Today saw the first set of Sunday shows since the election was called on Wednesday. Rachel Reeves was interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg about Labour’s fiscal plans if they win power on 4 July. The Shadow Chancellor said ‘We won’t increase income tax or National Insurance’ but refused to rule out some public spending cuts as she vowed that there ‘will not be a return to austerity’ under a Labour government. Reeves also refused to put a timetable on raising defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030, though she said the party supported getting there eventually.
Cleverly rules out jail for national service refuseniks
The big announcement of the day is the Conservatives’ plan to introduce a new form of national service. The Home Secretary James Cleverly confirmed that no-one who refused the scheme would go to jail in his interview with Sky. He said that those taking part in the military option will be remunerated – but those who do weekend volunteering will not get any payment.
Farage: national service announcement is ‘a joke’
Two days after ruling out a return as a Reform candidate, Nigel Farage was up on Camilla Tominey’s show to criticise the Tories’ announcement.
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