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Rishi Sunak is delivering a pre-election speech in a move to pitch to voters after this month’s local election blow.
The Prime Minister has told voters the world is closest to nuclear war since the Cuban missile crisis.
Speaking from London, he is pledging that “more will change in the next five years than in the last thirty” if the Conservatives get re-elected.
He says voters face a stark choice in whom they choose to govern the nation at a time of unprecedented global volatility and technological advancements.
Touting his leadership in areas such as security, he is seeking to draw a dividing line with Labour over defence spending following his commitment to hike it to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2030.
It comes as his Conservative Party dropped behind Labour in the polls suffering a mauling in local and regional elections earlier this month.
Mr Sunak’s worries worsened with the astonishing defection of MP Natalie Elphicke in protest against his record on housing and stopping small boat Channel crossings.
In full: ‘War has returned to Europe,’ Rishi Sunak warns of nuclear escalation
In his long-waited speech, Rishi Sunak has highlighted the UK’s threats from authoritarian states including Russia, Iran, North Korea and China.
He added they are working to “undermine” the UK’s values.
Specifically focusing on Vladimir Putin, he said the Russian president’s “recklessness has taken us closer to a dangerous nuclear escalation than at any point since the Cuban missile crisis”.
Meanwhile in the civil service: ‘A war on woke’
Conservative MP Esther McVey has declared a “war on woke” for civil servants.
The right-wing politician said the Tories will implement a ban on rainbow lanyards.
Speaking earlier today at the Tory Centre for PolicyStudies, she said: “I want a very simple but visible change to occur to the lanyards we use to carry our security passes [which] shouldn’t be a random pick and mix.
“Working in the civil service is all about leaving your political views at the building entrance. Trying to introduce them by the back door via lanyards should not happen.
“The focus should be on a happy and inclusive working environment and increased productivity.”
A Boris Johnson comeback?
Rishi Sunak has suggested Boris Johnson could make an appearance at the general election campaign.
He said the former Prime Minister would be welcome on the campaign trail, in a bid to create a united Tory front.
Mr Sunak added: “I have been clear about this as well in the past. I want every Conservative who shares the vision that I do to be part of that campaign, to fight for the things that we believe in.
“Ultimately look of course the Conservative family is a broad church but we are united by a set of values and that set of values that I talked about earlier on are founded in innate optimism about our country and what it can achieve.”
Watch: Rishi Sunak says Tories not responsible for 14 years of problems
In case you missed it, here’s the moment Rishi Sunak claims the Tory government can’t be blamed for 14 years of problems.
He also accused the Labour Party for running a negative campaign towards the Conservative Party.
Labour MP claps back at PM after speech
Labour shadow Cabinet Office minister Jonathan Ashworth has clapped back at the Prime Minister following his criticism.
The Leicester MP has hit back at Rishi Sunak’s comments that the Labour Party cannot be trusted during his speech.
Mr Ashworth says: “Rishi Sunak’s seventh reset in 18 months is just another desperate attempt to hide from the appalling record of this failed Tory government.
“After 14 years of leaving the country less secure at home and abroad, the Tories have forfeited the right to talk about security.”
Watch: Rishi Sunak hits out at Starmer for to be ‘everything to everyone’
Rishi Sunak hasn’t missed the opportunity to hit out at Sir Keir Starmer for taking his former colleague Natalie Elphicke on board.
When will the UK general election be?
With Rishi Sunak refusing to reveal a clear date for the general election, it looks like it will be a long electoral campaign.
But many voters are wondering when they can expect the contest.
Here’s everything you need to know, including the latest possible date the PM can hold a general election.
Lib Dem leader hits at Rishi Sunak for not calling election
With just minutes since the Prime Minister concluded his speech, the backlash is already pouring in.
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey is the first to speak up saying Rishi Sunak should just call an election.
Mr Davey says: “Instead of talking at people, Rishi Sunak should be listening to the public by calling a general election now.”
Rishi Sunak’s speech has ended
The Prime Minister has ended his key-note speech at the Policy Exchange in London.
If you’re just joining us, here are the key takeaways:
- The PM confirmed there will be an election on the second half of the year.
- Rishi Sunak has told voters would face a choice between “the future and the past” at the general election.
- He has said there was a “profound sense of urgency” in the need to address the challenges facing the country.
- Mr Sunak insisted he was “confident” the Tories will prevail and defeat Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour.
Labour won’t keep the country safe, PM says
The Prime Minister says the Labour Party cannot be trusted.
Rishi Sunak has slammed Sir Keir Starmer for backing Jeremy Corbin several times as a Labour leader.
He says: “Jeremy Corbin wanted to pull us out of Nato and scrap the army.”
Source: independent.co.uk
