During Prime Minister’s Questions, Kemi Badenoch challenged Sir Keir Starmer on the rise in unemployment under his leadership. She directly asked him whether he could promise the British public that unemployment would go down by this time next year. But instead of answering the question, Starmer dodged it and shifted the topic to talk about trade deals he had made with India and the US.
Badenoch pointed out that big companies like Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, and Santander have all been cutting jobs every month this year. She quoted official figures from the Office for National Statistics, which estimate there are about 100,000 fewer jobs now than there were last year. She blamed the new National Insurance increase, calling it a “jobs tax,” and warned that it could make the employment situation even worse.
When pressed again, Starmer avoided giving a clear answer and instead criticized her for attacking his trade deal with the US. He told her to visit workers at Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull to see how that deal helps protect their jobs. However, Badenoch pointed out that he still didn’t make any promise about reducing unemployment.
She expanded the criticism to include charitable services, saying that even Farley Hospice is struggling. The hospice now needs to find an extra £250,000 just to cover the National Insurance hike. She asked how the Prime Minister expected them to afford it.
Starmer responded by saying his government has already given £100 million in support to the charity sector. He accused Badenoch of complaining every week without offering any solutions. He challenged her to admit whether she would reverse the National Insurance decision, but claimed she wouldn’t, because doing so would mean she opposes the extra money being invested in the NHS and police.
In closing, Starmer went on the offensive, saying the Conservative Party is finished and out of ideas, calling them a “dead party walking.” His fiery exchange with Badenoch reflected the growing tensions as both parties face rising pressure over jobs, taxes, and the economy.
