By Britain’s newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced his first House of Commons grilling on Wednesday, participating in the boisterous weekly Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) session. This marks a pivotal moment for Starmer, who led the Labour Party to a landslide victory in the July 4 election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.
The Labour Party’s resounding victory saw them secure 412 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, providing Starmer with a substantial majority. This triumph has shifted Starmer’s role from that of opposition leader, a position he held for four years, to the country’s top executive office.
As Starmer entered the Commons chamber, he was greeted with enthusiastic cheers from Labour MPs packed onto the green benches. The often raucous atmosphere of PMQs took on an unusually cordial tone, with both Starmer and the new Leader of the Opposition, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, emphasizing their shared commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
The Prime Minister and Opposition Leader found common ground on the need to arm Ukraine and set it on the path to NATO membership, a rare moment of agreement between the two political rivals. They also united in sending best wishes to British athletes competing in the Paris Olympics, though Sunak humorously noted he might not be the best source of advice on winning.
Labour’s election victory was built on promises to revitalize the UK’s sluggish economy, initiate a wave of housebuilding and green energy projects, and repair the country’s strained public services. While Starmer’s substantial majority should facilitate the passage of legislation, he has already faced internal challenges.
The new government has come under pressure from anti-poverty groups and some Labour MPs to abolish the two-child limit on welfare benefits and tax credits, a policy introduced by the previous Conservative government. Starmer’s administration has stated that immediate abolition is not financially feasible, leading to a rebellion within party ranks.
On Tuesday night, seven Labour MPs from the left wing of the party supported an opposition call to scrap the two-child limit. As a result, these lawmakers, including former deputy leader John McDonnell, have been suspended from Labour’s parliamentary caucus for at least six months. They will continue to serve as independent MPs.
One of the suspended legislators, Zarah Sultana, defended her actions, stating she had “slept well knowing that I took a stand against child poverty that is affecting 4.3 million people in this country.” She maintained that her decision was “the right thing to do.”
This internal discord highlights the challenges Starmer faces in maintaining party unity while navigating the complexities of governance. As the new Prime Minister settles into his role, he must balance the expectations of his broad electoral coalition with the practical constraints of government and the diverse views within his own party.
The coming weeks and months will be crucial for Starmer and his government as they begin to implement their policy agenda and address the pressing issues facing the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister’s performance in these early PMQs sessions will be closely watched as an indicator of his ability to defend his policies and withstand opposition scrutiny in the highly charged atmosphere of the House of Commons.
The Associated Press
