Parties at Odds on Tax, Russia, Green Belt, and Immigration in Final Weekend Before Election Day

Labour is considering using green belt land for housebuilding, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warning that the opposition party could cause “irreversible damage” within 100 days if they win the upcoming election.

In the meantime, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden expressed concern over reports of Russian bots supporting Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage who dismissed the claims as a “Russia hoax.”

As the election day nears, the Tories made several allegations about the potential impact of Labour’s proposed policies and speculated about additional measures that Sir Keir Starmer might introduce.

The Conservatives suggested that up to 134,000 children in private schools might end up in the state sector by September, despite the basis for this assertion being a 2018 report indicating this as a possibility over five years.

They also highlighted possible tax increases that Labour has not ruled out, as well as other potential measures such as a Europe-wide youth mobility scheme and giving voting rights to EU citizens, even though these are not official Labour policies.

These accusations come as the Conservatives strive to narrow the gap in opinion polls, with Labour maintaining a lead of around 20 points despite the Tory campaign efforts.

Mr. Sunak warned that Labour could cause irreversible harm within 100 days if in power.

He urged voters not to trust Labour and emphasized that only the Conservatives can offer tax cuts, economic growth, and a more secure future for all.

On a television show, Mr. Dowden reiterated the claim that Labour will raise taxes if they come to power.

Labour’s national campaign coordinator, Pat McFadden, argued that it is the Tories who have brought chaos and that his party offers hope for change.

If the Conservatives continue in government, the NHS will not improve, and the cycle of low growth and high taxes will persist, he stated.

McFadden also mentioned that Labour plans to focus on restoring economic stability and reducing NHS waiting lists, prioritizing the country’s well-being over party politics.

He reassured that Labour does not intend to revisit the Brexit debate and aims to focus on securing the best possible future for the UK post-EU.

House Building on the Green Belt

Sir Keir and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves discussed Labour’s plan to accelerate housebuilding in an interview with The Times of London.

Sir Keir expressed the desire to start on this plan on day one, aiming for over 300,000 homes towards the end of the parliament.

Russian Bots

Mr. Dowden expressed concern over reports of suspected Russian influence campaigns supporting Reform UK on social media, emphasizing the need to be cautious about content shared by foreign actors.

He also voiced unease over Mr. Farage’s comments linking NATO expansion and the EU to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which caused backlash from both Labour and the Conservatives.

Mr. Farage defended his remarks, stating that he had foreseen the situation and that it was a shared opinion among many senior politicians.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the risks democracy faces in the digital age and the importance of vigilance against foreign interference.

Reform also faced controversies over dropped candidates due to offensive comments, leading to tensions with media outlets like Channel 4 over reporting practices.

Mr. Farage addressed these issues, promising to address them and ensure a clean slate for the party going forward.

These developments underscore the complexities and challenges faced in the political landscape as the election approaches.

PA Media contributed to this report.