Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set for a challenging session of Prime Minister's Questions today, facing scrutiny over his leadership and the government's upcoming Budget. The session, beginning at 12pm on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, comes at a critical time for the Labour government.
Leadership Questions Loom Large
The Prime Minister will face the Commons for the first time since vowing to lead Labour into the next general election in an interview with The Mirror on Monday. This appearance follows an explosion of speculation about his leadership after a bitter briefing war erupted within the party last week. MPs are likely to press him for further clarity on his position and the party's direction.
Pre-Budget Pressure and Tax Accusations
Today's session also serves as a prelude to one of the government's most significant moments: Chancellor Rachel Reeves's make-or-break Budget, which will be delivered to the Commons in exactly one week. The fiscal plan is already under fire, with Tory MP Kemi Badenoch set to question the Prime Minister. She has accused the Chancellor of planning a "stealth tax bombshell" for the British public.
This accusation gained traction after Ms Reeves was forced to abandon plans for a manifesto-busting hike to income tax last week, creating an air of uncertainty around the government's final financial package.
Asylum Shake-up Adds to Challenges
Further complicating matters for the Prime Minister is a major backlash against the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood. Earlier this week, she announced a controversial shake-up of the asylum system, which includes hardline measures such as ordering officials to be less hesitant about removing families with children.
More controversially, she revealed that the government is investigating enforced returns to Syria. These proposals have been condemned by Labour backbenchers, human rights campaigners, and opposition groups, ensuring the issue will be a focal point for difficult questions directed at Mr Starmer during today's session.
