Prime minister Rishi Sunak maintains that he is the right candidate for the UK's highest leadership position, particularly during a period characterised by swift technological advancements and formidable economic obstacles.
During an interview with 'The Times' on Wednesday (16), the 43-year-old British Indian leader highlighted the most recent official statistics, indicating a decline in inflation from 7.9 per cent to 6.8 per cent, as an indication that the economy was progressing positively under his leadership at 10 Downing Street.
As he edges closer towards his first year in office after he was suddenly elevated to the post of prime minister in October last year when predecessor Liz Truss was forced out amid financial turmoil, Sunak pointed to how he had not “got this job in not the easiest of circumstances” but is the right choice as the leader going into a general election expected next year.
“I think I'm the right person, the right prime minister, at a time when technological change is so important to help lead the country through that change so we can benefit from it,” Sunak said.
“This is the country that benefits from those changes in technology, this is where those companies are locating, where they're growing, where they're investing, where they're creating jobs,” he said.
Asked if people struggling with a cost-of-living crisis will feel better off in a year's time, he said it was his job to make sure that people can feel that happening.
He noted: “You can start to see now that there is a prospect of wages growing faster than inflation going forward. I'm really proud of our country and what makes us special. I'm really optimistic about the future. "We've got a challenge right now to overcome but I'm entirely confident we will do it. Is it taking a bit longer than anyone would like? Of course, it is, but we're making progress. The last couple of months show that the plan is working.”
With a general election expected around mid-2024, the Conservative Party government under his leadership is quite obviously now pitching its tent to start wooing the electorate.
One of the key pillars of that approach is also to show up the Labour Party as not being up to the task, even as the Opposition party currently leads most opinion polls.
“The biggest economic challenge is inflation. Not having an answer that's clear, that's unequivocal, that you believe in, is an abdication of leadership. That's a massive contrast between me and him,” said Sunak, with reference to his main opponent – Labour Leader Keir Starmer.
(PTI)
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)