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PM has 'long-term ambition' to abolish national insurance

Rishi Sunak said NI led to a "double taxation" and it would be his aim for it to go in the next Parliament if he won the election.

He described the tax and NI combination was both "unnecessarily complicated" and "unfair".

A day after a 2% cut in the payments made by those in work, the PM told broadcasters of his "long-term ambition" to abolish NI.

High debt and low growth spell trouble for UK, warns think tank

7 March 2024

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Reeves speaking

Chancellor says Budget will raise taxes by £40bn

Rishi Sunak wearing a blue suit and a grey tie, standing in the Commons

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Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs

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Sunak

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Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street

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Rishi Sunak outside 10 Downing Street

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Rishi Sunak outside Downing Street

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Rishi Sunak

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Lindsay Hoyle dragged by both arms

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In a traditional part of the process, the successful candidate pretends to be reluctant to take up the role.

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Chris Mason and Mark Logan

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The former Conservative MP for Bolton North East has told the BBC he now supports Labour.

Factory workers in Milton Keynes

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Keir Starmer

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Carla Denyer

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The Green Party of England and Wales launch their election campaign in Bristol.

Faiza Shaheen talking on BBC Newsnight

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Rishi Sunak

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The PM tells the BBC's political editor he is "thoroughly enjoying" himself out meeting voters in the election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit and a brown tie

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Keir Starmer

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Ed Davey falls from a paddle board

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Rishi Sunak

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Nigel Farage

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Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer asked if there's a 'lack of enthusiasm' for Labour

Labour leader Keir Starmer is pressed on whether there's a perceived lack of enthusiasm for his party.

Rachel Reeves

Reeves: No return to austerity under Labour

The shadow chancellor is quizzed on her economic plans should Labour win the general election.

Rishi Sunak

Sunak 'disappointed' smoking ban bill did not get through

The PM says he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

Craig Mackinlay MP

Watch: Limb loss MP on his return to Parliament

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Rishi Sunak

Oops! Sunak asks if Welsh are looking forward to Euros

On a campaign trip, the PM asks voters if they will watch the football tournament, even though Wales did not qualify.

Richard Tice

Tories 'terrified' of Reform Party - Richard Tice

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

Sir Keir Starmer

A vote for Labour is a vote to stop the chaos - Starmer

On the first full day of election campaigning the Labour leader says "nothing will change" if the Conservatives get back into power on July 5.