At the latest Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), Labour leader Keir Starmer emerged as a dominant figure, labeling the Conservative Party as a “dead party walking.” The session served as a spirited, sometimes raucous reminder of the current state of British politics, focusing heavily on economic issues.
Key Issues Discussed: A Focus on the Economy
The primary topic of debate revolved around the challenging economic outlook for the U.K. Tory Leader Kemi Badenoch sought to engage Starmer on this subject, but in response, he offered pointed reminders of the economic turmoil associated with the previous administration under Liz Truss.
The session began with a rare moment of agreement when Badenoch condemned a fire that had occurred at Starmer’s north London residence, framing it as an attack on democracy. However, she quickly shifted gears, questioning the rising unemployment rates.
Starmer’s Strategic Responses
Starmer did not hesitate to capitalize on Badenoch’s inquiries, consistently reiterating criticisms of the “disastrous Liz Truss mini-budget.” He emphasized that Labour would not allow this issue to fade from public discourse. In her defense, Badenoch countered that blaming others was unproductive, praising her party’s achievements during its tenure.
As Badenoch’s questions became more pointed, she brought up the closure of department store Beales, sarcastically referencing a “Rachel Reeves closing down sale.” She pressed the Prime Minister on what he planned to say to those who lost their jobs, to which he expressed regret but redirected the focus towards the government’s trade agreements.
In a notable response, Starmer’s new line of attack, which seemed to be carefully crafted, emerged when he asserted that the Tories were “sliding into brain-dead oblivion.” This statement echoes recent interviews in which he indicated that Nigel Farage’s Reform UK would pose a significant challenge to Labour in the upcoming election.
Badenoch, who previously served as trade secretary, cautioned against overestimating the significance of trade agreements, dismissing a mere “tiny tariff deal” with Donald Trump. Starmer, visibly frustrated, urged her to visit the Jaguar Land Rover plant in Solihull, where tariffs on U.K. cars had recently been reduced.
However, he refrained from guaranteeing that unemployment would decline in the following year.
The session continued with tense exchanges, as Badenoch retorted with the phrase “Labour isn’t working” while Starmer maintained his stance by branding the Tories as a “dead party walking.” The energy in the room was palpable as both leaders exchanged barbs.
In a surprising turn, Badenoch chose not to question Starmer regarding the government’s migration reforms, leaving that topic to Plaid Cymru’s Westminster Leader, Liz Saville-Roberts. Saville-Roberts challenged Starmer on his consistency, to which he humorously responded, “Yes, the belief that she talks rubbish,” eliciting laughter from his colleagues.
In a noteworthy moment, Labour’s Rachel Taylor lauded Starmer’s trade agreement with the U.S., pressing the PM on whether he would continue to advocate for all workers. In a significant declaration, Starmer confirmed his commitment to this cause.
As for the overall performance, informal evaluations suggest Badenoch scored a 6 out of 10, while Starmer received a score of 7. Starmer effectively showcased governmental actions, particularly regarding trade agreements that the Conservatives failed to secure. More crucially, his dismissive attitude towards Tory relevance set the tone for future debates as both Reform and the Conservatives vie for the right-wing vote leading up to the next election.