British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer engaged in a heated debate on Tuesday over tax policies, the cost of living, and the state of the National Health Service (NHS) in an inconclusive televised debate ahead of a crucial July 4 election. This election is set to determine who will lead the United Kingdom through its current economic and social challenges.

Sunak aimed to bolster his center-right Conservative Party's dismal prospects by advocating for the stability of continued Conservative governance. Meanwhile, Starmer sought to solidify his position as the favorite by emphasizing the need for change in Britain. Both leaders acknowledged the country's myriad problems, ranging from deteriorating public services to a broken immigration system, yet neither could provide clear answers on how they would fund the necessary reforms.

Sunak highlighted his economic stewardship, noting that inflation had dropped to just over 2% from a peak of more than 11% in late 2022. He argued that voters should stick with him due to his “clear plan” for the economy, which he claimed was yielding positive results. Sunak stressed that his leadership had brought stability and that continued Conservative governance would ensure further economic recovery.

Conversely, Starmer framed the election as a choice between continued “chaos and division” under the Conservatives and a new beginning with Labour. He stressed the need to “turn the page and rebuild” the country, capitalizing on Labour’s current double-digit lead in the polls. Starmer’s challenge is to convince former Tory voters that Labour can be trusted with the U.K.’s economy, borders, and security. He emphasized that a Labour government would bring about the necessary reforms to address the nation's pressing issues.

The debate, hosted by ITV in Salford, northwest England, featured a live audience and a sleek, futuristic set. Both Starmer and Sunak appeared nervous, perhaps leading voters to see them as cautious managers rather than visionary leaders. They stuck to their familiar themes, with Sunak accusing Labour of an inherent tendency to raise taxes, while Starmer focused on the Conservatives’ poor record over their 14 years in power.

Sunak vowed to stop people from making dangerous journeys to the U.K. in small boats by sending asylum-seekers on a one-way trip to Rwanda. He also suggested that he might consider withdrawing the U.K. from the European Convention on Human Rights if its court blocked the deportations. Sunak's stance on immigration reflects the Conservatives' tough approach to border control, aiming to curb illegal entries and manage asylum applications more stringently.

Starmer criticized the Conservatives' track record, particularly the turbulent tenure of Prime Minister Liz Truss, whose uncosted tax-cutting plans caused economic turmoil and led to her resignation after just 49 days. Starmer argued that another five years of Conservative rule would be disastrous for the country. He also took a personal jab at Sunak, a former banker, suggesting that his wealth made him out of touch with the financial struggles of working-class people, contrasting it with his own background as the son of a factory worker.

All 650 seats in the House of Commons are up for grabs in the upcoming election. The leader of the party that can command a majority, either alone or in coalition, will become the next prime minister. Both Sunak and Starmer emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties with the United States, regardless of whether Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election in November. Sunak and Starmer agreed that the special relationship between the U.K. and the U.S. is critical for national security.

Televised debates are a relatively new addition to U.K. elections, first introduced in 2010. That initial debate significantly boosted support for then-Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, leading to a phenomenon dubbed “Cleggmania” and his subsequent role as deputy prime minister in a coalition government with the Conservatives. While no debate since has had the same impact, they have become a staple of election campaigns. Several more debates are scheduled before polling day, featuring multiple party leaders alongside the two front-runners.

Rob Ford, a professor of political science at the University of Manchester, noted that the lack of a decisive victory for either side in the debate was a positive outcome for Sunak, given his trailing position in the polls. “Will it matter in the end? Probably not. But it’s a bit of good news for Cons(ervatives) after a pretty rough few days. Will help with morale, at a minimum,” he wrote on X.

As the election approaches, both Sunak and Starmer face the daunting task of addressing the U.K.'s significant issues while persuading an electorate that has grown weary of political turmoil and economic instability. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as both leaders strive to convince voters that they have the vision and capability to lead the country effectively through its current challenges.