Election Debate: Johnson And Corbyn Fail To Land Knockout Blow In ITV Clash
He also underlined how the NHS in England had recorded its worst AE waiting times ever in October as he told the story of a “friend of mine” who died while waiting eight hours in one hospital.
Corbyn said: “The day before she had gone to hospital at the recommendation of her GP in order to get urgent treatment. She waited eight hours, the nurses that were trying to help her were unable to get anyone to see her because they were under such strain and stress.
“And so she recorded a video saying ‘please, in my memory, make sure nobody else goes through this pain’. We’ve got to fund our NHS properly and fill the vacancies and make sure it’s there for all time.”
Other snap poll stats from YouGov
Who came across as more trustworthy?
40% Johnson, 45% Corbyn (15% don’t know)
Who came across as more likeable?
54% Johnson, 37% Corbyn (10% don’t know)
Who came across as more in touch with ordinary people?
25% Johnson, 59% Corbyn (16% don’t know)
Who do you think came across as more prime ministerial?
54% Johnson, 29% Corbyn (17% don’t know)
Who do you think performed best on Brexit questions?
63% Boris, 27% Corbyn (10% don’t know)
Who do you think performed best on NHS questions?
38% Johnson, 54% Corbyn (8% don’t know)
Who do you think performed best on questions about government spending?
50% Johnson, 35% Corbyn (15% don’t know)
Johnson described the NHS as the “one of the single most beautiful and brilliant things” and turned his fire on Labour plans to introduce a four-day working week.
“What could be more ruinous for the NHS than a crackpot plan for a four-day week, which would add massively to the burdens not just of the NHS but of every public service in the country?,” he said.
Denouncing the US-UK trade deal claims as “an absolute invention”, Johnson insisted the Tories would invest more in the health service as he tried to shift the focus onto Labour’s Brexit policy.
He claimed Corbyn was trying to disguise the “void” at the heart of his Brexit policy and repeatedly called on the Labour leader to make plain whether he would back Leave or Remain in any second referendum.
He also accused Corbyn of being prepared to strike a deal with Nicola Sturgeon for a second Scottish independence referendum in order to get the votes he needs to enter No 10.
“Mr Corbyn, you’ve heard tonight, cannot answer the fundamental questions. Is he for Remain or Leave and what price would he pay to secure Nicola Sturgeon’s support to enter Number 10?
“If he can’t answer those questions tonight, I don’t think he’s fit to lead our country.”
Both leaders pledged to invest in public services and increase government spending.
Corbyn said: “We will end austerity, I am absolutely clear about that because it is so brutal on the lives of so many people.”
Johnson said: “I believe in spending, investing massively in our public services because we support… a dynamic wealth-creating sector.”
The pair were also asked whether the monarchy was fit for purpose, after a wave of criticism of Prince Andrew.
Corbyn replied the monarchy “needs a bit of improvement while Johnson said “the institution of the monarchy is beyond reproach”, a line which Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson was quick to respond to on Twitter.