Labour Leader Accuses Sunak of Resorting to Lies Over Tax Claims

Sir Keir Starmer has criticized a Conservative Party campaign poster as “desperate” after it depicted a family with their hands raised, seemingly in surrender. The image was part of an attack ad urging voters not to “surrender” their family’s future to Labour, which has sparked controversy for its dramatic and unsettling imagery. The poster features a man, woman, and child with their hands in the air, with the accompanying text, “Don’t surrender your family’s future to Labour.” The poster follows Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s repeated warnings during the recent televised debate about the risks of Labour’s tax, welfare, and migration plans.

Starmer, speaking during a visit to Staffordshire, described the ad as “desperate” and criticized the Conservative Party’s negative approach to the campaign. “I think it underlines the difference between the two campaigns now. They are running a very negative campaign, nothing about the future of the country,” he said. The Labour leader expressed disappointment in the Prime Minister for resorting to misleading claims, particularly about Labour’s tax policies. Sunak has frequently stated that a Labour government would impose a £2,000 tax hike per household, a claim that Starmer disputes as false.

“I’m genuinely disappointed that the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom resorted to lies,” Starmer added, emphasizing that the debate had been heated but that his approach was focused on presenting a positive vision for change rather than engaging in personal attacks.

In response, Prime Minister Sunak defended the controversial campaign ad. He stated that the upcoming election is a critical choice for the future of the country, and that Labour’s policies could have severe financial consequences. “I get that people are frustrated with me and our party, but this is not a by-election. This is a choice about our future, and that choice will have severe consequences for people’s financial security,” he said.

However, the ad was met with widespread criticism, with some accusing the Conservatives of using alarmist tactics. Brendan Cox, widower of the late MP Jo Cox, tweeted sarcastically: “Labour are going to gun down your family. Don’t pretend you weren’t warned… Er…”

As the election campaign intensifies, both parties have faced scrutiny over their messaging, with Starmer positioning himself as a leader focused on positive change and Sunak warning against what he perceives as the dangers of a Labour government.