London, United Kingdom – Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced criticism for allegedly misleading the public about Labour’s tax plans. The UK statistics watchdog raised concerns that Sunak’s claim that Labour would increase taxes by £2,000 per working household failed to clarify that this was a total sum over four years.
In response to the watchdog’s findings, Sunak defended his statements during a live TV debate with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) emphasized the importance of clarity and transparency when political parties present numerical claims to avoid confusion or deception.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused Sunak of lying about Labour’s tax plans, asserting that there were no intentions to impose tax hikes on working individuals. Sunak, in turn, refuted these allegations and accused Labour of being unsettled by the exposure of their tax policies.
The OSR further criticized the Conservative Party for presenting figures as if they were independently produced by impartial civil servants. This raised concerns about the accuracy and transparency of the information shared during the political debate.
The UK Statistics Authority chair, Sir Robert Chote, warned all political parties about the proper and transparent use of statistics in public debates. The authority’s focus is on ensuring that statistical claims enhance understanding rather than mislead the public.
As the general election approaches, the state of the UK economy remains a central point of discussion among political leaders. Both Conservatives and Labour have pledged to avoid increasing income tax, National Insurance, and VAT if elected, highlighting the importance of fiscal policies in the campaign.