Jonathan Ashworth gives press conference ahead of Conservative manifesto unveiling

The transcript critiques the Prime Minister's manifesto, highlighting unfunded commitments and misleading costings. It contrasts this with Labour's tax policy, which promises no increases in income tax, National Insurance, or VAT. Labour commits to fully funded and costed plans. The discussion also covers tuition fees, with Labour aiming for fairer reforms. Public spending cuts are ruled out, emphasizing investment in health and education. Labour pledges to avoid austerity, focusing on economic recovery and supporting public services.

What is the main criticism of the current government's manifesto as discussed in the first section?

• It is too short and lacks detail.

• It lacks a clear vision for the future.

• It contains numerous unfunded commitments.

• It focuses too much on foreign policy.

According to the second section, what is Labour's stance on income tax?

• They will abolish it altogether.

• They plan to increase it significantly.

• They will decrease it for high earners.

• There will be no increase in income tax.

How does Labour plan to address tuition fees, as mentioned in the second section?

• By increasing them to fund other projects.

• By leaving them unchanged.

• By scrapping them entirely.

• By reforming them to make them fairer.

What is Labour's approach to public spending, as discussed in the third section?

• They plan to cut spending across all sectors.

• They reject austerity and plan to invest in public services.

• They will privatize the National Health Service.

• They will focus solely on defense spending.

What economic challenge does Labour acknowledge in the third section?

• An economic mess inherited from the Conservatives.

• A booming economy with no issues.

• A lack of skilled workers in the market.

• A surplus in public finances.