Sir Keir Starmer's final Prime Minister's Questions was a somber affair, overshadowed by the murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch began the session by paying tribute to Widdecombe, who was killed last week.
Starmer responded: "I know that the hurt is keenly felt across all her friends and family, but it is particularly keenly felt by political colleagues in the Conservative Party for many years, and in Reform as well."
Starmer's Statesmanlike Moment
Badenoch also praised Starmer for his handling of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Downing Street after his clash with Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office in February 2025.
Starmer recounted: "I walked out to meet him, I gave him a hug, and then I showed him what was in the street which was many people who had come, thinking that he was visiting Downing Street. The moment he got out the car and hugged me, they cheered from the top of their voices, the British people, to tell President Zelensky exactly what they thought of him and the way he had been treated."
In a swipe at Trump, Starmer added: "I had a meeting with him to tell him that in this country we will stand with him and Ukraine. I didn't let him leave alone. I walked him out to his car because we don't let people in Britain walk out of our buildings, we escort them out."
Jokes and Farewells
Starmer's jokes did not always land. Badenoch called for a Clacton by-election TV debate between Nigel Farage and Count Binface, accusing the Reform UK leader of avoiding scrutiny over his financial affairs. Starmer responded: "They intend to spend the summer arguing with a bin. My advice to everyone is put your vote in the bin."
As an Arsenal fan, Starmer joked he had an appointment with his TV at 8pm for the England vs Argentina match.
Starmer delivered his farewell speech: "Every prime minister knows when they take up the torch that the day will come when they have to pass it on. That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey. In six years, went from historic defeat in 2019 to historic victory in 2024, and in two years in government, I leave the country in better shape than I found it. To my successor and each of you, I will give my full support to all colleagues across the House. Can I wish you good health and happiness to all those in the gallery whose lives have been changed or improved by this Labour government, and all across the country who struggle to be seen or heard. You're the reason I came into politics. To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye."
