Europe, UK (Commonwealth Union) – A heated debate unfolded on the British channel ITV, with the election just weeks away and much at stake it could have been expected to be anything but mild. Much criticism was leveled at both the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the opposition labor party leader Keir Starmer for talking over each other, which was seen as disrespectful towards the host as it made it difficult for her to moderate. However, there was also focus on the timing that was allowed for the candidates to respond to each question which will likely be taken into consideration in the next debate which is set to be held on the 26th of this month, which is a week prior to the general election.
A YouGov poll that was carried out immediately after the debate showed that 51% of respondents believed Sunak outperformed Starmer to 49%. This was a minor victory for the Prime Minister however with the conservatives down in the polls he will be expected to score a greater victory in the next debate.
The economy generally is a crucial factor and with the severe economic implications that resulted from the pandemic followed by the Russia – Ukraine war has been predicted to impact upcoming elections across the world. A key factor in favor of the conservatives is the recent drop in inflation which the PM was keen to highlight.
Other factors such as education health care, illegal migration was a key focus of the debate. Starmer was seen as having a stronger response when it came to health care and education however on the issue of resolving the junior doctors strike when he was pushed by the PM on what his actions would, there was no clear solution to which he implied he would directly negotiate with them to which the PM pointed out that he had already tried that.
When it came to illegal boat crossing PM was clearer on the actions that would be taken highlighting his Rwanda plan and his tackling of gangs linked to the illegal boat crossings. A key obstacle tackling illegal boat crossing on prior occasions is the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) which the UK is subjected to.
Sunak stated that he was willing to put the country first if he had to choose between complying with ECHR and the interests of the UK.
“If I am forced to choose between securing our borders and our country’s security, or a foreign court, I’m going to choose our country’s security every single time,” said PM Sunak.
Keir Starmer however stated that he would remain in the ECHR and said he wanted to be a “respected player on the world stage, not a pariah”.
