London: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer had a heated exchange over the cost-of-living crisis, public health service waiting lists, tax, and immigration in their first debate ahead of the July 4 elections.
The leaders took the floor on June 4 in the northwestern town of Salford as they sparred over ways to rejuvenate Britain's economy, with Sunak accusing the opposition of planning tax hikes if it wins the upcoming election.
Sunak, who became the Conservative party leader and Prime Minister in October 2022, claimed only he had a viable strategy for boosting the economy, while Starmer portrayed the Tories as responsible for 14 years of economic chaos.
Sunak drew groans when he blamed NHS waiting lists on doctor strikes, however, he seemed to make up some ground with the audience when discussing how he planned to tackle immigration, claiming his controversial plan to send certain asylum seekers to Rwanda was a deterrent, according to an Al Jazeera report.
Sharing his plans on tackling immigration, Starmer said that he would consider processing asylum claims in a third country as long as it did not breach international law.
After the debate ended, a YouGov snap poll gave Sunak a slight edge, with 51 per cent saying he performed better overall, compared with 49 per cent for Starmer.
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Brexit champion Nigel Farage said he would stand as a candidate for the anti-immigration Reform UK party in Britain's general election next month. After initially ruling out running, Farage, 60, told a news conference: "I have changed my mind... I am going to stand. Farage, 60, told a news conference. He
Farage, who will seek election on July 4 in the fiercely pro-Brexit seat of Clacton, southeast England, said he had had a change of heart as "I can't let down those millions of people" who had supported him throughout previous elections and referendums.
