Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has defended a controversial Labour attack advert targeting Rishi Sunak, saying it is not racist. The graphic, shared on social media, claims that the prime minister does not want people who sexually assault children to go to prison. Sir Starmer also accused Mr Sunak of being out-of-touch on public services and the cost of living crisis and said the Tories should be making gains at next week's local elections despite polls showing they would likely lose seats.
In an interview with Sky News' Sophy Ridge, Sir Keir denied allegations that the ad was racist. "Of course it’s not," he said when asked if the ad had racial undertones. Labour's Sophy Ridge previously acknowledged criticisms that the attack ad could be seen as racially insensitive but argued that it raised a "legitimate question."
Sir Keir referenced his experience as Director of Public Prosecutions in defending his party's stance: "The vast majority of child sexual offences are not by people of Asian origin or anything else," he explained. He added that as Prime Minister, he takes responsibility for every child abuser who escaped prison while under his watch.
However, Sky News' Sophy Ridge continued to press him on additional criticism surrounding the advert: "Do you truly believe Rishi Sunak does not want to lock up child sex abusers?" she asked.
Sir Keir responded by shifting focus onto what he perceives as Mr Sunak's disconnect with public services and everyday struggles faced by UK citizens: "Rishi Sunak is out-of-touch when it comes to understanding public services and how they operate. His lackluster approach towards addressing critical issues such as our current cost of living crisis demonstrates this clearly."
He went on further to assert that although recent polls suggest Conservatives might lose seats in upcoming local elections, the Tories should ideally be making gains: "The fact that we're even discussing potential losses for them is a testament to their failure in addressing key issues affecting Britons."
Labour's controversial attack advert has drawn both support and criticism from various sources. Ultimately, Sir Keir Starmer stands by his party's decision to release it, maintaining that its message is not racially targeted but instead focused on challenging Rishi Sunak's understanding of public services and pressing social concerns.