IN a tempestuous final head-to-head clash, Sir Keir Starmer failed nine times to say what he would do with migrants arriving on Britain's shores.
Bullish Rishi Sunak went on the allout attack in last night's TV leaders debate in a bid to revitalise his election campaign with a week to go to polling day.
The Prime Minister left Sir Keir floundering as he accused him of having no plan to stop the Channel boats and warned his party would hurt people in the pocket.
Mr Sunak issued a clear warning to voters not to "surrender" the UK's borders or their family finances to Labour's tax rises.
The opposition leader was asked nine times to say what he would do with the migrants arriving on Britain's shores in small boats.
But Mr Sunak branded his response "nonsense" when he explained the illegal arrivals would need to be "processed".
The PM warned that Sir Keir was "taking people for fools" and suggested his approach would leave a Labour government trying to negotiate return deals with the Iranian ayatollahs.
Mr Sunak said: "The migrants are coming from Iran, Syria and Afghanistan. Will you sit down with the ayatollahs? Are you going to try to do a deal with the Taliban? "It's completely nonsensical - you are taking people for fools."
The Prime Minister said the people smugglers will need bigger boats for the asylum seekers coming to the UK under a Labour government. He added: "The Rwanda plan is a deterrent, you just have to listen to what the illegal migrants themselves are saying. One of them just said 'most of us are still in France due to the fear we have about Rwanda'.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'I want the chance to prove myself again'
PEP GUARDIOLA feels the need to prove himself all over again-despite his glittering successes at Manchester City.
SEAN HAILS BRAVE CALL
SEAN DYCHE says Everton made a \"brave decision\" to reject Manchester United's £50million offer for Jarrad Branthwaite.
Howe looks to end Toon striking issue
EDDIE HOWE is banking on the competition between Alexander Isak and fit-again Callum Wilson to spark a faltering attack.
Iraola won't play it by the book
ANDONI IRAOLA admits Bournemouth will miss Antoine Semenyo but is happy to accept yellow cards as the price for the club's style of play.
McKenna refuses to rest on laurels and asks for more
KIERAN MCKENNA has warned Ipswich they must build on their improving Premier League form.
Davies sends Blades to top of pack
TOM DAVIES came off the bench to score a late winner as Sheffield United went top.
STAYING AT RED BULL IS TARGET FOR MAX LEGACY
Champion insists he does not need to win elsewhere
How Pope managed to get out of a Stew
OLLIE POPE revealed a heart-to-heart with his mentor Alec Stewart helped pave the way for his timely return to form against New Zealand.
Former intern fights boss for half his £1m company
AN antiques dealer to the stars is locked in a bitter court fight with a former intern who says she has a right to half of his £1million firm.
Highgrrrove's not too ruff for us...
MISSY the English cocker spaniel looks excited to be meeting a King Charles, but Percy the white bichon cross appears to have realised her mistake...