1. State Pensions & Growth Debate
- Keir Starmer’s Commitment:
- Labor will not introduce means-testing for the state pension.
- The government will uphold the triple lock system, ensuring pensions rise based on inflation, wage growth, or 2.5%—whichever is highest.
- Starmer stated that pension payments should be based on contributions rather than personal wealth.
- Conservative Criticism & Response:
- Kemi Badenoch was accused of supporting pension reductions.
- Starmer argued that any means-testing of pensions equals a cut, emphasizing that Labour is increasing pensions, not cutting them.
- The government faced backlash for means-testing winter fuel payments, which now apply only to pension credit recipients.
2. Clash Over Employment & Children’s Wellbeing Bill
- Keir Starmer vs. Kemi Badenoch:
- Badenoch called on Starmer to withdraw the Employment Rights Bill, labeling it “anti-growth”.
- She claimed Starmer was not well-informed about the bill’s content.
- Accusations of Misleading MPs:
- Badenoch alleged Starmer misled Parliament regarding an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing Bill.
- She accused him of claiming to introduce an amendment that did not exist.
- The Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, intervened, saying MPs cannot accuse each other of misleading the House.
- Tory MPs protested, chanting “he did”, but the Speaker ruled against further discussion.
- Starmer’s Response:
- He dismissed Badenoch’s accusations, stating that the amendment was submitted that morning.
- He criticized Conservative MPs for relying on social media arguments rather than policy debates.
3. Immigration & Population Growth Debate
- Concerns Over Net Migration:
- Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell raised concerns over ONS projections indicating that the UK’s population could reach 72.5 million by 2032.
- He called the increase “colossal” and “unsustainable”, demanding action from the government.
- Starmer’s Response:
- He shifted the blame to the previous Conservative government, stating that net migration had skyrocketed under their leadership.
- He emphasized that Labour was committed to bringing migration numbers down.
- He mocked the opposition, reminding MPs that many Conservatives had supported high migration levels previously.
4. Delayed Hospital Rebuilding Projects
- Lib Dem Leader Sir Ed Davey’s Criticism:
- He highlighted the severe condition of UK hospitals, citing a visit to North Devon District Hospital.
- A surgeon at the hospital described the facility as “a ticking time bomb”, pointing out a shortage of operating theatres (only 4 instead of the required 12).
- Davey criticized the previous Conservative government for failing to deliver promised hospital rebuilds.
- Starmer’s Response:
- He accused the Conservative Party of empty promises, calling their hospital plan “unfunded and unachievable”.
- He promised that Labour’s investment plan would ensure the completion of delayed projects.
- He assured MPs that the government was looking into fast-tracking urgent hospital projects and would allow MPs to discuss concerns with relevant ministers.
Key Takeaways from PMQs:
✔ Labour commits to protecting state pensions and upholding the triple lock.
✔ Tory MPs accuse Starmer of misleading Parliament on the Employment Bill.
✔ Immigration remains a hot issue, with Labour shifting blame to past Conservative leadership.
✔ Hospital rebuilding delays spark anger, with Starmer promising immediate action.
This PMQ session reflected sharp political divisions, with Labour emphasizing economic growth, pension protections, and healthcare investments, while the opposition raised concerns over immigration, police integrity, and economic policies.
