Westminster witnessed political fireworks today as Sir Keir Starmer confronted Rishi Sunak in a particularly combative Prime Minister's Questions session. The Labour leader launched a direct assault on what he called the government's "NHS crisis" while fiercely rebutting Conservative claims about his party's tax policies.
NHS Waiting Lists Take Centre Stage
Starmer opened his attack by highlighting the staggering growth in NHS waiting lists, pointing out they've ballooned from 7.2 million to 7.6 million under Sunak's leadership. "When he became Prime Minister, he personally pledged they would fall," Starmer declared across the dispatch box. "They haven't fallen - they've grown."
The Labour leader didn't hold back, adding: "He's the first Prime Minister in history to preside over a strike by every single part of the NHS. Why does he think the NHS is going backwards on his watch?"
Tax Battle Heats Up
The confrontation intensified as Starmer challenged Sunak over Conservative claims that Labour plans to increase taxes by £2,000 per household. Branding the accusation "a lie," Starmer demanded the Prime Minister withdraw what he called "garbage" claims.
In a dramatic moment, Starmer revealed that the Treasury's permanent secretary had written to him confirming that civil servants were not involved in calculating the controversial figure. This revelation prompted the Speaker to intervene, urging both sides to moderate their language.
Sunak's Defence and Counterattack
The Prime Minister stood firm, defending his government's record and turning the focus back on Labour. "We are cutting taxes for workers, he wants to raise them," Sunak fired back, maintaining his party's line about Labour's alleged tax plans.
Sunak also highlighted recent economic improvements, pointing to falling inflation and the implementation of the biggest ever cash increase to the National Living Wage. However, the opposition benches remained unconvinced, with audible discontent following many of his responses.
Broader Political Implications
Today's heated exchange comes against the backdrop of ongoing political manoeuvring, with Labour consistently leading in opinion polls. The session revealed both leaders sharpening their attack lines ahead of the next general election, with the NHS and taxation emerging as likely key battlegrounds.
The intensity of today's PMQs suggests both parties are preparing for what could be one of the most fiercely contested election campaigns in recent memory, with healthcare and economic credibility at the heart of the political debate.
