Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has been widely ridiculed after telling what many are calling the worst football joke in Prime Minister's Questions history. During PMQs on 1 July 2026, Davey attempted to draw a parallel between England's injured defenders at the World Cup and Prime Minister Keir Starmer's much-criticised defence plan. The joke was met with groans from MPs and a bemused look from Starmer, and it quickly went viral on social media, where users urged him to never tell a football joke again.
The Joke and Its Context
Davey stood up in the Commons and said: “Can I wish England well against DR Congo later today. But with Reece James and Jarrell Quansah in doubt, I know the Prime Minister isn't the only one struggling for a solid defence plan...” The remark was intended to criticise Starmer's recently unveiled Defence Investment Plan, worth nearly £300 billion over four years, which includes record spending on drones, missiles, AI, and next-generation fighter jets.
However, the joke fell flat. Instead of applause, Davey received groans and a baffled reaction from Starmer, who laughed at him rather than with him. The Liberal Democrat leader appeared annoyed as he sat down.
Defence Plan Under Fire
Starmer's defence plan has already faced heavy criticism from former military chiefs and opposition MPs. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge warned that much of the equipment “won’t be in service until the 2030s, when the threat we face is right now.” Former Defence Secretary John Healey, who resigned after clashing with the Treasury, said the plan fell short, noting that Britain would only be spending 2.7% of GDP on defence by 2030, the year NATO fears Russia will be ready to attack. He added, “European security is at stake.” The Ministry of Defence had reportedly pushed for an extra £28 billion in funding, almost double the £15 billion agreed.
Online Reaction
The internet reacted swiftly and harshly. One user commented: “Never, ever tell a football joke again Ed.” Another said they “laughed.. at how bad that one was,” while a third added: “This deserves a red card from PMQs.” A fourth user remarked: “He’d suck the atmosphere out of a kids party.” Davey has not yet responded to the backlash, but the clip of his joke has been widely shared on social media.
