PMQs: A disappointing sequel best not repeated
Connor Summerell • UK • 2 minute read
Image: House of Commons / Flickr
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Unlike last week, yesterday's PMQs did not inspire confidence that British politics was embarking on a new era rife with talent.
This week's questions from the Leader of the Opposition centred around the issues of defence and how the Chancellor will fund the 3% of GDP pledge he resigned over a few months ago. In response to this line of questioning, Burnham provided a series of equivocations and obfuscations with very little substance backing them up. Badenoch pursued the issue well and brought up the myriad threats that Britain faces from both Russia and Αrgentina. However, Burnham responded well by reaffirming the government’s commitment to the Falkland Islands.
In a change to scheduled programming, both of... [Ed Davey's] questions were important and well-delivered
A particularly distasteful moment at the end of Badenoch’s line of questioning was her comment about how Burnham was “continuity Keir on issues that really matter”. In light of the new sanctions regime announced by Britain and other major nations yesterday, this seemed profoundly insensitive. While it may be argued that the issue of Israel-Palestine may not have the broadest political salience, and that these sanctions may not herald significant changes in the region, the idea that breaches of international law do not matter speaks to the broader disregard the modern Conservative Party (and the right more generally) have with the world order it helped to create. While this is not the place to discuss this issue more broadly, to many watching today this question left a sour taste in the mouth.
Following Badenoch’s questions, it was once again the turn of Ed Davey to take to the stage. In a change to scheduled programming, both of the Liberal Democrat Leader’s questions were important and well delivered. Firstly, continuing a theme from last week, Davey asked once again about maternity services and the various failings identified around the country. Burnham gave a calm and considerate response, promising further updates and action in the coming weeks. Secondly, Davey asked about reports that President Trump pressured AI-company Anthropic not to submit its latest model to relevant UK regulator. This is the latest in a string of breaches between the UK and USA which pose fundamental questions about the so-called “special relationship”.
Image: House of Commons / Flickr
Overall, this was a far less inspiring PMQs than last week. While the previous exchange between the Labour and Conservative leaders seemed both fruitful and entertaining, today it seemed neither. Both politicians should use the hiatus of PMQs during conference season to reflect on their attitudes towards this weekly event to make it both more productive and gripping upon their return.
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•Published: 10/09/26
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