Starmer vs. Sunak: Who Emerged Victorious in the First Leaders’ Debate? Our Panel’s Verdict

[Social Media]

 

The first leaders’ debate between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer tackled issues such as tax, Gaza, and immigration. While both leaders had their moments, did either land a damaging blow? Our panel of experts, including Nesrine Malik, Katy Balls, Owen Jones, and Nels Abbey, weigh in.

 

Nesrine Malik: A Battle Over Immigration Toughness
Nesrine Malik critiqued the debate format for its brevity, which she argued left little room for substantial discussion, especially on complex issues like taxation and the cost of living. However, the short responses on immigration revealed much about both leaders' stances. Malik observed that the debate on immigration became a contest of who could appear tougher. Starmer attacked Sunak from the right, calling him “the most liberal prime minister we’ve ever had on immigration,” a statement that underscored the normalization of harsh immigration rhetoric. Both leaders focused on numbers and posturing rather than context and compassion, with Starmer emphasizing the number of people crossing by boat and suggesting potential third-country deportations in line with international law. This exchange, Malik concluded, highlighted the debate's lack of depth and overreliance on political posturing.

 

Katy Balls: Sunak's Narrow Win Amidst Tory Troubles
Katy Balls noted that Rishi Sunak's performance offered a brief respite for the Conservative Party after a challenging week marked by Nigel Farage’s political comeback and dire polling predictions. According to a YouGov snap poll, Sunak narrowly edged out Starmer with 51% to 49%. Sunak’s team felt a sense of relief, believing he had effectively landed points on tax and immigration. Even some of Sunak’s usual critics within the Tory party praised his performance for being assertive. While Starmer received applause during the debate, his delayed responses to Sunak’s tax claims left some Labour aides wishing he had been more aggressive. Balls concluded that although the debate bought Sunak some breathing space, the underlying issues facing the Tories, including Farage’s potential impact in upcoming debates, remained unchanged.

 

Owen Jones: Avoidance of Gaza Realities and Fiscal Evasions
Owen Jones focused on the leaders' failure to adequately address the Gaza conflict. He criticized the framing of the debate question on Gaza, which highlighted Hamas’s atrocities while omitting the significant violence against Palestinian civilians. Sunak praised Starmer for supporting Israel’s right to self-defense, which Jones argued ignored the broader humanitarian crisis. On domestic issues, Jones pointed out that both leaders avoided committing to detailed fiscal plans, maintaining what the Institute for Fiscal Studies called a “conspiracy of silence” over impending budget cuts. This lack of transparency and failure to challenge each other on key issues, Jones suggested, left the electorate with little clarity on how either leader would manage the country’s finances.

 

Nels Abbey: Lackluster Middleweights in a Dull Contest
Nels Abbey described the debate as a clash between two uninspiring contenders. He characterized Starmer’s approach as empathetic but evasive, often failing to directly answer questions. Sunak, on the other hand, delivered the punchline of the night with, “If you think Labour is going to win, start saving,” a line that resonated despite the overall dullness of the debate. Abbey noted that neither leader made a compelling case for immigration, each trying to outdo the other in hawkishness. Sunak’s mention of European support for his Rwanda plan revealed a naivety about international consensus on border policies. Ultimately, Abbey found the debate forgettable, suggesting both leaders failed to energize or significantly sway the audience.

 

Conclusion: A Debate Without a Clear Winner
The first leaders’ debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer left much to be desired. While Sunak may have won the YouGov snap poll, the performances from both leaders were criticized for lacking depth and failing to address critical issues adequately. Immigration rhetoric dominated without substantive policy discussion, and both leaders evaded detailed fiscal commitments. As the election campaign progresses, the real test for Sunak and Starmer will be whether they can move beyond posturing and offer clear, actionable plans to address the pressing issues facing the UK.

 

 

Credit: The Guardian 2024-06-06

 

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[newbee2022]

6 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

The first leaders’ debate between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer tackled issues such as tax, Gaza, and immigration. While both leaders had their moments, did either land a damaging blow? Our panel of experts, including Nesrine Malik, Katy Balls, Owen Jones, and Nels Abbey, weigh in.

 

Nesrine Malik: A Battle Over Immigration Toughness
Nesrine Malik critiqued the debate format for its brevity, which she argued left little room for substantial discussion, especially on complex issues like taxation and the cost of living. However, the short responses on immigration revealed much about both leaders' stances. Malik observed that the debate on immigration became a contest of who could appear tougher. Starmer attacked Sunak from the right, calling him “the most liberal prime minister we’ve ever had on immigration,” a statement that underscored the normalization of harsh immigration rhetoric. Both leaders focused on numbers and posturing rather than context and compassion, with Starmer emphasizing the number of people crossing by boat and suggesting potential third-country deportations in line with international law. This exchange, Malik concluded, highlighted the debate's lack of depth and overreliance on political posturing.

 

Katy Balls: Sunak's Narrow Win Amidst Tory Troubles
Katy Balls noted that Rishi Sunak's performance offered a brief respite for the Conservative Party after a challenging week marked by Nigel Farage’s political comeback and dire polling predictions. According to a YouGov snap poll, Sunak narrowly edged out Starmer with 51% to 49%. Sunak’s team felt a sense of relief, believing he had effectively landed points on tax and immigration. Even some of Sunak’s usual critics within the Tory party praised his performance for being assertive. While Starmer received applause during the debate, his delayed responses to Sunak’s tax claims left some Labour aides wishing he had been more aggressive. Balls concluded that although the debate bought Sunak some breathing space, the underlying issues facing the Tories, including Farage’s potential impact in upcoming debates, remained unchanged.

 

Owen Jones: Avoidance of Gaza Realities and Fiscal Evasions
Owen Jones focused on the leaders' failure to adequately address the Gaza conflict. He criticized the framing of the debate question on Gaza, which highlighted Hamas’s atrocities while omitting the significant violence against Palestinian civilians. Sunak praised Starmer for supporting Israel’s right to self-defense, which Jones argued ignored the broader humanitarian crisis. On domestic issues, Jones pointed out that both leaders avoided committing to detailed fiscal plans, maintaining what the Institute for Fiscal Studies called a “conspiracy of silence” over impending budget cuts. This lack of transparency and failure to challenge each other on key issues, Jones suggested, left the electorate with little clarity on how either leader would manage the country’s finances.

 

Nels Abbey: Lackluster Middleweights in a Dull Contest
Nels Abbey described the debate as a clash between two uninspiring contenders. He characterized Starmer’s approach as empathetic but evasive, often failing to directly answer questions. Sunak, on the other hand, delivered the punchline of the night with, “If you think Labour is going to win, start saving,” a line that resonated despite the overall dullness of the debate. Abbey noted that neither leader made a compelling case for immigration, each trying to outdo the other in hawkishness. Sunak’s mention of European support for his Rwanda plan revealed a naivety about international consensus on border policies. Ultimately, Abbey found the debate forgettable, suggesting both leaders failed to energize or significantly sway the audience.

 

Conclusion: A Debate Without a Clear Winner
The first leaders’ debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer left much to be desired. While Sunak may have won the YouGov snap poll, the performances from both leaders were criticized for lacking depth and failing to address critical issues adequately. Immigration rhetoric dominated without substantive policy discussion, and both leaders evaded detailed fiscal commitments. As the election campaign progresses, the real test for Sunak and Starmer will be whether they can move beyond posturing and offer clear, actionable plans to address the pressing issues facing the UK.

 

 

Credit: The Guardian 2024-06-06

 

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Who was the winner of that debate?

Depends if you tend to vote for the Tories or for Labour.

However, for me as an ROI citizen it shows that both are not capable to handle the situation with migrants. 

However, I saw Starmer to have a bigger view on NHS-problems and poor people's demands.🙏

[JonnyF]

Always good to hear the brilliant insight of an impartial political commentator like the radical leftist Owen Jones. 😆

 

Sounds like a dull affair between 2 dull politicans. 

 

Should have invited Farage, at least it would have been interesting. 

[superal]

The Battle for Number 10 Leaders Special Event, Wednesday 12th June 7pm-10pm on Sky News - free wherever you get your news.

Freeview channel 233, Sky 501, Virgin 603, BT 313 and streaming on the Sky News website, app and across social channels. It is also available to watch on Sky Showcase.

[champers]

I read somrwhere that Penny Mordaunt will be facing off against Angela Rayner in a TV debate. Whiçh one would you choose? 😉

[JonnyF]

53 minutes ago, champers said:

I read somrwhere that Penny Mordaunt will be facing off against Angela Rayner in a TV debate. Whiçh one would you choose? 😉

 

Depends whether I fancied a bit of class or a bit of rough.

 

Nothing wrong with a bit of rough mind you. There's definitely something about those council estate girls with the large goldie looking chain, oversized hoop earrings, shellsuit, Croydon facelift etc. Although Rayner might be pushing it a bit far in that regard. We all have standards. 😃

 

Therefore I'd probably favour Mordaunt in that 'debate'. 

[NoshowJones]

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Who was the winner of that debate?

Depends if you tend to vote for the Tories or for Labour.

However, for me as an ROI citizen it shows that both are not capable to handle the situation with migrants. 

However, I saw Starmer to have a bigger view on NHS-problems and poor people's demands.🙏

A multi millionaire "Sir" having any genuine interest in NHS problems and poor peoples demands???? Aye right!

[newbee2022]

2 minutes ago, NoshowJones said:

A multi millionaire "Sir" having any genuine interest in NHS problems and poor peoples demands???? Aye right!

I'm strongly convinced he's not working alone, wouldn't he?

[Seppius]

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Who was the winner of that debate?

Depends if you tend to vote for the Tories or for Labour.

However, for me as an ROI citizen it shows that both are not capable to handle the situation with migrants. 

However, I saw Starmer to have a bigger view on NHS-problems and poor people's demands.🙏

Isn't Ireland having the same problem with illegal immigrants 

No one can deal with it because of being signed up to The European Convention on Human Rights

[newbee2022]

11 minutes ago, Seppius said:

Isn't Ireland having the same problem with illegal immigrants 

No one can deal with it because of being signed up to The European Convention on Human Rights

Yes, you're right. Ireland got a severe problem with migrants crossing the green border between UK and ROI. 

UK is not capable to do anything to prevent that. Just the opposite!!!!!

So I put my eggs into Starmer's basket 🙏

[Seppius]

3 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Yes, you're right. Ireland got a severe problem with migrants crossing the green border between UK and ROI. 

UK is not capable to do anything to prevent that. Just the opposite!!!!!

So I put my eggs into Starmer's basket 🙏

Reform would stop them by leaving ECHR, but they probably won't win more than a couple of seats anyway

[superal]

1 hour ago, Seppius said:

Reform would stop them by leaving ECHR, but they probably won't win more than a couple of seats anyway

I think you will be wrong about the Reform party . Their popularity is increasing rapidly , especially since Farage joined them . I think they will be in the political leaders debate on Sky TV , Wednesday , June 12th .  Should be a better debate than the ITV show . Farage will tie Sunak and Starmer in knots 

[placeholder]

1 hour ago, superal said:

I think you will be wrong about the Reform party . Their popularity is increasing rapidly , especially since Farage joined them . I think they will be in the political leaders debate on Sky TV , Wednesday , June 12th .  Should be a better debate than the ITV show . Farage will tie Sunak and Starmer in knots 

Sure. Making the face of Brexit the face of the Reform Party. That sounds like a winning plan. In Oppositeworld.

[Kinok Farang]

[Chomper Higgot]

20 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

Depends whether I fancied a bit of class or a bit of rough.

 

Nothing wrong with a bit of rough mind you. There's definitely something about those council estate girls with the large goldie looking chain, oversized hoop earrings, shellsuit, Croydon facelift etc. Although Rayner might be pushing it a bit far in that regard. We all have standards. 😃

 

Therefore I'd probably favour Mordaunt in that 'debate'. 

I see your bile leaked out again, this time directed at working class women from council estates and of course Raynor.

 

Keep it classy Jonny.

[Chomper Higgot]

It’s got to the point where even The Times has started to recognize the bleeding obvious:

 

https://www.thetimes.com/article/dd9fdfbb-8997-4a12-bbbe-e16cc0a468d4?shareToken=4daac5b232cc735aa6073be501db59de&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1nkM6U6n879j82uH2AB_9D3mN9cEewUFHddaFa7Qhcg2ehLJ_EYx3bct0_aem_Acb3GxUTF_tJJhvS9htVcM1zx4AlDQ2fVR2FhccJya0DNKtJlZfvMUV1c0SWoT16W05ceJjKH6YrDmCZmDOQ7h9C

[JonnyF]

1 minute ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I see your bile leaked out again, this time directed at working class women from council estates and of course Raynor.

 

Keep it classy Jonny.

 

Please re-read the post Chomps, you are inserting your own presumptions and prejudices into what I actually wrote (again).

 

As stated I actually quite like chav women. Dated one for a year in '04, she was great, had a 3 legged Staffordshire Bull Terrier with a large gold chain. Lovely dog. 

 

I judge people on their character not their background. Hence my disdain for Raynor. 

[Chomper Higgot]

3 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Please re-read the post Chomps, you are inserting your own presumptions and prejudices into what I actually wrote (again).

 

As stated I actually quite like chav women. Dated one for a year in '04, she was great, had a 3 legged Staffordshire Bull Terrier with a large gold chain. Lovely dog. 

 

I judge people on their character not their background. Hence my disdain for Raynor. 

 Now in a bit of your customary revisionism you add:

 

”As stated I actually quite like chav women.” 
 

Well, no you didn’t actually state that’s.

 

So is your use of the derogatory Chav term me inserting my presumptions and prejudices or a confirmation of your own prejudices?

 

Or are simply not responsible for anything you post?

 

 

 

 

 

[JonnyF]

4 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Now in a bit of your customary revisionism you add:

 

”As stated I actually quite like chav women.” 
 

Well, no you didn’t actually state that’s.

 

No I said I like a bit of rough. Pretty much the same thing. I even described the characteristics, the gold chain, hoop earrings, hairstyle etc. of chavs. It was very clear the demographic I was referring to. Maybe since you are not British it went over your head. Or maybe you are trolling again?

 

4 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

 

So is your use of the derogatory Chav term me inserting my presumptions and prejudices or a confirmation of your own prejudices?

 

I don't consider chav derogatory. But then I'm not a snowflake. It's a jokey term, a bit like like Toff is used for upper class people. You leftists love trying to control other's language but I'm not interested in what you consider acceptable. 

 

4 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

 

Or are simply not responsible for anything you post?

 

I'm responsible for what I post. Not what you try to twist it into. 😃

[superal]

17 hours ago, superal said:

I think you will be wrong about the Reform party . Their popularity is increasing rapidly , especially since Farage joined them . I think they will be in the political leaders debate on Sky TV , Wednesday , June 12th .  Should be a better debate than the ITV show . Farage will tie Sunak and Starmer in knots 

Tonight on BBC there is a 7 way debate with all political party leaders including Nigel Farage . 

[rickudon]

Well Sunak has shot himself in the foot and the Tories, by deciding the 80th anniversary of the D-day landings wasn't important, initially saying he wasn't going then compromising on a half-day so he could do a TV interview. COP all over again? just shows he has a poor sense of what is important, whatever you believe, and is totally out of touch with the British electorate.

Expect him to play his US green card the day after the election.

[Chomper Higgot]

Sunak caught telling porkies:

 

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/05/business/sunak-starmer-debate-uk-election/index.html