Rishi Sunak is delivering a pre-election speech in a move to pitch to voters after this month’s local election blow.
The Prime Minister has told voters the world is closest to nuclear war since the Cuban missile crisis.
Speaking from London, he is pledging that “more will change in the next five years than in the last thirty” if the Conservatives get re-elected.
He says voters face a stark choice in whom they choose to govern the nation at a time of unprecedented global volatility and technological advancements.
Touting his leadership in areas such as security, he is seeking to draw a dividing line with Labour over defence spending following his commitment to hike it to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2030.
It comes as his Conservative Party dropped behind Labour in the polls suffering a mauling in local and regional elections earlier this month.
Mr Sunak’s worries worsened with the astonishing defection of MP Natalie Elphicke in protest against his record on housing and stopping small boat Channel crossings.
Labour won’t keep the country safe, PM says
The Prime Minister says the Labour Party cannot be trusted.
Rishi Sunak has slammed Sir Keir Starmer for backing Jeremy Corbin several times as a Labour leader.
He says: “Jeremy Corbin wanted to pull us out of Nato and scrap the army.”
Salma Ouaguira13 May 2024 11:49
Better the devil you know, Rishi Sunak says
Rishi Sunak has said he is setting out on a path of convincing voters it is “better the devil you know”, when asked about his latest speech.
The PM was asked whether he believed the country would be less safe under Labour and whether he was arguing better the devil you know, the PM said: “Yes.”
He said: “I believe that the next few years will be both the most dangerous that our country has experienced in a long time, and also the most transformation.”
Archie Mitchell 13 May 2024 11:45
Rishi slams Starmer for welcoming Natalie Elphicke
Rishi Sunak has said you cannot trust what Keir Starmer says after the defection of Natalie Elphicke.
He tells journalists: “It is not about her, it is more about Keir Starmer. It is completely and utterly unprincipled.”
He says the Labour leader went from embracing Jeremy Corbin to welcoming former right-wing Natalie Elphicke.
He blasts: “You can’t trust what the guy says. He doesn’t stand for anything.”
Salma Ouaguira13 May 2024 11:42
‘Not pretending everything has been perfect,’ Rishi Sunak
Rishi Sunak has said he is not pretending 14 years of Conservative government has been perfect.
“Of course there will be areas which are far from perfect,” the PM said.
But he said overall he is incredibly proud of the Conservatives’ record since coming to power in 2010.
Archie Mitchell 13 May 2024 11:40
Rishi Sunak not ruling out July election
Rishi Sunak has called questions about the timing of the election “a game” being played by the Labour Party.
He refused to rule out a July contest when asked, repeating only that there will be a vote in the second half of this year.
He says: “I have been clear we will have an election in the second half of the year.”
The Prime Minister says he is ready to take on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on electoral debates.
Mr Sunak adds: “I am happy to debate Sir Keir Starmer as many times he would like.”
Salma Ouaguira13 May 2024 11:39
The Prime Minister takes questions from the press
Asked about defence spending, he says the Conservative Party can be trusted to keep Brits safe.
He says the UK has become a leading military power after injecting the MoD hundreds of billion of pounds.
He adds: “When my predecessors came into government we were bankrupt. We have remained the largest defence power in NATO.”
Salma Ouaguira13 May 2024 11:36
Rishi Sunak concludes his speech
Ending his speech he says: “My pledge to you is that I will help you fulfill your ambitions.
“To create that dynamic innovative economy for a more financial and secure life for your family.
“You can trust me to keep you and your family secure from threats we face abroad.
“We can and we will create a secure future.”
Salma Ouaguira13 May 2024 11:32
Labour will reduce 14 years to 49 days
Rishi Sunak has said Labour will try to reduce 14 years of Conservative government to the chaotic 49 days of Liz Truss’s premiership.
He says: “And when labour ignores the achievements of the last 14 years, they will try to reduce the last 14 years to 49 days, remember what that actually is trying to distract you from the thing that matters. The future.
“Maybe they can depress their way to the election with all their talk of doom and gaslighting, and scare mongering about pensions.”
Archie Mitchell 13 May 2024 11:30
Rishi Sunak’s Corbyn joke
The PM says: “Despite having 14 years with nothing to do, but think about the future, Labour have nothing to say.
“No plans for our borders. No plans for our energy security. No plans for our economy.
“No principles. Keir Starmer has gone in four years from embracing Jeremy Corbyn to Natalie Elphicke.
“They have just one thing, a calculation that they make you feel so bad about your country that you won’t have the energy to ask what they might do with the incredible power.”
Salma Ouaguira13 May 2024 11:26
‘Everyone will get training funding’
Rishi Sunak is vowing to deliver more founding for training courses.
He promises voters that “education won’t stop” at the school’s doors.
Salma Ouaguira13 May 2024 11:25
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
