Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to slash levels of migration to the UK, while Rishi Sunak has promised more community care services in his first major health offer of the election campaign.
While encroaching on traditional Tory territory, Sir Keir hit out at successive Conservative governments for promising but failing to cut numbers. They have been told they would be elevated to the Lords if they made way for allies of the leadership team in their seats, according to the newspaper.Despite the debacle over Ms Abbott’s candidacy, Labour saw its lead over the Tories widen to 20 points in an Opinium poll. It showed Sir Keir’s party on 45% – up four points since last weekend – while the Conservatives were down two percentage points on 25%.
They pledged to expand their Pharmacy First scheme, which allows patients to access some treatments via their pharmacy without having seen a GP first. Labour also restated its promise to turn the Tories’ “botched” apprenticeships levy with a new growth and skills levy, allowing firms to use up to 50% of their levy contributions to fund training through routes other than apprenticeships.Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Businesses are crying out for help to tackle skills shortages, so Labour will give them the flexibility needed to create skills training opportunities and drive economic growth.