The debate became heated, with Sunak accusing Labour of wanting to increase taxes by £2,000, which Starmer denied.

Both leaders shared their personal stories and experiences that influenced their political views.

Sunak, who had a rocky week with poor polling and Nigel Farage's return to politics, came across as aggressive, frequently interrupting Starmer and the host, Julie Etchingham.

During a debate, Paula from Huddersfield expressed concern about her rising energy and food bills, having already used up her savings.

This issue is a common one for Citizens Advice, who receive 6,000 queries on it daily.

Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, argued that his plan to boost the economy was effective and accused Labour of planning to raise taxes by £2,000 for every working family in the country.

The Conservatives arrived at this figure by estimating the cost of Labour's spending pledges and dividing it by the number of UK households with at least one working member.

Sunak repeatedly emphasized this figure throughout the debate.

During the leaders' debate, Rishi Sunak implied that the costings for his policies were determined by impartial civil servants, but they were actually based on assumptions made by politically appointed advisers.

A significant policy point emerged when Sunak suggested the UK might withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) if the Rwanda immigration plan failed.

Sunak asserted that the UK's plans were in line with international obligations but, if necessary, he would prioritize the country's security over foreign courts.

Keir Starmer countered by stating that the UK would not abandon international agreements and laws, which are globally respected.

Keir Starmer, the Labour Party leader, emphasized his desire for the UK to be a respected global player instead of an outcast.

He criticized Boris Johnson for being out of touch and suggested a contrast in their backgrounds, sharing his experience of struggling with unpaid bills as a child.

When asked about using private healthcare for a loved one on a long waiting list for surgery, Starmer answered "no," emphasizing his commitment to the NHS, while Johnson replied "yes." During the debate, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer emphasized their personal connections to the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

Sunak, whose parents were a GP and a pharmacist, and Starmer, whose wife and mother worked for the NHS, shared their backgrounds.

Both leaders refused to raise their hands when asked if they would increase income tax, National Insurance, or VAT (except for Labour's private schools policy).

The debate became heated as they discussed their parties' immigration policies, with the recent return of Nigel Farage as the leader of Reform UK adding to the focus on the issue.

During a debate, Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir clashed on immigration and NHS issues.

Sunak interrupted both Sir Keir and the chair, Julie Etchingham, while discussing Sir Keir's immigration plans.

In response, Sir Keir emphasized the need to combat human trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable people trying to cross the Channel.

Regarding NHS waiting lists, Sunak initially blamed health workers' strikes for some of the issues, which was met with groans from the audience.

However, he later won applause when he stated taxes should not be raised to fund the NHS.

The audience also groaned when Sunak reiterated his support for the national service plan, which would require every 18-year-old to participate in community service or military service for 25 days or a year, respectively.

Sunak described the plan as "transformative." In a debate between Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak, Starmer dismissed Sunak's proposal to hire 16 and 17-year-olds as soldiers as "desperate." Starmer argued that the UK did not need a "teenage Dad's Army." In response, Sunak criticized Starmer, saying "all he can do is sneer at it because you don't have any ideas."