ITV general election leaders' debate LIVE: Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer go head to head over the economy, NHS, defence, migration and more
The leaders of the UK’s two biggest parties are expected to be quizzed on the NHS, the economy, the cost-of-living crisis, defence and migration - but on the back of strong polling on Labour’s favour on Monday, there is a tonne of ground for the Prime Minister to make up.
Can Mr Sunak create a decisive, momentum-changing moment in this general election campaign?
That's all folks
Well that’s that! For my money, Sir Keir Starmer floundered when asked to explain his actual plan on a few areas, but the Prime Minister completely failed to convince, especially when it came to ludicrous claims about Labour’s tax rises.
Rishi Sunak needed a big night, and he didn’t get it. Sir Keir needed to just not have a meltdown, and he managed it.
All to play for, but it’s still a long way back.
Thanks for sticking with us tonight, there will be analysis from our political editor Alistair Grant available shortly.
Have a lovely evening, and see you next time.
The times they are a changin
Rishi Sunak says Labour have had 14 years to think of ideas, and have nothing.
Keir Starmer says the Prime Minister is ashamed of its 14 years, and doesn’t have a record he can defend. Gets a lot of applause.
A young person! There’s an actual young person! Who raises all the horrible things that happen to his generation, and asks what they’ll do for him.
Keir Starmer says it’s about education or skills, again saying his dad was a tool maker. Says he won’t be sending him to “some sort of Dad’s Army, like the Prime Minister”.
Audience openly laughing at the Prime Minister saying national service is a good idea.
New costs
Keir Starmer says the Prime Minister is slowing down on climate change, and that the company Sunak relies on for his figures is saying things are more expensive under the Tories.
Green with envy
Climate up next, with Rishi Sunak saying his children talk to him about it all the time, and that Labour will put the country at risk.
Strong and stable
Rishi Sunak says Labour cannot be trusted to keep the country safe as the Conservatives.
Keir Starmer says he was working on security why the Prime Minister was betting against the country as a banker.
Gaza crisis
There’s now a question about strong leadership to stop scenes such as those in Gaza.
Starmer says the situation in Gaza is intolerable, and calls for a ceasefire, return of the hostages, aid in, and a two state solution.
Rishi Sunak basically says the same, but is more proud of supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.
Rishi Sunak is directly asked about leaving the European Court of Human Rights, and says he won’t be held to account by a foreign court.
Keir Starmer says Labour wouldn’t, because it respects international law.
Plane sailing
Keir Starmer says Rishi Sunak is the most liberal Prime Minister ever when it comes to immigration, and that Labour will have tough borders. The Prime Minister asks the Labour leader what he’d do.
Starmer says he’d smash the gangs, and the Prime Minister has overseen record numbers.
Capsized
We’re now onto to immigration, asked by a man with quite the moustache.
Rishi Sunak says there will be no deterrent if Labour win, only the Tories can stop the boats, and illegal immigrants will be on the streets.
Love sincere debate, me.
Break time
As fun as that was, it’s now time for a break to enjoy the real highlight, adverts for cars and tech you don’t need.
On that, is there anything Idris Elba won’t advertise? The man was in The Wire and has that Marvel money, what is he doing???
Retirement tax
Rishi Sunak now talking about the triple lock plus, saying Labour want pensioners to pay tax.
Keir Starmer says it’s a gimmick, and that the Tories are offering unfunded commitments.
Putting the fun in funding
Both men commit to not raising income tax. So, let’s find out where the magic money tree is
Where's the lie
Rishi Sunak now going back to the £2000 of tax rises, even though it’s not relevant.
Starmer says the Government have put in a fake policy to the civil service, then got them to cost it so they can attack Labour.
VAT, easy as 1,2,3
The Labour leader now defending his ending of the VAT exemption for private schools, saying every child needs a chance, and it will pay to support state schools.
Goes down well in the room, actual applause.
Cost of education
Rishi Sunak says he thinks education is the most you can do to improve people’s lives.
Fair enough, he went to Winchester College, where £49,152 a year has to get you something.
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