Rishi Sunak to warn next years will be ‘most dangerous’ for UK in major speech

Rishi Sunak will say the UK “stands at a crossroads” ahead of “some of the most dangerous years”, during a pre-election address to voters on Monday.

In a speech, the Prime Minister will say his “bold ideas” can “create a more secure future” for Britons.

Labor said the Conservatives could not solve the UK’s problems because “they are the problem”.

Mr Sunak’s speech in London will focus on security and the big challenges facing the UK, saying voters face a difficult choice over who will lead the country.

He will say: “I feel a deep sense of urgency because there will be more change in the next five years than in the last 30 years.

“I am confident that the next few years will be some of the most dangerous and transformational our country has ever seen.”

The Prime Minister is also expected to talk about foreign policy, describing China, Russia, North Korea and Iran as an axis of authoritarian states that threaten the UK; global immigration and artificial intelligence.

A national poll puts Labor up to 20 points ahead of the Conservatives in general election voting intentions.

The Prime Minister is seeking to present himself as the person best placed to meet the challenges following the general election, expected before the end of the year.

He will say he has “bold ideas” that can “create a more secure future” for British people and restore their “confidence and pride in our country”.

“I feel a deep sense of urgency because there will be more change in the next five years than in the last 30 years,” he said.

Mr Sunak pledges to protect the UK from threats of war, a global increase in immigration and “those who seek to undermine our shared values ​​and identities”.

And it will commit to capitalizing on the opportunities presented by technologies such as artificial intelligence.

He will say: “Over the next few years, from our democracy to our economy to our society – to the most difficult questions of war and peace – almost every aspect of our lives will change.

“How we respond to these changes – not only to keep people safe but also to seize opportunities – will determine whether or not Britain succeeds in the years to come.

“And that’s the choice the country faces.”

Downing Street argued that Mr Sunak had a history of proposing bold solutions, from furlough during the pandemic to the Rwanda program – which was first launched by Boris Johnson’s administration.

The Prime Minister has sought to convince voters that Britain’s economic outlook is improving, in a bid to reverse the Conservatives’ electoral fortunes.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer will meet Labor mayors later – and present the choice between “a changed Labor Party… or more chaos and decline under the Tories”.

He will hold a roundtable with mayors on improving regional growth if Labor comes to power.

Sir Keir should tell them: “Have no doubt: this is the key choice at the next election: a changed Labor Party that will raise living standards for everyone, everywhere, or more chaos and decline under the Tories who do not will never be able to live up to the ambition of this country.

“We saw public opinion turn to Labor last week as a first step towards the change Britain needs. And voting Labor is the only way to end the chaos, turn the page and to begin to renew all of our communities.”

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron said on Sunday it would be “absolutely right” for the general election to take place in the second half of the year to give voters time to see that “the economic plan is working”.

Official figures last week showed the economy grew 0.6% in the first quarter, ending a technical recession recorded in the last half of last year.

But Mr Sunak has faced repeated setbacks, notably in recent local elections. His woes were compounded with the defection of Natalie Elphicke in protest over his record on housing and stopping small boat crossings of the Channel – the second MP to desert the Conservatives for Labor in as many weeks.