This archive report was first published on 7 December 2019.
Published on December 7, 2019, UK election rivals Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn faced off for the final time ahead of the poll.
Johnson repeatedly criticised Corbyn's failure to say if he supports Britain leaving the EU, while Corbyn accused Johnson of being unrealistic in his vow to strike trade deals with both the European Union and the United States next year.
"We have a fantastic plan to get Brexit done," Johnson said, referring to a divorce deal he finalised with EU leaders in October.
Corbyn, however, said Johnson's plan was unrealistic and that Britain's cherished national health service (NHS) was under threat.
"What he will do is walk out of a relationship with the EU into a relationship with nobody," Corbyn said.
Corbyn has spent the campaign lagging in the polls and was in need of a breakthrough moment, but often found himself on the defensive on Brexit and other issues.
A snap poll by YouGov found the debate was a draw, but that those questioned found Corbyn more trustworthy.
"Given the Conservatives went into this debate in the lead, they will hope the lack of a knockout blow means they can maintain this until voting day," said Chris Curtis, YouGov's Political Research Manager.
Johnson called the snap election last month to try to get a parliamentary majority which would enable him to secure backing for his divorce deal.
Former prime ministers Tony Blair and John Major launched unprecedented interventions, calling for people to vote tactically to help ensure a second referendum on Brexit.
Major, a Conservative who was in power from 1990 to 1997, and Labour's Blair, who ousted him and was in Downing Street until 2007, addressed a rally for another poll in London.
Both want Britain to remain in the EU.
