again on Wednesday that a vote for Starmer was akin to writing him a blank cheque, repeating the contested accusation that a Labour government would increase taxes by more than £2,000. Starmer denied that was the case.

On Thursday, Labour will try to set the story straight with its own manifesto, a document outlining the policies the party will pursue in government, an agenda Starmer said would focus on wealth creation and economic growth. Labour has repeatedly said it will stick to strict spending rules, a stance adopted to show it has changed since being led by Corbyn and to challenge Conservative attacks that it will increase taxes.

Corbyn's legacy came up again when Starmer was asked whether he stood by his 2019 statement that Corbyn would make a good prime minister and the 10 left-wing pledges he made to become Labour leader, several of which he has since dropped. "Have I changed my position on those pledges? Yes, I have," said Starmer. "I think this party should always put the country first."

(Reuters)

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less