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UK Parliament
During the latest Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), Sir Keir Starmer received a warm welcome as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the importance of maintaining the UK’s support for Ukraine. The discourse highlighted a rare area of consensus between the two leaders, focusing heavily on the ongoing military assistance to Ukraine.
With a significant Labour victory in the recent election setting the stage, Sunak chose not to delve into the domestic agenda of Labour, which has been a priority for the newly elected government. Instead, he directed his attention to foreign affairs and security issues, steering clear of contentious domestic matters.
However, Sir Keir found himself defending the government’s welfare strategies, particularly in light of dissent within his own party regarding the controversial two-child benefits cap. Just this week, he suspended seven Labour backbenchers after they expressed support for an SNP initiative to abolish the cap, a move that underscored the challenges he faces from the party’s left wing following a decisive electoral victory.
Upon entering the chamber for his first PMQs since assuming office, Sir Keir was met with enthusiastic applause from Labour MPs. Sunak, maintaining his trademark self-effacing humor, remarked on the perception of his authority, joking about being an unlikely consultant for British athletes preparing for the Paris Olympics, eliciting mixed reactions from Labour’s representatives who filled the benches opposite him.
In a clearly strategic maneuver, Sunak used his time to ensure that the discussion remained centered on topics like national security and aid to Ukraine, areas where bipartisan agreement exists. This approach also sought to deter further scrutiny of the Conservative government’s previous record, especially as Labour ministers have openly criticized the state of public services since their return to power.
Sir Keir reiterated this point during the session, asserting that his government had “inherited” numerous crises from its predecessor, characterized by what he termed “failure absolutely everywhere.”
Tempest Talks
Discussions regarding the Tempest aircraft project also took center stage, with Sunak pressing for continue collaboration with Saudi Arabia on a joint fighter jet initiative alongside Italy and Japan. He stressed the project’s significance for national sovereignty. Sir Keir responded positively, indicating his intention to build on the progress already made in these discussions, labeling the initiative as “really important.”
Notably, questions remain regarding the UK’s ongoing participation in the Tempest programme, particularly in light of a recent review that has sparked concerns about escalating costs. Sunak has been cautious not to fully disclose the government’s position on whether it will terminate involvement in the project.
Both leaders expressed unity over the ongoing support for Ukraine, particularly in relation to new military requests, reinforcing their commitment to a shared foreign policy agenda.
Benefit Cap Rebellion
Another significant topic that emerged was the controversial two-child benefit cap, initiated by the Conservatives in 2017, which restricts financial support for families with more than two children. Sir Keir Starmer found himself defending the government’s approach to child poverty amidst calls from various factions, including some within his party, to abolish this limit.
The cap has become a focal point for many MPs, charities, and advocates who argue it exacerbates child poverty. Responses from Labour members indicate a strong desire for reform, with SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn urging Sir Keir to reconsider the policy’s implications. He referenced former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s earlier advocacy for change regarding this issue.
In his defense, Sunak pointed to alternative measures being implemented to address poverty, such as initiating primary school breakfast clubs and eliminating no-fault evictions for private renters. However, criticisms regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of these measures continue to resonate among opposition parties and advocacy groups.
Source
www.bbc.com