PMQs: Burnham stands firm amid Badenoch's disjointed questions
George Marshall • UK • 2 minute read
Image: House of Commons / Flickr
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Burnham has returned to Prime Minister’s Questions after conference season, his first PMQs since his speech, which has been described as seismic, motivational, and transformative among those inside and outside the party.
At a time when Badenoch is climbing the polls, we may expect her to have somewhat improved her game at the dispatch box. Yet after yesterday’s performance, it’s clear that the Leader of the Opposition still has a long way to go, as the Prime Minister stood strong against Badenoch’s disconnected and disjointed barrage of questions.
Badenoch began by attacking Burnham’s claim in a recent podcast of Russian interference in British politics and national security, specifically regarding the Brexit referendum in 206. Rather than pinning the Prime Minister down, she drifted between broad accusations and general concerns, leaving the goal open for Burnham to highlight her own past lack of concern for Russian involvement in British democracy. Burnham was able to respond with relative ease, highlighting the government's existing security measures and commitment to working with allies against foreign threats. The exchange generated more heat than light and failed to land a meaningful blow.
Image: House of Commons / Flickr
The Opposition leader then pivoted towards the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields, criticising the government's position on North Sea energy policy. Again, however, the argument lacked cohesion. Attempting to balance concerns over energy security, economic growth, and environmental commitments, Badenoch never appeared entirely sure which attack line to pursue. Burnham seized on this ambiguity, presenting his government as one focused on both investment and long-term energy transition. The Prime Minister looked comfortable discussing the subject, while Badenoch struggled to establish a persuasive alternative vision.
Perhaps the Tories’ most promising avenue of attack concerned welfare and the government's increasingly strained relationship with some of its own backbenchers. Recent disagreements within the governing party have exposed divisions on welfare reform, and Badenoch appeared eager to exploit them. Yet, instead of focusing relentlessly on Labour's internal tensions, she moved on before building sustained pressure. Burnham was therefore able to frame disagreement as a sign of healthy democratic debate rather than evidence of a government in disarray. What could have become a difficult moment instead became another opportunity for the Prime Minister to project confidence and authority.
Burnham was firmly in control
The session concluded with questions on defence spending, a traditionally strong issue for opposition scrutiny. Badenoch challenged the government's commitment to maintaining Britain's military capabilities amid growing international instability. While this line of questioning carried greater urgency, it again suffered from a lack of structure. Burnham countered by reaffirming the government's defence commitments and its support for Britain's armed forces, neutralising the attack without appearing under significant pressure.
Ultimately, Burnham arrived with momentum following a successful conference season and used the session to reinforce an image of stability and competence. Badenoch, despite improving poll numbers and growing political relevance, failed to translate these advantages into an effective parliamentary performance. If she hopes to convince voters that she is a government-in-waiting, she will need to develop a sharper, more coherent strategy at the dispatch box. On this occasion, Burnham was firmly in control.
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•Published: 16/10/26
•Added a hyperlink to the Parliament YouTube channel's livestream of the relevant PMQs: 22/10/26
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