Starmer Rules Out Tax Hikes in Labour’s Election Manifesto
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has vowed there will be no nasty tax surprises in the upcoming Labour manifesto. Speaking at a Sky News leaders’ event on Wednesday, he faced off against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and fielded tough questions from political editor Beth Rigby and the public.
No Fuel Duty or Capital Gains Tax Hikes
Pressed on whether Labour would hike fuel duty or capital gains tax to shore up public finances, Starmer dug in. “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 declared.
Previously, Starmer ruled out raising income tax, national insurance, or VAT. At the event, he reiterated that Labour’s manifesto won’t include any tax rises — though he stopped short of ruling out future hikes if Labour wins power.
On the question of hiking capital gains tax up to income tax levels to raise an extra £14 billion a year, Starmer was crystal clear: “That is not in our manifesto. That is not a choice we are making.”
Starmer Stuns Sunak in Leaders’ Event Poll
The Grimsby leaders’ showdown gave voters a direct comparison. A Sky News/YouGov poll taken shortly after showed a crushing lead for Starmer: 64% said he outperformed Sunak, who scored just 36%.
No Tax Rises, Only Growth
As the next general election looms, Starmer’s no-tax-rise pledge is likely to strike a chord with voters worried about the economy. His focus on growth over tax hikes sets a clear battle line for Labour’s campaign.
The event highlighted the stark divide between Starmer and Sunak over economic strategy. Voters will be watching closely to see how Labour’s promises translate into policies if they clinch victory.
