At the latest Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), Sir Keir Starmer faced his first Commons grilling since the resignation of Wes Streeting and the by-election challenge from Andy Burnham. The session saw significant developments regarding fuel duty and Russia sanctions.
Fuel Duty Freeze Announced
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer informed MPs that the 5p per litre fuel duty cut, introduced by the Conservative government in March 2022, would be extended for the remainder of the year, rather than being scrapped in September as previously planned. This move effectively freezes fuel duty, a decision that drew immediate reaction from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
Badenoch thanked Starmer for what she termed a 'U-turn', stating in the Commons: "I welcome some of what the prime minister has said on fuel duty. Yes, it’s still a freeze, but we asked him about this on the 11th of March and the 25th of March, and he said he wasn’t going to do it."
Russia Sanctions Controversy
Starmer denied that the Government had lifted sanctions on Russian oil, responding to Badenoch's accusation that Labour was "giving money to Russia." He explained that new measures are being introduced and that two short-term licences have been issued to phase in these new sanctions.
Badenoch did not hold back, branding the watering down of Russia oil sanctions as 'insane'.
Tributes and Football Banter
In a lighter moment, the prime minister paid tribute to "one of Manchester’s great heroes moving on after almost a decade," referring to Pep Guardiola, who is reportedly stepping down as Manchester City FC manager. This was seen as a dig at leadership rival Andy Burnham.
Starmer, an Arsenal season ticket holder, also took the opportunity to congratulate Arsenal Football Club on becoming the Premier League champions, saying: "And if I could declare an interest, I’d also like to say congratulations to Arsenal Football Club on becoming the Premier League champions."
