LONDON: On Wednesday, Britain’s opposition Labour Party accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of telling lies during a pre-election debate in which he claimed that Labour would increase the taxes paid by each family by £2000 ($2554.40).
Sunak – whose Conservative Party is struggling in opinion polls before the July 4 vote – used the figure repeatedly in Tuesday’s television debate with Labour leader Keir Starmer.
Labour denied the assertion at the time and on Wednesday, it highlighted a letter from the top official at Britain’s finance ministry – reported by the BBC – who said civil servants had not been involved in the production or presentation of the costing and it should not be presented as an official estimate.
Sunak’s Conservative Party last month published what it said were “formal Treasury and independent costings” of Labour policies which showed a 38.5-billion-pound black hole over the next four years if Labour wins election.
“The treasury permanent secretary’s letter confirms what we have said last night that there was a lie from prime minister on tax plans for labour,” Rachel Reeves, head of labour economic policy says.
Rachel Reeves has ruled out increases in income tax rates or national insurance contributions over the next parliament.
She was asked by broadcasters why Starmer had not moved more quickly in debate to counter Sunak’s claim.
“That was complete rubbish; he lied about our tax plans,” she added.
“Labour will not be increasing taxes on working people. I am very clear about that.”
Doubling down on his claim, Sunak put out a video on social media platform X showing a giant piggy bank floating in the sky, repeating his claim and saying: “If you think Labor will win, start saving.”
