In a fiery exchange during the BBC’s seven-way debate, Conservative leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, defended her party’s tax policies, stating that they “hated putting taxes up.” This statement came in response to Labour’s Angela Rayner’s accusation that the government had raised taxes to record levels for 70 years.
Mordaunt emphasized that the economy is “doing much better” and stressed the need to cut taxes to continue this positive trend. However, Rayner pushed back, highlighting the impact of tax increases on working people and the country’s reliance on global energy prices.
The debate also saw Green Party’s Carla Denyer calling for a green economy to address the inequality crisis and create jobs. She proposed a nationwide insulation program and a £15 minimum wage to tackle wealth disparities.
Nigel Farage of Reform reiterated his stance on immigration and tax cuts, while criticizing Mordaunt’s claims of being a tax-cutting party. He accused the government of increasing the tax burden to the highest levels since 1948.
Stephen Flynn of the SNP drew attention to the impact of Brexit on food bills and criticized the “conspiracy of silence” surrounding the issue. He urged voters to be wary of those who delivered Brexit, pointing to Farage as a “snake oil salesman.”
The debate showcased the contrasting views on tax policies, economic strategies, and the repercussions of Brexit, setting the stage for a heated election campaign ahead.
