PMQs: Starmer Triumphs as Badenoch's Scattergun Tactics Misfire

Heard this one before?
Badenoch fiercely criticized the agreement, describing it as an “immoral surrender” designed for “north London lawyers to boast at their dinner parties.” The anti-lawyer sentiment remains a recurring theme…

Legal talk:
Starmer took a measured, lawyerly approach, arguing that “without legal certainty, the base cannot operate effectively.” However, he was vague on national security and the country’s adversaries, cryptically stating that “some within the party opposite know exactly what I am talking about.” He also suggested that if Badenoch wasn’t properly informed, “she’s not fit to be prime minister.”

Sharp response:
Badenoch dismissed claims that she was uninformed, firing back that Starmer’s response was “so weak and waffly it’s no wonder he needs a voice coach.” That was a pointed reference to Labour leader Starmer’s reported reliance on coach Leonie Mellinger—an issue that sparked controversy over whether he breached Covid-19 lockdown rules while receiving training.

Shifting gears:
Rather than staying on the Chagos Islands debate, Badenoch pivoted to a recent court ruling on drilling permits for two major North Sea oil and gas fields—Rosebank and Jackdaw. She argued that the business sector was “abandoning the North Sea” because the government declined to contest an environmental legal challenge to drilling.

Energy stance:
The prime minister reiterated that oil and gas would remain part of the U.K.’s energy strategy “for many years to come.” He responded to Badenoch’s remarks by accusing her of “student politics and playing party politics”—in the midst of PMQs, no less!

Notable backbench contributions:
Labour’s Rugby MP John Slinger claimed that Reform UK supports shifting the National Health Service to an insurance-based model, despite party leader Nigel Farage denying this. Clearly, someone has been reading party HQ’s briefing notes. Meanwhile, Labour’s Bolton South and Walkden MP Yasmin Qureshi sought reassurance from Starmer on the government’s commitment to improving rail services. Unsurprisingly, he confirmed that it was.

Final verdict:
Badenoch: 6/10. Starmer: 7/10.
With the government facing numerous domestic and international challenges, Badenoch had plenty of material to use against Starmer. However, while she strongly criticized the Chagos deal, she shifted tactics mid-session. Starmer’s well-prepared responses helped him deflect the attacks effectively.