Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, faced a brutal takedown during the final Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) of the year. Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, accused Sunak of plunging the Conservative Party into a chaotic civil war, with everyone else paying the price.
Rebel Tory MPs threaten to "kill" emergency deportation legislation
The PM was slammed over his failure to rein in rebel Tory MPs who are threatening to "kill" emergency deportation legislation in the new year. The right-wing rebels, known as the "Five Families," are a coalition of five different Tory groups. They have privately and publicly criticized the PM for being weak on tackling small boats and not doing enough to limit the influence of European courts on the British justice system.
"Tory party is in meltdown," says Sir Keir Starmer
Sir Keir Starmer stated during PMQs, "He can spin it all he likes but the whole country can see that yet again the Tory party is in meltdown and everyone else is paying the price." He further criticized the PM, saying that his own MPs have called him "not capable enough," "inexperienced," and "arrogant."
Labour leader mocks the Tories' lack of peace and goodwill
Sir Keir Starmer mockingly remarked, "Christmas is a time of peace on earth and goodwill to all – has anyone told the Tory Party?" Taking a dig at the Conservative Party's internal conflicts, he urged the PM to focus on the country and address the growing risk of homelessness.
Sunak highlights Government achievements
In response, Rishi Sunak highlighted the achievements of the government, stating, "At the beginning of the year I set out some priorities that this Government would deliver for the British people, and over the course of this year we have." He mentioned accomplishments such as halved inflation, a growing economy, falling debt, and tax cuts to help working families in the new year.
Debate on homelessness and home building
Sir Keir Starmer raised concerns about the risk of homelessness, to which Sunak responded by stating that rough sleeping in the country has decreased by 35% under the government's efforts. Sunak also mentioned the significant increase in new homes delivered in the past year, surpassing the numbers achieved during any year of the previous Labour government.
