Prime minister’s questions: a shouty, jeery, very occasionally useful advert for British politics. Here’s what you need to know from the latest session in POLITICO’s weekly run-through.
What they sparred about: Spring may have sprung, but PMQs was a broken record. All together now — the economy dominated Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Tory Leader Kemi Badenoch’s joust as the government’s financial changes kick in this weekend. Looming large were U.S. President Donald Trump’s imminent tariffs and their impact on the government’s ambition for economic growth.
Down to business: Badenoch started with a familiar theme by condemning increased national insurance contributions for employers, claiming Labour’s “jobs tax” would force businesses to “cut wages, put up prices or sack their staff.” What advice would Starmer give?
On the front foot: The PM insisted Labour was taking decisive action by “rolling up our sleeves” to help. Natch, Starmer flew the flag for policies including the minimum wage increase. He also, here’s a new one, ripped into the Tories, claiming public services were left “on their knees” on their watch.
Back to basics: Badenoch, as usual, wasn’t taking it, claiming the “only mess is the one he made in his budget.” She accused the government of breaking people’s trust, highlighting the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) said working families could be up to £3,536 worse off in this parliament. “Why should anyone trust him again?,” she cried.
Here’s a familiar one: Starmer proved the oldest lines will be used again and again, calling that sum a “fantasy figure [which] is about as much use as Liz Truss’ economic planning.” The OBR won’t like that. Even though Truss was in No. 10 for 49 days and left office two-and-a-half years ago, Labour will keep mentioning the former PM’s actions, which continues to be the Tories’ Achilles heel.
Dividing lines: Though there is little love lost between Starmer and Badenoch, the PM suggested there was more commonality on economic policy than she might like to admit. Starmer highlighted a press conference Badenoch anchored Tuesday where she refused to say whether she’d reverse the national insurance changes if she came to power, suggesting a Labour change she disliked could still be retained under a future Tory government. He lambasted her “absurd position” of wanting extra investment without describing how to pay for it. Which is something you can do in opposition, to be fair.
Passing the smell test: Badenoch tried a different tactic by mentioning council tax rises and slamming the situation in Labour-run Birmingham City Council “where there’s 17,000 tonnes of rubbish uncollected on the street” due to a bin strike. Though that is an obvious visual — and sensual — weakness for Labour, the PM batted off her concerns by highlighting Tory increases in council taxes. Remember, it’s only wrong if the other lot do it!
Raising an eyebrow: The Tory leader said her party “left the fastest growing economy” for Labour last year … to much laughter on the government benches. The argument didn’t wash in the chamber, with Starmer decrying Badenoch as the “only person left” who thinks that. Ever eager to quote favorable figures, Starmer highlighted the OBR showing growth in this decade — though avoided mentioning the forecast for 2025 was halved.
Top Trump: Any debate wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Trump, with Badenoch hammering the government for failing to get an exemption from his tariffs. The PM highlighted talks were ongoing and his administration would take a “pragmatic approach” in the “national interest.” Starmer, offered an open goal, duly brought up Badenoch’s failure to secure a U.S. trade deal while trade secretary.
Also playing their Trump card: Lib Dem leader and No. 1 Trump critic Ed Davey asked if the PM would support an “economic coalition of the willing” against Trump and for free trade. “Every week he tries to tempt me into making what I think is a false choice,” Starmer demurred as he insisted a good relationship with both Europe and the U.S. on trade and defense was possible. This week may mean that stance struggles to hold.
Helpful backbench intervention of the week: Glasgow East MP John Grady asked about the imminent state pension increase and praised how the government’s “plan for change” made it possible. What do you know? Starmer said his loyal backbencher was bang on the money and ripped into the inheritance Tories left them.
Totally unscientific scores on the doors: Badenoch 5/10. Starmer 6/10. It was understandable that Badenoch focused on the economy as increased bills hit voters’ pockets. While her refusal to confirm whether she’d reverse some of the government’s measures is a luxury of opposition, it weakened her criticism about what she’d do differently. Although she wounded the PM by mentioning bin strikes, her criticisms around a U.S. trade deal failed to hold weight because of her previous role as trade secretary who didn’t secure a U.S. trade deal. Given a sticky wicket, Starmer left the Commons on top.
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