Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has assured voters there will be no surprises on tax in the upcoming Labour manifesto. This declaration came during a leaders’ event hosted by Sky News on Wednesday, where Starmer and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced questions from political editor Beth Rigby and the public.
Pressed on whether Labour would consider raising fuel duty or capital gains tax to bolster public finances, Starmer stood firm, reiterating his position against tax hikes. “I am not wanting to raise tax. I think people are taxed too much already. What I want to do, my central mission is to grow the economy,” he told Rigby.
Starmer, who had previously ruled out increases in income tax, national insurance, or VAT, emphasised that the party’s manifesto would not include any tax rises. However, he stopped short of ruling out the possibility of future tax increases should Labour come into power.
When questioned about the potential of increasing capital gains tax to the same level as income tax—a move that could generate an additional £14 billion annually—Starmer responded unequivocally. “That is not in our manifesto. That is not a choice we are making.”
The leaders’ event in Grimsby provided a platform for both Starmer and Sunak to outline their visions and respond to public concerns. According to a Sky News/YouGov poll conducted shortly after the event, nearly two-thirds of voters believed Starmer outperformed Sunak. The poll revealed that 64% of respondents favoured Starmer’s performance, compared to 36% for Sunak.
As the next general election approaches, Starmer’s pledge not to introduce new tax burdens may resonate with voters concerned about the current economic climate. His focus on economic growth, rather than increased taxation, sets a clear tone for Labour’s campaign strategy.
The leaders’ event highlighted the stark contrasts between the two party leaders, with economic policy likely to be a significant battleground in the run-up to the election. Voters will be closely watching how these pledges translate into concrete policies should Labour secure a victory
