PMQs: Starmer Prevails While Badenoch Focuses on a Petition

Tories Stay on Brand
Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch doubled down on a classic Conservative talking point by emphasizing that “it’s not government that creates growth, it is business.” She backed her stance with criticism from the influential business lobby group CBI, which has warned that government policies lack coherence. Badenoch also highlighted recent farmer protests over Labour’s proposed tweaks to inheritance tax, suggesting that Labour’s tax-and-spend approach alienates the very communities it claims to represent.

Labour Projects Maturity
While Labour leader Keir Starmer didn’t exactly deliver a firebrand performance, he managed to position his party as the sensible, governing alternative in contrast to what he characterized as the Tories’ noisy opposition. Badenoch inadvertently bolstered his case.

Petition Politics Misstep
Badenoch referenced a viral petition signed by 2.7 million people calling for a fresh general election. While it’s gaining traction online, Starmer brushed it off, pointing out that Britain has a population of 68 million and ridiculing the suggestion as overly dramatic. “She talks about a petition — we had a massive petition on July 4 in this country,” Starmer said, a nod to Labour’s electoral mandate. He added, “We spent years transforming our party from a protest movement into a governing force. They [the Conservatives] are moving in the opposite direction.”

G20 Criticism Falls Flat
Badenoch attempted to score points by criticizing Starmer for “hob-nobbing” in Brazil amidst domestic challenges — a swipe at the PM’s attendance at the G20 summit. However, her remark appeared out of step, given the G20’s global importance for the U.K. As a rebuttal, Starmer wryly observed: “I suspect on their current trajectory, they don’t know whether they will attend the G20 or not.”

A Misfire of a Joke
Badenoch raised eyebrows (and sparked some groans) when she quoted warnings from biscuit-maker McVitie’s about how Labour’s budget plans might affect the economy. She quipped about another “ginger nut” causing the PM issues — a likely dig at Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. The off-color joke received criticism, with POLITICO suggesting it might be time to “sack” whoever dreamed it up.

Automotive Job Losses Loom Large
A thornier challenge for Starmer came with this week’s closure announcement from Vauxhall’s major factory in Luton. The automaker’s owners cited stringent government deadlines for the transition to electric vehicles, coupled with lagging consumer demand, as factors driving the decision. Badenoch seized on the news, calling it the “real-world effects” of Labour’s green agenda. She demanded to know whether the PM would stick to the planned ban on petrol car sales by 2030, even at the risk of further job losses.

This back-and-forth showcases the evolving battle lines between Labour’s focus on long-term policy goals and the Tories’ critique of those plans as disconnected from immediate economic realities.


Comments

2 responses to “PMQs: Starmer Prevails While Badenoch Focuses on a Petition”

  1. jigkraken Avatar

    Oh, lovely to see Kemi Badenoch pulling out the classic “it’s not the government, it’s you” line—because clearly, the magic fairy of business growth has been on holiday since 2010. 🧚‍♂️ Meanwhile, Starmer’s juggling petitions like a true circus act—who knew democracy could be such a laugh? 🎪

  2. mule lock Avatar

    Oh, look at Kemi Badenoch trying to juggle petitions and biscuits like a circus act—who knew politics could be such a laugh? 🍪 With all this focus on “business creates growth,” it’s almost like the Tories are auditioning for a slapstick comedy instead of running the country! 😂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

Brussels NMBS Infrabel Launch 99-Year SubJonction Project

Brussels NMBS Infrabel Launch 99-Year SubJonction Project

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Brussels, Infrabel, and NMBS will turn the space under Brussels-Chapelle station into SubJonction, a cultural hub with a hall, restaurant, and outdoor area. Works may start in 2028.
As VRT News reported, Brussels will change the space under the Brussels-Chapelle train station into a new cultural place. This area is between Sint-Brigittenstraat and Ursuline

Read More

Union: Limiting subsidies could discourage farmers from environmental stewardship

Union: Limiting subsidies could discourage farmers from environmental stewardship

Prague – The initial outline of the upcoming European agricultural policy, which includes a cap on subsidies and a gradual reduction in support for agricultural businesses, might dissuade some farmers from engaging in environmental protection and adhering to eco-friendly measures. This concern was expressed today by Martin Pýcha, chairman of the Agricultural Union of the Czech Republic. The union

Read More

Modi to Visit UK Next Week for India Trade Deal Signing

Modi to Visit UK Next Week for India Trade Deal Signing

India’s Commerce Ministry has set the end of July as the deadline for officials to sign the trade deal, according to a source briefed on the matter. Two other sources, also granted anonymity, said Starmer and Modi are expected to sign the deal in the U.K. before the month ends.
Modi plans a “flying visit to sign the FTA so the ratification process can begin,” one source stated. Starmer had conside

Read More

Brussels to Consolidate 6 Police Zones by 2027, Backed by Quintin

Brussels to Consolidate 6 Police Zones by 2027, Backed by Quintin

Brussels (Eurotoday) – Brussels will merge its 6 police zones into one by 2027, spending €55 million. Minister Bernard Quintin says this will improve safety, speed, and trust citywide.
AS VRT News reported, after many years of talks and delays, the government has agreed to join all 6 police zones in Brussels into one. Officials mentioned that before, each zone had its boss, rules, and budget. Th

Read More

Budget PAC: French Agriculture Minister Criticizes Commission’s Proposal

Budget PAC: French Agriculture Minister Criticizes Commission’s Proposal

Paris – “The European Commission’s initial budget proposal for the future of the Union and the Common Agricultural Policy fails to align with the bold vision I have consistently championed for the role of agriculture in France’s future and in the European project,” stated the French minister on her X account.
Highlighting the challenges posed by climate change to ensure “food producti

Read More

Aktualisierung zur Merz-Pressekonferenz

Aktualisierung zur Merz-Pressekonferenz

Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces the capital’s press before the summer break in his first summer press conference since taking office. He had little concrete to say. From his role as a simple member of parliament to party leader – Merz dodges the personnel debate around Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf.
Rixa Fürsen and Gordon Repinski analyze the undertones and why Merz declares Merkel’s famous phras

Read More

ON6ZT Radio Club Revives Zottegem Station with NMBS and Mayor

ON6ZT Radio Club Revives Zottegem Station with NMBS and Mayor

Zottegem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Local Radio club ON6ZT has moved into Zottegem’s old train station after years of vacancy. With NMBS and Mayor Evelien De Both’s support, the club now meets 3 times a week.
As VRT News reported, the old train station in Zottegem, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, has a new use. Local radio club ON6ZT has moved in. The building was empty for many y

Read More

German Finance Minister: Numerous items in the EU budget are unacceptable

German Finance Minister: Numerous items in the EU budget are unacceptable

Durban (dpa) – Germany’s Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has expressed that he finds the proposal by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the next long-term EU budget unacceptable. “We must absolutely remain proportionate in finances. I see that as not being maintained,” the Social Democrat stated during a G20 finance ministers meeting in Durban, South Africa.
The German government ai

Read More

Belgian Supermarkets Permitted Extended Hours

Belgian Supermarkets Permitted Extended Hours

Belgian supermarkets will now have permission to operate until 9 p.m. and can open all week, as per local news sources. Previously, supermarkets, along with clothing and electronics stores, were required to close at least one day weekly and by 8 p.m. (or 9 p.m. on Fridays). The Belgian government is anticipated to formally change these regulations on Friday, as reported by De Morgen. This regulato

Read More

Iranians Highlight the Third Option: "No to Appeasement, No to War – Yes to Regime Change by the People and Their Organized Resistance"

Iranians Highlight the Third Option: "No to Appeasement, No to War – Yes to Regime Change by the People and Their Organized Resistance"

Although cease fire in the Middle East is preserved, the escalations between Iran and Europe about Iran’s nuclear program and the activation of snapback mechanism is reaching a new turning point. With this regard, on Wednesday July 16 Hundreds of Iranians and supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), gathered at Place du Luxembourg in Brussels to denounce the Iranian regim

Read More