Prime Minister Kemi Badenoch and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer engaged in a heated debate during Prime Minister’s Questions, just hours after Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled her proposals to boost economic growth. Mrs Badenoch claimed that Labour’s changes would result in “higher prices, fewer jobs, less growth” and urged Starmer to rethink the party’s approach. However, the Prime Minister rejected the criticism and defended Labour’s plans, accusing the Conservatives of having “completely destroyed” the economy during their time in government.
Starmer began by praising Reeves’ speech, saying the Government was committed to “kick-starting economic growth” as its “number one mission.” But Mrs Badenoch hit back, claiming the Opposition had “embraced a series of Conservative policies” that would take time to benefit anyone.
The Tory leader also took aim at Labour’s proposed Employment Bill, describing it as an “unemployment bill” that would be “terrible for business.” She hailed former US President Donald Trump’s approach to deregulation, saying it had “freed business from red tape,” in contrast to the UK government’s plans.
Starmer accused Mrs Badenoch of talking “absolute nonsense” and mockingly suggested she could be “the next lettuce” – a reference to the media’s comparison of her predecessor Liz Truss to a perishable vegetable. The Prime Minister defended the Employment Bill, saying it would give workers “proper dignity and protection.”
The two leaders traded blows over the state of the economy, with Starmer saying the Conservatives had not exactly left a “golden inheritance.” Mrs Badenoch claimed Labour was “destroying” growth, while the Prime Minister retorted that the Tories were in no position to lecture anyone.
The heated exchanges underscored the political divide over economic policy, as the government seeks to regain the initiative after a prolonged period of economic stagnation.