Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has launched a scathing attack on Conservative MPs, accusing them of using "smear tactics" to deflect criticism over the UK's chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan in 2021. The heated exchange came during Prime Minister's Questions as Defence Secretary Ben Wallace faced renewed scrutiny over his handling of the crisis.
Political Row Erupts in Commons
The confrontation unfolded after Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle permitted an urgent question about Wallace's recent comments suggesting Labour would have "blood on its hands" if it had been in power during the evacuation. Starmer condemned these remarks as "disgraceful" and accused the Tories of "playing politics with national security".
Afghanistan Withdrawal Under Microscope
The debate reignited painful memories of the August 2021 evacuation, when thousands of Afghan allies were left behind as Taliban forces seized Kabul. Wallace has previously admitted the operation was "not perfect" but maintains the government did its best under extraordinary circumstances.
Starmer countered: "Rather than accept responsibility, they resort to smears and hypotheticals. The British public deserve honesty about what went wrong, not political point-scoring."
Speaker Intervenes in Heated Exchange
Tempers flared as Conservative backbenchers heckled Starmer, prompting Speaker Hoyle to intervene multiple times. The Labour leader demanded Wallace withdraw his inflammatory remarks, while government ministers defended the Defence Secretary's right to "robust political debate".
Political analysts suggest this confrontation signals growing tensions as both parties position themselves on defence policy ahead of the next general election. With veterans' groups and military families watching closely, the fallout from Afghanistan continues to haunt Westminster.
