In a blistering parliamentary attack, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has condemned what he termed the Conservative government's "last rites budget" as the country approaches a crucial general election. The opposition leader didn't hold back during Prime Minister's Questions, painting a damning picture of an administration running out of time and ideas.
NHS in Crisis Takes Centre Stage
Starmer seized on the growing healthcare crisis, highlighting how even Conservative MPs are now openly criticising their own government's handling of the NHS. "We've got the ridiculous situation where Conservative MPs are begging the government to save the NHS from the government," he declared to a charged House of Commons.
The Labour leader pointed to specific examples of Conservative backbenchers breaking ranks, including one MP who recently warned that their local hospital risked becoming an "unsafe place to receive treatment." This public airing of internal party concerns signals deepening trouble for the ruling party.
Economic Warnings Ignored
Starmer didn't stop at healthcare, turning his fire on the government's economic record. He reminded the chamber of previous warnings from Labour about the disastrous consequences of Liz Truss's mini-budget, which he claimed the current Prime Minister had initially supported.
"They were warned, but they didn't listen," Starmer stated, positioning Labour as the party of fiscal responsibility in contrast to what he characterised as Conservative economic chaos.
Sunak's Defence Falls Flat
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attempted to counter Starmer's arguments by highlighting recent economic improvements, but his defence appeared weakened by the visible unrest within his own party ranks. The exchange revealed a government struggling to maintain unity as election pressures mount.
With Conservative MPs increasingly vocal about their concerns, particularly regarding healthcare provision in their constituencies, Starmer's portrayal of a fractured government resonated throughout Westminster.
Election Battle Lines Drawn
The heated exchange sets the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested election campaign. Starmer's focus on the NHS and economic competence signals Labour's key attack lines, while the government finds itself battling not just opposition criticism but discontent from within.
As one political observer noted after the session, "When your own side starts saying publicly what they've been whispering privately, you know you're in serious trouble."
