In a recent Prime Minister’s Questions session, Keir Starmer sidestepped calls to repeat Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pledge of no more borrowing or tax rises following the budget. When challenged by Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch, Starmer refused to commit to the pledge made at the CBI conference.
Badenoch also pressed Starmer on the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, citing the closure of the Vauxhall van-making plant in Luton that put 1,100 jobs at risk due to the UK zero-emission vehicle mandate. Starmer dismissed a petition calling for a general election and suggested Badenoch should resign.
Starmer defended the government’s approach to business, while Badenoch criticized the employment rights legislation proposed by deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, claiming it would harm businesses. However, Starmer refuted these claims, stating that the budget has invested in the future and kept promises made.
In reaction to the closure of the Vauxhall factory, the shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith accused the government’s zero-emissions policy of being a “jobs killer,” and criticized the handling of industry issues. In response, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds defended the government’s efforts to prevent the factory closure and emphasized that the decision does not signify a retreat from the UK by Stellantis.
Despite calls for a strong performance, Badenoch’s PMQs session was deemed underwhelming as she failed to land substantive blows on Starmer. Criticisms of her performance included lack of focus, over-the-top rhetoric, and challenges in navigating party policies. Despite early struggles, it is acknowledged that Badenoch still has time to establish herself in the role.
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