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: The collapsed China spy case, of course. Parliament’s security was at the front of MPs’ minds in the first joust between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Tory Leader Kemi Badenoch since recess. They argued over who, exactly, should be blamed for the case not reaching trial.
If you’ve had a news holiday: The criminal case against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, who were accused of spying for Beijing, fell apart last month after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the government provided insufficient evidence proving China was a threat to national security. Both men denied the charges, while Labour and the Tories had a predictable back-and-forth about who held responsibility.
But first: The PM made a statement before Badenoch even had a chance to lay a blow, to some consternation from Tory MPs. Starmer reiterated he was “deeply disappointed” the case failed and ripped into “baseless accusations” from the Tories. The PM said that government policy under the Conservatives (when the alleged offenses took place) did not “describe China as an enemy,” which meant the prosecution test couldn’t be met.
Powells apart: National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell’s role came under intense scrutiny — but Starmer insisted “no minister or special adviser” played any role in the provision of evidence. In a clear news line, the PM said he would publish witness statements that were being checked over.
No surprise: Badenoch wasn’t happy. The Tory leader said Starmer’s spiel “answers no questions” and offered “only more obfuscation.” Calling the trial collapse “simply unbelievable,” Badenoch ran through quotes where the Tories were less than pally with Beijing (just don’t mention that pint). The PM, natch, threw those remarks back in her face, quoting her previous statement that the U.K. shouldn’t describe China “as a foe.”
Flexing their muscles: Both parties tried painting themselves as Beijing’s biggest enemy — just not officially. Badenoch lambasted “whataboutery” and reiterated that the two individuals were “charged under a Conservative government, let off under Labour.” She probed whether Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Collins actually dealt with the CPS without discussing the issue with Powell.
Row at the bar: The PM said that was true, calling Collins “a civil servant of the utmost integrity” — but would double-check whether other conversations took place. Badenoch questioned what the point was of having a lawyer as a leader who “can’t even get the law right on a matter of national security.” Starmer said Badenoch was “clearly not a lawyer or a leader.” It’s the way they tell them.
Chinese whispers: Badenoch, relying on the investigative work of weekend hacks, asked about a “secret” meeting last month reported by the Sunday Times involving Powell. Starmer admitted a meeting took place with Powell … but this didn’t involve evidence and took place after the final CPS statement was made in August.
Great wall of China: The Tory leader remarked, “this all stinks of a cover-up,” and said the government was “too weak.” The PM called her comments “entirely baseless” and “slinging mud,” saying the Conservatives should have changed the Official Secrets Act earlier during their time in office. So that’s all helpful.
Helpful backbench intervention of the week: East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tom Rutland celebrated the government’s ambition to get two-thirds of young people into an apprenticeship or university, asking the PM what other help he would provide. Starmer took that opportunity to outline his plans — a promotion in the next reshuffle is surely guaranteed.
Totally unscientific scores on the doors: Starmer 6/10. Badenoch 7/10. Neither leader enjoyed a moment of glory as a serious topic descended into the usual party political knockabout. Badenoch attacked the holes in the government’s answers and grabbed the concession that witness statements will be published. While Starmer stuck to his script diligently, blaming the Conservatives will only work for so long when Labour is in government.
The post PMQs: Starmer tied in knots over collapsed China spy case appeared first on Politico.
