Rishi Sunak Warns of 'Most Dangerous' Years Ahead for UK

Rishi Sunak will, today, assert that the UK faces critical decisions ahead of what he deems as potentially perilous times, in a pre-election appeal to the electorate.

In his address, the prime minister will contend that his innovative proposals have the potential to forge a more stable future for the people of Britain. This speech marks his most significant involvement since the Conservatives' disappointing performance in the recent local elections. 

Labour has countered, stating that the Tories are incapable of addressing the UK's challenges as they are inherently part of the issue.

Mr Sunak's speech in London will focus on security and broad challenges facing the UK, as he argues voters face a stark choice in who will lead the country.

He will say: "I feel a profound sense of urgency because more will change in the next five years than in the last 30.

"I'm convinced that the next few years will be some of the most dangerous yet most transformational our country has ever known."

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

National polling puts Labour as much as 20 points ahead of the Conservatives in general election voting intentions.

The Tories also lost 470 councillors in the local elections, as well as the key mayoral race in the West Midlands.

The prime minister is seeking to portray himself as the best person to deal with the challenges after the general election - expected before the end of the year.

Labour leads the Conservatives by as much as 20 points in national polls for general election voting intentions. Additionally, the Tories suffered a loss of 470 councillors in the local elections, along with defeat in the crucial mayoral race in the West Midlands. 

The prime minister aims to present himself as the most capable leader to tackle the challenges anticipated post the general election, which is anticipated to take place before the year's end.

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

"I feel a profound sense of urgency because more will change in the next five years than in the last 30," he said.

Mr Sunak will vow to safeguard the UK against threats of war, a global rise in immigration and "those seeking to undermine our shared values and identities".

And he will pledge to capitalise on 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 hardest questions of war and peace - almost every aspect of our lives is going to change.

"How we act in the face of these changes - not only to keep people safe and secure but to realise the opportunities too - will determine whether or not Britain will succeed in the years to come.

"And this is the choice facing the country."

Downing Street has argued Mr Sunak has a track record of delivering bold solutions, from furlough during the pandemic to the Rwanda scheme - which was first launched by Boris Johnson's administration.

The prime minister has sought to convince voters that Britain's economic prospects are improving in a bid to reverse the Tories' electoral fortunes.

Labour mayors

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled to convene with Labour mayors later, framing the decision as a choice between "a transformed Labour Party... or further disorder and deterioration under the Tories." 

He will engage in roundtable discussions with the mayors regarding enhancing regional growth in the event of a Labour victory. Sir Keir is anticipated to convey to them, "There is no doubt that this is the pivotal decision in the upcoming election: a reformed Labour Party that will elevate living standards for all, or increased disorder and decline under the Tories, who will never match the aspirations of this nation. We witnessed the public turning to Labour last week as the initial step toward achieving the change Britain requires. Voting Labour is the sole means to end the disorder, turn the page, and commence the renewal of all our communities."

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron advocated on Sunday for holding the general election in the latter half of the year, asserting it would be "absolutely right" to give voters time to observe that "the economic plan is working." Official data released last week revealed a 0.6% growth in the economy during the first quarter, putting an end to a technical recession recorded in the latter half of the previous year. 

However, Mr. Sunak has encountered several setbacks, including the recent local election outcomes. His challenges intensified with the departure of Natalie Elphicke in protest against his housing record and efforts to curb small boat Channel crossings, marking the second MP to defect from the Tories to Labour in as many weeks.