In response to a poll showing Nigel Farage’s Reform party leading ahead of the Conservatives, Rishi Sunak cautioned that a vote for the party would essentially provide a “blank cheque to Labour.”
During a press briefing at the G7 summit in Italy, the Prime Minister emphasized, “We are only halfway through this election, so I’m still vigorously campaigning for every vote.
“And the significance of that poll is paramount – the only poll that truly matters is the one on 4 July. However, if the current trend persists till then, it would empower Labour to impose taxes on everything, including homes, pensions, cars, and families. I am steadfast in ensuring that scenario does not unfold.”
Latest Election Update: Reform surpasses Tories for the first time
Mr. Sunak shrugged off suggestions made by Mr. Farage that his party now stands as the opposition to Labour, following a YouGov poll placing Reform at 19% and the Conservatives at a mere 18%.
The Prime Minister affirmed, “In fact, during my interactions with the public, they comprehend that a vote for anyone other than a Conservative candidate is essentially a vote to see Keir Starmer as the Prime Minister.
“So, should you desire action on reduced taxes, controlled migration, safeguarded pensions, or a rational approach to achieving net zero, the only path to that is by voting Conservative.
“And for those individuals contemplating the core aspects they wish to witness from a prospective government, if you are in favor of having border control, it is us you should support.”
He continued, “You won’t find these assurances in Labour’s agenda – they aim to scrap the Rwanda scheme, eliminate a legal migration cap, and lack a sensible net-zero approach.
“I have already outlined these measures; Labour intends to reverse these reforms, consequently escalating everyone’s expenses with net-zero related costs.
“Moreover, if you wish to secure your retirement, we are the solitary proponents offering the triple lock plus scheme; hence, when individuals appraise especially this week when the divergence in approaches between the two parties is glaring… it will solidify people’s choices on the polling day.”
Ed Conway scrutinizes manifestos:
Labour’s heavy reliance on economic growth
Intriguing ambiguities in the Conservative plan
Both parties exhibiting unrealistic tax proposals
Responding to a query on whether the Tory party faces an “existential” threat, Mr. Sunak pointed out that the publication of the two manifestos clearly illustrates a significant disparity in tax visions between the Conservatives and Labour.
“We aim to reduce your tax burden across various stages of life, be it during employment, entrepreneurship, first-time home purchase, retirement, while on a pension, or raising a family – cutting taxes for all,” he stated.
“Contrarily, the Labour Party consistently fails to specify the taxes they intend to hike, but an increase is on the cards; as evident yesterday, they aim to push the tax load to its historical peak. This is the decision confronting everyone at the time of elections.”