Conservative manifesto – latest: Sunak launches Tory election policy with pledge to cut national insurance

Rishi Sunak has sidestepped the question of whether the overall tax burden would be lower after five years if he wins another term in Downing Street, Archie Mitchell reports.

The Prime Minister insisted the overall tax burden would be around 1 per cent lower each year than currently forecast.

But the prime minister stopped short of saying the tax burden would fall overall, with economists warning it was still on course to reach its highest level since the Second World War.

Rishi Sunak is asked: What do you say to those who argue that these plans are not bold enough and will not be a game-changer?

Rishi Sunak says his plan is bold and offers tax cuts for everyone in work, the self-employed, anyone who wants to buy their own home, families to support themselves and retirees.

He adds: “I think it’s bold. If I am Prime Minister you will get this bold plan, but with Sir Keir Starmer you will get a blank sheet of paper.

“The only thing that is certain is that Labor will raise taxes by £2,000. I will fight very hard to prevent this from happening.

A reporter asked: “The Conservatives have increased the tax burden to levels they haven’t seen since the 1940s. Why should anyone believe you when you say you’re going to cut taxes?”

The Prime Minister responds openly: “Because we have already done it. »

Mr Sunak says he helped people during Covid and was right to help people struggling with their energy bills when prices rose.

But he says the government is committed to cutting taxes if elected.

The Conservatives have just published their manifesto on their official website.

It is appalling that stones would be thrown at a politician, but although extremely dangerous, the actions of left-wing protesters have once again played into the hands of Nigel Farage, reports David Maddox.

Once again he is presented as the champion of honest citizens while his opponents look like extremists while some of his views are arguably extreme.

But more importantly, it happened at the same time as Rishi Sunak unveiled the Conservative manifesto.

Once again, when the Tories wanted all the attention, Farage is proving to be a major distraction, taking eyes away from Sunak’s big day.

A protester threw objects at Nigel Farage during an election campaign in South Yorkshire, reports Jabed Ahmed.

Britain’s Reform leader was waving to supporters from the top of his party’s battle bus in Barnsley town center on Tuesday when the incident occurred.

Mr Farage said he thought the objects were wet cement from a building site followed by a cup of coffee.

The man could be seen being taken away by people wearing high-visibility green jackets and then apprehended by a police officer.

Police arrested the man who threw the items.

Rishi Sunak released his party’s election manifesto this morning, leading with tax cuts he hopes will appeal to disaffected voters, reports Kate Devlin.

But one of the Prime Minister’s most important messages in his speech was simple: “Don’t vote Labour.”

In a direct appeal to voters, he said if they don’t know what Labor stands for or are concerned about what “Keir Starmer isn’t telling you”.

Labor activists will be delighted with the airtime they received during their opposition’s overt event.

Rishi Sunak has delivered a snub to former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, reports Archie Mitchell.

The Prime Minister listed previous holders of the post in his speech, but appeared to forget the controversial right-winger, whom he sacked last November for accusing the Metropolitan Police of bias in policing protests.

Ending his speech at Silverstone, Rishi Sunak said: “Your Conservative MP will deliver lower taxes, lower immigration, protected pensions and a common-sense approach to net zero.

“Our country wants a clear plan and bold action. Our country needs a secure future and it is this Conservative agenda that will get it there. »

The pro-EU European Movement asks a simple question as Rishi Sunak delivers his 15-minute speech introducing the Conservative manifesto: where is the mention of the benefits of Brexit?

Dr Mike Galsworthy, founder of Scientists4EU and chair of the UK European Movement, said: “With a new government we have the opportunity to begin to undo the damage Brexit has done to our country and address the issue. of our place in Europe as a problem. normal political affair. The fact is that most people want political discussions about the effects of Brexit,” reports David Maddox.

Sir Nick Harvey, chief executive of the European Movement in the UK, added: “The European Movement will be clear throughout this general election that political candidates from all parties must recognize the elephant in the room – that Brexit is not working and that public opinion is shifting.”