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: Winter fuel payments and energy costs. Tory Leader Kemi Badenoch used the first PMQs since both her and Keir Starmer got a kicking at the local elections to probe the prime minister bout his own failings. But in doing so, she opted not to get into the big issue her party has been pummeling Labour on since last night: controversy over the U.K.-India trade deal.
Thinking face emoji: The Tory leader’s topics were slightly unexpected given the U.K. struck its deal with India just a day ago. The agreement exempts some Indian workers from paying national insurance contributions, meaning the Tories have been swift to dub it a “two-tier tax.”
On thin ice: Amid much backbench Labour worry over the issue, Badenoch instead asked Starmer to “admit he was wrong” to remove winter fuel payments from all-but the poorest pensioners. An issue mentioned repeatedly on the doorstep in the local elections, Starmer wouldn’t bite, stating only that the “number one job of this government was to put our finances back in order.” He then shoehorned in his own plug for the India deal’s economic benefits.
Waving a red flag: The Conservative leader pressed on, mentioning critics of the winter fuel cuts from the Labour leader’s own party — including Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan. The PM wasn’t having it, arguing the opposition “would take this country back to where it was.”
Feeling the heat: Unable to get an answer, Badenoch moved on to Labour’s much-hyped promise to cut energy bills by £300, and raised ex-Labour PM Tony Blair’s criticism that debate around net zero had become “irrational.” This line felt a week late given the row kicked off before PMQs … last Wednesday.
Having a laugh: Despite their heavily-depleted numbers, Tories in the chamber tried mustering a chuckle. As Starmer said “what else won’t bring bills down” Badenoch’s backbenchers bellowed “you!”
Trading places: Pressed on energy bills, Starmer echoed language used by the Tories when they were in charge. “We are exposed to the international market,” he said. Armed with a bursting folder of notes, the PM also mentioned times the Tory leader and her shadow chancellor Mel Stride had voice support for net zero.
Never say never (again): Lib Dem Leader Ed Davey used a question to keep up his record as Britain’s most high profile Donald Trump critic. Referencing the U.S. president’s vague proposal to slap tariffs on foreign films, Davey asked the PM to make clear to Trump that “if he picks a fight with James Bond, Bridget Jones and Paddington Bear, he will lose.” Starmer resisted humor in response and stressed his repeated desire for a U.S. trade deal and lower tariffs.
Helpful backbench intervention of the week: Labour’s Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham thanked the PM for visiting her constituency and asked him to confirm the area provided a blueprint for creating jobs and investment. Here’s a shock revelation — Starmer did just that. Parliamentary scrutiny at its best.
Totally unscientific scores on the doors: Badenoch 5/10. Starmer 7/10. The Tory leader pointed out big Labour divisions which are causing discomfort for the PM. But she ignored the elephant in the room by not mentioning the U.K.-India trade deal on which her party has in the past 24 hours actually made a bit of a running. It meant Badenoch missed the zeitgeist — something which could fuel more Tory grumbling about her position.
The post PMQs: Badenoch misses open goal on India trade deal appeared first on Politico.
