Penny Mordaunt and Angela Rayner clashed fiercely over taxes and Trident in a seven-way BBC election debate last night.
The Labour deputy leader and the Tory Commons leader butted heads when Mordaunt claimed that a Labour government would add £2,000 to a family’s annual tax bill, a statement Rayner vehemently denied, branding Mordaunt a “liar” multiple times.
Diverse Party Policies Presented
Amid the chaos, representatives from various parties presented their policies and plans in a bid to secure votes.
The Greens promised to inject £30 billion into health services, Reform UK focused on cracking down on immigration, and the Liberal Democrats committed to ending the discharge of raw sewage into rivers.
Public Opinion: What Would You Do as Prime Minister?
MailOnline hit the streets of London, Birmingham, and Sunderland to ask people what they would do if they were in the hot seat for a day. In London, friends Charlie and Milly focused on the younger generation, advocating for a break from academic pressure.
They suggested, “We would close all schools for a day and make A-Levels and GCSEs easier and fairer to reduce stress and improve university access.”
Rebuilding Trust and Responsibility
Many Londoners emphasized the need to rebuild trust and responsibility, which they felt had been eroded by the previous government.
Mary Beale proposed bringing the heads of the NHS, police, and army to Number 10 Downing Street to hold them accountable publicly.
“The PM is overall the head, but it’s the people running these services who need to take responsibility,” she said.
Honesty and Transparency
Others, like Nicky Pinnar, stressed the importance of honesty in leadership. Pinnar said she would simply “tell the truth,” while Vittoiro suggested a complete overhaul of Parliament, stating, “I would change all the MPs, get rid of them all.”
Carmen Donatantonio focused on sticking to principles, and her husband Alfonso advocated for wealth redistribution: “Take money from the rich and give it to the poor.”
Addressing Health Services
A significant concern for Londoners was the state of health services. Joannah Lennox, a mother of a special needs son, emphasized the need for better pay for healthcare workers and improved care for the elderly and vulnerable.
Mary Gilford echoed these sentiments, calling the NHS a “shambles” that needs urgent attention.
Fun and Lighthearted Proposals
Not all suggestions were serious. Kevin Maclevoy proposed reducing pub prices, while another individual suggested giving everyone two months of holiday. In Birmingham, Jamie and Ellie, both in their twenties, wanted to make politics more fun.
They suggested free university education, free gym memberships, and free Happy Meals, along with a milkshake-throwing competition to lighten the mood.
Martial Arts in Schools
Shaquille Melbourne, 27, had a unique proposal to improve mental health and discipline in schools: compulsory martial arts training.
“Kids would be disciplined, and bullying would not be a thing. We would have the most elite nation in terms of martial arts,” he said.
Strengthening EU Relations
On more serious notes, Stephen Harding and Rita Harrison from Birmingham emphasized improving the UK’s relationship with the EU.
Harding suggested rejoining the European Economic Area without reversing Brexit, while Harrison advocated for safe routes for asylum seekers and immigrants, alongside increased NHS funding.
Improving Public Transport
Michael Godwin, 32, focused on public transport, specifically the railways. “I would sort out the state of the railways—they are always on strike and too expensive,” he said, highlighting the need for affordable and reliable transportation.
Addressing Local Concerns in Sunderland
In Sunderland, Eilleen Weatherall, 89, had a bold idea: appointing all women MPs and sacking the rest, criticizing current MPs for their self-interest. Michael Riley, 77, wanted to eliminate the class system, suggesting apprenticeships over college for those he deemed unworthy.
Ruth Eker aimed to improve the housing market, making it easier for young people and families to buy homes.
Scott Houghton proposed banning the Tories, blaming them for local issues, while Aisha Walker, 20, called for free public amenities like pools and play areas.
A Controversial Proposal
Perhaps the most extreme suggestion came from Martim Martins, 18, who proposed an annual “purge,” reflecting a concerning view on dealing with societal issues.
Conclusion
The BBC election debate highlighted the intense divisions and varied priorities among the parties and the public.
As the election approaches, these differing visions for the future of the UK will continue to shape the political landscape, reflecting the diverse and sometimes conflicting desires of its citizens.
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TDPel Media
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