Prime Minister

In the House of Commons debate, the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, began by highlighting the government's recent actions, including the announcement of a new national monument to honour the late Queen and the upcoming introduction of the Renters' Rights Bill. He also mentioned his upcoming visit to the United States to meet with President Biden. The Leader of the Opposition, Rishi Sunak, joined the Prime Minister in expressing condolences for the late Queen and well-wishes for the Princess of Wales. However, he then criticized the government's decision to withdraw the winter fuel payment from some pensioners, arguing that the Prime Minister was hiding the impact assessment for this policy. The Prime Minister defended the decision, stating that it was necessary to stabilize the economy and that the government was committed to the triple lock, which would ensure higher state pension payments. The debate then covered a range of topics, including the government's approach to supporting British farmers, the need for independent assessments of farmland quality, the government's plans for housing and infrastructure development, and the government's efforts to address the crisis in the prison system. The Prime Minister and opposition leaders exchanged views on these issues, with the Prime Minister emphasizing the government's commitment to rebuilding the country and supporting working people, while the opposition criticized the government's actions and the legacy of the previous administration. The discussion also touched on the government's plans for the railways, with the Prime Minister highlighting the reforms being introduced through the Great British Railways initiative. The debate also addressed the government's approach to international affairs, with the Prime Minister defending the government's decision regarding the export of F-35 components to Israel. Throughout the debate, the Prime Minister and opposition leaders engaged in a lively exchange, with both sides seeking to make their case to the House and the public. The discussion covered a wide range of policy areas, reflecting the breadth of the government's agenda and the ongoing political debates within the UK.