Rishi Sunak says July 4 election is a question of trust as he takes aim at Kier Starmer

A sodden Mr Sunak had to battle both the rain and the sounds of New Labour anthem Things Can Only Get Better being blasted from beyond the Downing Street gates

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak speaking outside 10 Downing Street on Wednesday. Picture: Lucy North/PA Wire

Rishi Sunak fired the starting gun for a July 4 general election in the UK, saying Labour leader Keir Starmer could not be trusted to lead the country through “uncertain” times.

The British prime minister made the economy and combating the global security threats facing the UK the key elements of his pitch to the nation as he announced the election date.