Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch clashed during the latest session of Prime Minister’s Questions, focusing on the recent collapse of the China spy case. The Prime Minister announced his decision to release all witness statements related to the case following accusations that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was obstructing their publication, a claim later refuted by Mr. Starmer.
The exchange between Mr. Starmer and Ms. Badenoch escalated into a war of words, with the PM bringing up past comments from former Conservative ministers regarding China, while Ms. Badenoch attributed blame to Labour’s handling of the case. In a moment of contention, Ms. Badenoch questioned Mr. Starmer’s leadership abilities, prompting a swift rebuttal from the PM emphasizing his legal expertise and understanding of the case.
During the parliamentary session, Kemi Badenoch faced ridicule over a spelling mistake made by the Conservative Party at their recent conference, leading to a light-hearted moment amidst the serious exchanges. Meanwhile, Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly sought to clarify his statements regarding China, disputing a quote attributed to him by the PM.
In response to inquiries from Deputy Lib Dem leader Daisy Cooper about the alleged threat posed by Elon Musk, Mr. Starmer reiterated the security services’ role in assessing such risks but refrained from commenting on specific cases. The PM also condemned threats made against Nigel Farage and emphasized the need to uphold democratic values.
On the economic front, speculation surrounding the upcoming Budget intensified, with Rachel Reeves hinting at potential tax adjustments and spending cuts to address fiscal challenges. The Chancellor’s statements in Washington indicated a need to address the UK’s financial outlook amid global uncertainties.
In another development, the Gaza peace deal was highlighted in Parliament, with Mr. Starmer endorsing the agreement as a significant step towards a two-state solution. The PM’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state was commended for its contribution to fostering peace in the region.
As the focus shifted to the handling of the China spy case, Mr. Starmer faced mounting scrutiny over the government’s response, with conflicting narratives emerging between No10 and the CPS. The ongoing controversy was expected to feature prominently during PMQs, marking a key moment as Parliament resumed following the conference recess.