No, Keir Starmer did not call Rishi Sunak a 'prick' during an election debate

Context

After the U.K. election party leaders debate on ITV with Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak, some online users have shared a snippet of Starmer saying Starmer called Sunak a "prick." "#ITVDebate starmer calling Sunak a prick. Superb, he's definitely got my vote now." 

However, a close listen reveals Starmer called Sunak "desperate," not a "prick."

In fact

On June 4, ITV held a live debate between Labour leader Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Rishi Sunak ahead of the 2024 U.K. general election. The full debate is available on ITV's YouTube channel here.

During the debate, Sunak and Starmer answered questions from the live audience on issues such as economics, migration, healthcare, and security. While discussing which party would better handle national security, Sunak highlighted Starmer's past legal work.

In response, at approximately 1:19:20 in the debate, Starmer called Sunak "desperate." He repeated the word "desperate" at around 1:19:22. Although this repetition seemed to some online users as if Starmer was muttering "prick" under his breath, a closer listen reveals that he is, in fact, repeating "desperate." 

You can also see his lips move to voice the three separate syllables – "des, per, ate" – rather than the single syllable of "prick."  

The verdict

Keir Starmer did not call Rishi Sunak a "prick" in debates on live television. We have marked this claim as false. 

Follow Logically Facts' coverage and fact-checking of the U.K. General Election here.