Rishi Sunak grilled in TV showdown
Rishi Sunak raised concerns about illegal migrants waiting in Calais for a potential Labour government during a tense TV showdown. The Chancellor admitted to not having fully addressed the small boats issue but assured the public of his plan to tackle illegal migration, contrasting it with Labour's approach of releasing migrants.
Labour's response and concerns
Sir Keir Starmer criticized the Rwanda policy as an "expensive gimmick" and highlighted the national security risks posed by the ongoing small boats crisis. He emphasized the need for the UK to have better control over who enters the country and called for action against criminal gangs facilitating channel crossings.
Clear choice for voters
Sunak outlined a clear choice for voters when it comes to dealing with illegal migration, stating that under his leadership, migrants will be removed while Labour's approach could lead to their release on the streets. The Chancellor also addressed concerns about net migration numbers and pledged to introduce a legal cap on incoming migrants.
Plans for housing and NHS
Sunak discussed his plans to help more people achieve homeownership through new forms of Help to Buy and abolishing stamp duty for first-time buyers. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by the NHS, particularly in processing backlogs of referrals for cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for time and resources to address the issue.
Upcoming election and challenges
With polls showing support for Sir Keir Starmer ahead of Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor remains determined to gain ground in the final days before the election. Both candidates face scrutiny on key issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, immigration, national security, and healthcare.
