In a dramatic final confrontation before the nation heads to the polls, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer engaged in a fiery and deeply personal debate on BBC One. The Wednesday night showdown, hosted by Mishal Husain, saw both leaders trading sharp accusations on issues ranging from tax plans to immigration and trust in politics.
The debate was marked by several intense moments, with Sir Keir delivering a particularly stinging rebuke, accusing the Prime Minister of being 'out of touch' with the financial struggles of ordinary citizens. 'You simply don't deserve to be in the job,' Starmer asserted, highlighting what he described as the devastating impact of the Conservative government's policies on working families.
Mr Sunak retaliated with a warning about the economic consequences of a Labour government, claiming it would result in the 'biggest tax increase in history' for Britons. He aggressively challenged Starmer's plans, demanding specifics on how Labour would pay for its proposals without raising taxes on the public.
Trust and Integrity Take Centre Stage
A significant portion of the clash focused on the character and trustworthiness of both men. The Prime Minister faced direct questioning about his decision to leave D-Day commemorations early, an act for which he has repeatedly apologised. Sir Keir did not let the issue rest, using it to question Sunak's judgment and priorities.
Conversely, Mr Sunak turned the spotlight on Starmer's past support for former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, attempting to paint him as a politician with questionable judgment who is not being transparent with the electorate.
Policy Clashes: Tax, Immigration, and NHS
The debate covered the key battlegrounds of the election campaign:
- Taxation: A central point of conflict, with each leader accusing the other of planning secret tax rises that would burden UK households.
- Immigration: Mr Sunak defended the controversial Rwanda scheme as a necessary deterrent, while Sir Keir dismissed it as a 'gimmick' and pledged to scrap it if elected.
- Healthcare: The state of the National Health Service prompted heated exchanges, with Starmer blaming Tory mismanagement for long waiting lists and Sunak criticising Labour's lack of a concrete plan for improvement.
As the debate concluded, both leaders made their final pitches to a weary electorate. Sir Keir Starmer appealed for 'change,' framing the election as a chance to 'turn the page on 14 years of chaos.' Prime Minister Sunak ended on a cautionary note, urging voters not to 'surrender' their finances to a Labour government they 'do not know.'
The intense hour-long session, watched by millions, is expected to be one of the last major set-piece moments to influence undecided voters before polling day on 4th July.
