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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (L), Labour Party leader Keir Starmer (R).
Leon Neal/Getty Images
The July 4 UK election draws ever closer, and tonight’s final televised debate between the two party leaders could be essential viewing. If you want to know how to watch the UK election debate online between Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister, Conservative Party) and Keir Starmer (Labour Party leader), we can get you ready in just a few clicks.
And if you’re outside the UK but want to stay up to date on what the two political leaders have to say, we can help you tune in from anywhere in the world. The debate will start at 8:15 p.m. BST and last for 75 minutes. Stay tuned afterwards as there will be a 30-minute show with reaction and analysis live from the venue with the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg and Clive Myrie.
While the debate will be live and free on the BBC, you’ll struggle to access the live stream on the iPlayer from abroad due to the channel’s geo-blocking tech that stops foreign access. However, a VPN can get around that by digitally altering your viewing device’s location to act like it’s still in the UK. These handy apps are well-established as an excellent way to boost your online privacy and access a range of international live events, sports, and free TV shows.
If you’re interested in watching the US presidential debate this week, too, check out our guide on how to watch CNN online from anywhere.
How to watch UK election debate: quick links
- UK: BBC1 (FREE)
- Access the BBC from outside of the UK with ExpressVPN (try risk-free for 30 days)
- When: Today, 3:15 p.m. ET / 8:15 p.m. BST / 9:15 p.m. CEST / 3:15 a.m. AWST
How to watch UK election debate from outside the UK
If you’re outside the UK right now, chances are the UK election debate isn’t being broadcast on your local news channels. You can still access the Sunak vs. Starmer live stream from the BBC on the iPlayer streaming site, but you’ll need a VPN (virtual private network) to get around the geo-blocks put in place to block viewing access from outside the UK.
A VPN allows you to simulate a country of your choosing to continue browsing like a local. So, simply set your VPN to the UK, load up the iPlayer website, sign into your account, or create one for free if you’ve not used the service before, and you’re all set to enjoy live coverage just like you would if you were back in the UK. You can use a VPN to spoof your location on devices such as phones, laptops, Fire TV sticks, etc.
Our preferred option from the best VPN providers is ExpressVPN, which offers a reassuring 30-day money-back guarantee. Simply follow the steps below, and you can be ready in just a few minutes.
How to watch the Sunak vs. Starmer with a VPN
- Sign up for a VPN if you don’t have one.
- Install it on the device you’re using to watch the debate.
- Turn it on and set it to the UK.
- Go to iPlayer.
- Create a free log-in profile.
- Watch the debate from 3:15 p.m. ET / 8:15 p.m. BST / 9:15 p.m. CEST / 3:15 a.m. AWST.
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.