The final election debate between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was a pivotal moment in the 2024 UK general election campaign.
Held just days before the election, this debate provided a platform for both leaders to present their visions for the country, address critical issues, and sway undecided voters.
The debate covered a wide range of topics, including the economy, healthcare, education, and Brexit, reflecting the key concerns of the electorate.
Key Moments and Themes
Economic Policies
Rishi Sunak’s Economic Vision
- Sunak emphasised his track record of managing the economy through turbulent times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and post-Brexit adjustments.
- He reiterated his commitment to lowering taxes, particularly for businesses and middle-income families, to stimulate growth and investment.
- Sunak defended the Conservative Party’s handling of inflation, arguing that their policies were beginning to bring down the cost of living.
Keir Starmer’s Economic Proposals
- Starmer criticised the Conservatives’ economic management, pointing to the high inflation and slow growth rates as evidence of their failure.
- He laid out Labour’s plan to increase taxes on the wealthiest and large corporations to fund public services and reduce inequality.
- Starmer highlighted the need for significant investment in green technologies and infrastructure to drive long-term economic growth and sustainability.
Healthcare
Sunak on the NHS
- Sunak focused on improving efficiency within the NHS, proposing measures to reduce waiting times and increase the use of private sector partnerships.
- He committed to additional funding but stressed the importance of accountability and results in healthcare spending.
Starmer on Healthcare
- Starmer argued for a substantial increase in NHS funding, emphasising the need to address staff shortages and improve patient care.
- He criticised the Conservatives for what he described as “underfunding and privatisation” of the NHS.
- Starmer pledged to reverse any privatisation moves and ensure that healthcare remains publicly funded and accessible to all.
Education
Sunak’s Education Plans
- Sunak proposed reforms to improve educational outcomes, including more funding for schools, particularly in underprivileged areas.
- He highlighted the importance of vocational training and apprenticeships to equip young people with practical skills for the job market.
Starmer’s Education Policies
- Starmer called for increased investment in early childhood education and measures to reduce class sizes.
- He emphasised the need for free school meals for all primary school children and increased support for students from low-income families.
- Starmer also focused on higher education, proposing the reduction of tuition fees and the reintroduction of maintenance grants.
Brexit and Foreign Policy
Sunak’s Brexit Stance
- Sunak defended the Conservative government’s handling of Brexit, arguing that it had restored sovereignty and opened up new trade opportunities.
- He committed to continuing to negotiate favourable trade deals and to address any ongoing issues in Northern Ireland with pragmatic solutions.
Starmer’s Brexit Approach
- Starmer acknowledged the finality of Brexit but emphasised the need to repair relationships with the EU.
- He proposed closer cooperation on issues such as trade, security, and climate change.
- Starmer also highlighted the importance of protecting workers’ rights and environmental standards post-Brexit.
Key Exchanges
Inflation and Cost of Living
Sunak and Starmer clashed on the issue of inflation and the cost of living. Sunak pointed to recent data showing a decrease in inflation rates as proof that Conservative policies were effective.
Starmer, however, argued that the cost of living crisis was far from over and that more direct intervention was needed to support struggling families.
NHS Crisis
The debate over the NHS was particularly heated. Sunak’s proposals for efficiency improvements and partnerships with the private sector were met with strong criticism from Starmer, who accused the Conservatives of eroding the public healthcare system.
Starmer’s call for significant new investments in the NHS was positioned as essential for its survival and improvement.
Leadership and Trust
Both leaders sought to establish themselves as trustworthy and competent. Sunak emphasised his experience and the stability of his leadership, while Starmer focused on presenting a fresh start with a focus on fairness and social justice.
Personal attacks were exchanged, with Sunak questioning Labour’s economic credibility and Starmer highlighting Conservative scandals and divisions.
The final debate was a critical moment for both Sunak and Starmer. It allowed each leader to articulate their vision for the UK’s future and to address the electorate’s key concerns directly.
As voters head to the polls, the performances and proposals presented in this debate are likely to play a significant role in their decision-making process.
The debate underscored the high stakes of the 2024 election and the contrasting paths offered by the Conservative and Labour parties.
Read more: UK 2024 Election: The Stage, the Actions, and the Actors
