Kemi Badenoch’s sharp questioning of Keir Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) left Tory MPs in stitches as she pressed the Prime Minister on Labour’s proposed National Insurance hike, dubbed the “jobs tax.” Badenoch demanded to know whether the government would exempt hospices from the tax, a move that could severely impact end-of-life care services. Starmer, however, dodged the question, instead highlighting a £100 million investment in adult and children’s hospices.
Badenoch fired back, pointing out that the funding Starmer referenced was for buildings, not salaries, which would be directly affected by the jobs tax. She cited St Helena Hospice in Colchester, which has warned that the tax would strain their ability to pay staff. “Why is the Prime Minister not listening to hospices?” she asked.
Starmer defended his position, stating he had already addressed the issue, but Badenoch’s quick wit stole the show. When Labour MPs shouted her down as she attempted to respond to Starmer’s counter-question, she quipped, “If they want me to answer questions, then we can swap sides!” The retort delighted Tory backbenchers, who cheered and called for more.
Starmer shot back, “Heaven forbid—after 14 years of breaking everything, we’re getting on with the job of fixing it, and all she can do is carp from the sidelines with absolutely no policy.”
The exchange comes amid growing concerns over Labour’s planned 1.2% increase in employer National Insurance contributions, set to take effect on April 6. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride has warned that the hike could lead to job losses, stalled economic growth, and higher inflation, calling it a “ticking time bomb” for businesses, charities, and hospices.
A Conservative spokesman accused Labour of plotting stealth taxes, noting that Starmer failed to reaffirm the Chancellor’s pledge not to extend the freeze on income tax. This has fueled speculation that Labour may introduce further tax increases in next week’s emergency budget.
The clash highlights the deepening divide between Labour and the Conservatives over economic policy, with Badenoch’s performance energizing Tory MPs and putting Starmer on the defensive. As the jobs tax looms, the debate over its impact on businesses and vital services like hospices is likely to intensify.
