The Tory leadership candidates continue to set out their visions for the country as the leadership race enters its final fortnight, with the pair facing off in a tenth showdown in Birmingham on Tuesday night. Ahead of the event, the former chancellor pledged to create a “better UK alternative” to the EU’s flagship research program Horizon Europe. It comes after the government launched legal action over “persistent delays” in access to the bloc’s science programs after Brexit, in the latest row to engulf the two sides. The Sunak campaign accused the EU of hesitating and “playing politics” on Horizon – the bloc’s key funding program for research and innovation. Mr Sunak’s allies said that while his government would continue to push for the UK’s inclusion in the multibillion-euro project, the move would show the UK is willing to distance itself from “EU politicisation”. They said the new competitive scheme would be paid for with the money the UK would normally send to the EU for Horizon participation. Mr Sunak also said it would “squeeze clinical innovation” by making the UK’s clinical trial approval system easier to navigate. Another proposal would encourage local councils to propose vacant commercial and industrial space that could be used for workshops. Mr Sunak said: “My plan will secure our status as a science and technology superpower, delivering opportunity and spreading prosperity to every part of our UK.” Meanwhile, leadership rival Ms Truss has tried to win over Tory members in the West Midlands with a promise to put the region “at the heart of our economic regeneration” if she becomes prime minister. She said this would be achieved through her plans for lower taxes, better regulation and supply-side reform. Ms Truss also pledged to deliver key infrastructure projects, including the Midlands Rail Hub, and support West Midlands Mayor Andy Street to fully deliver the Wednesbury Metro extension to Brierley Hill. He also said he would throw the full weight of the government into efforts to bring a battery gigafactory to the region. Ms Truss said the West Midlands “can play a critical role in a new economic revolution in Britain”. Read more: Liz Truss’ cost of living plans ‘could put people on the streets’ Sir Keir Starmer calls for home insulation plan The pledges come as Mr Sunack and Ms Truss prepare to address an audience of 1,000 Tory party members in Birmingham on Tuesday night at an event hosted by Times Radio. There are just two weeks left until a new prime minister is chosen on September 5. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 0:34 Rishi Sunak supporter Kevin Hollinrake says cutting taxes is not the answer to the problems facing the poorest in society. Earlier today, Mr Sunak accused Liz Truss of “promising the land to everyone” as he played down polls which suggested he was set to be defeated by the foreign secretary. She also hinted that she would not take a cabinet job after reports she could become health secretary, saying ministers “have to agree on the big things”. The race to succeed Mr Johnson is heating up, with the two rivals clashing repeatedly over how to handle the cost of living crisis. Energy regulator Ofgem is due to announce the latest price cap on Friday, with predictions it could rise from £1,971 to around £3,600.
