Sunak Faces Tough Questions on Tory Record in Heated BBC Interview Ahead of Snap Election

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced a grilling from Nick Robinson on the BBC, accused of opting for a snap general election to “cut and run.” The interview saw Sunak defending his record and pleading for voters’ forgiveness on several fronts.

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Home Ownership Robinson pressed Sunak on why home ownership has become more difficult during the Conservatives’ 14-year tenure. Sunak conceded the point, saying, “It has got harder, and I want to make sure that it’s easier.”

NHS Waiting Lists On the NHS, Robinson highlighted that waiting lists have increased since Sunak’s January 2023 pledge to reduce them. Sunak admitted, “Yes,” acknowledging the failure to meet his promise.

Rwanda Policy The controversial policy of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda has yet to see a single flight. Robinson confronted Sunak with the zero-deportation record, to which Sunak replied, “Yes,” but insisted that flights would commence if re-elected. Robinson compared Sunak’s assurances to a debtor repeatedly promising repayment without delivering.

Tax Rises Sunak faced criticism for his claim that Labour would increase taxes by £2,000 per working family, a figure Labour leader Keir Starmer denies. Robinson pointed out the irony of Sunak presiding over a £93 billion annual tax increase, surpassing even Jeremy Corbyn’s proposals.

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D-Day Absence Sunak also addressed his absence from D-Day commemorations, an issue that sparked speculation about his potential resignation. Apologizing for the mistake, he said, “I hope people can find it in their hearts to forgive me.”

Robinson closed the interview with a cutting question: “After 14 years, five prime ministers, Boris Johnson lying about parties, Liz Truss almost crashing the economy, and you missing D-Day—after all the broken promises, do you really think you deserve another chance?”

With less than four weeks to the July 4 election, polls predict a comfortable Labour victory. Chris Hopkins of Savanta warned the outcome could be “an extinction-level event for the Conservatives.”