Conservative Party Faces Betting Scandal and Parties Clash on Immigration and Crime Policies
Rishi Sunak under pressure to suspend Conservative candidates involved in betting scandal, while parties clash on immigration policies and crime reduction strategies. Labour reiterates focus on knife crime and net zero ambitions, as other parties launch their policy initiatives.
Conservative Party Faces Betting Scandal Amid Election Campaign
Rishi Sunak is under pressure to suspend four Conservative candidates implicated in a General Election betting scandal. Northern Ireland Minister Steve Baker criticized the action as “disreputable” and argued for their suspension, echoing sentiments of former defense minister Tobias Ellwood. The implicated individuals include Craig Williams, the Prime Minister’s former parliamentary aide, Nick Mason, the party’s chief data officer, Tony Lee, the director of campaigning, and Laura Saunders, a candidate in Bristol North West.
Sunak, however, insists on awaiting results from ongoing investigations by the Gambling Commission, the police, and the Conservative Party.
Conservative and Labour Clash on Immigration
Home Secretary James Cleverly and Labour’s Yvette Cooper debated immigration policies on LBC, where they exchanged sharp critiques. Cleverly claimed Labour would transform the UK into the “asylum capital of the world” and proposed amnesty for Channel-crossing migrants. Meanwhile, Cooper highlighted the rising number of crossings and accused the government of failed policies and empty promises.
Labour’s Focus on Knife Crime
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer emphasized reducing knife crime as a “moral mission” if elected. The party unveiled a five-step plan against knife crime, promising guaranteed sanctions for young offenders and an annual summit to cut knife crime by half within a decade.
Liberal Democrats’ Care Policy
Sir Ed Davey of the Liberal Democrats launched a mini-manifesto on care, reiterating past pledges. The party focuses on supporting individuals needing care and advocating for better conditions and support for caregivers.
Green Party’s Net Zero Plans
Green Party Adrian Ramsay stated that the transition to net zero need not be painful, promising significant spending and proposing a new wealth tax to fund carbon reduction initiatives. However, the Institute for Fiscal Studies criticized the proposals as unrealistic.
Labour’s Net Zero Ambitions
Labour is preparing to ramp up net zero efforts, potentially establishing an Office for Net Zero if elected. This office, led by Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Sue Gray, would work towards decarbonizing the power system by 2030, setting the party at odds with the Conservative’s cautious approach.