UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour Leader Keir Starmer Launch General Election Campaigns


British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour Leader Keir Starmer kicked off their campaigns on May 23, 2024, ahead of the General Election scheduled for July 4. The ensuing six-week campaign period sees both parties outlining their core platforms, with significant focus on the economy, immigration, and energy policies.

Economic Stability and Investment:
Sunak emphasized his government’s economic achievements, citing stabilized inflation and faster-than-expected economic growth. He highlighted the government’s £3 billion investment in Scottish infrastructure and the development of two Green Freeports, projected to generate over 75,000 skilled jobs and attract nearly £11 billion in private and public investments.

Conversely, Starmer criticized the current administration for its handling of economic issues, proposing that Labour will “turn the page” on Conservative “chaos” with more robust policies.

Immigration Policy:
A key contention point is the Conservative government’s Rwanda asylum plan, aimed at deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda, which Sunak insists is essential for border security. However, he conceded that deportation flights would not commence before the election. Starmer pledged to halt the Rwanda scheme and proposed closer cooperation with France to tackle human trafficking.

Energy and Household Bills:
Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho announced a 7% projected drop in household energy bills, thanks to government interventions. The Conservatives proposed maintaining an energy price cap and enhancing competition in the energy market to benefit consumers. Parliamentary debates center around the fate of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and other legislative measures in the light of the upcoming prorogation.

Labour countered with its vision to establish a publicly-owned entity, Great British Energy, aimed at harnessing renewable resources to reduce energy bills and achieve 100% clean power by 2030.

Campaign Missteps and Legislative Outcomes:
On his campaign trail, Sunak faced criticism for remarks suggesting an early election call to avoid challenges associated with the Rwanda plan’s legal hurdles. Meanwhile, notable Conservative MPs, including Dame Eleanor Laing and Huw Merriman, announced they would not seek re-election, contributing to the ongoing exodus of Tory MPs.

Nigel Farage, honorary president of Reform UK, announced he would not run for Parliament, focusing instead on supporting Donald Trump’s re-election campaign in the United States.

As campaigns continue, both leaders traverse key battleground areas to consolidate voter support, aiming to define their distinct visions for the UK’s future.


Note: This summary condenses campaign details without editorializing, providing clear information for readers to form their own opinions.