Prime Minister Keir Starmer endured a rigorous and wide-ranging interrogation from senior MPs on Monday, facing intense scrutiny over domestic crises and international security. The session before the powerful Liaison Committee saw the PM pressed on issues from industrial action in the NHS and delayed strategies on violence against women to the looming threat from Russia and a controversial shake-up of inheritance tax.
Domestic Pressures: Strikes, Leaks and Delayed Strategies
The Prime Minister did not hold back in his criticism of the British Medical Association (BMA), branding ongoing strike action by resident doctors as "irresponsible". This came after union members voted overwhelmingly, by 83% to 17%, to continue with walkouts scheduled from December 17th to 22nd. Starmer asserted that the striking medics had "lost the sympathy of the public" and firmly stated the government would not simply "cough up and sign the cheque" to meet their demands.
Elsewhere on the home front, Starmer addressed the sensitive issue of government leaks, particularly concerning Budget details. He described such leaks as "intolerable" and revealed he had previously "taken action which has led to the removal of individuals" for similar breaches. While acknowledging the difficulty in tracing sources, he confirmed a leak inquiry was underway.
The PM also faced sharp criticism over delays to the long-awaited Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy. Dame Karen Bradley, chair of the Home Affairs Committee, warned of "real world consequences", citing the closure of three rape crisis centres due to funding uncertainty caused by the holdup. Starmer committed to publishing the strategy "as soon as possible".
Inheritance Tax Storm and the Russian Threat
One of the most emotionally charged exchanges centred on Labour's planned reforms to inheritance tax relief on agricultural property, set for April. Labour MP Cat Smith presented a stark allegation, asking the Prime Minister if he was aware that some farmers with terminal diagnoses were "actively planning to expedite their own deaths" to avoid the new tax liabilities.
Starmer responded that he understood the concerns, having met with the National Farmers' Union president, but defended the changes as "sensible reform". Committee chairman Alistair Carmichael emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating "nobody should be left feeling... that they would be better off dying between now and next April."
On the international stage, Starmer turned his attention to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the persistent danger posed by Russia. Ahead of a key meeting with European leaders in Berlin, he warned that the UK "cannot let up" in its support for Kyiv. He urged vigilance, pointing to Russian intent in territorial claims, cyber operations, and referencing the Salisbury poisonings, stating the nation must "be alert to that ever-present danger from Russia."
Leadership Whispers and a Light-Hearted Moment
Amid the serious policy discussions, the Prime Minister was also questioned on the relentless speculation about a potential challenge to his leadership, often linked to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. When Tory MP Alberto Costa asked if the chatter was a party matter, Starmer laughed and replied, "No, I'm not sure I can. It seems to be pretty rife."
The two-hour session underscored the multitude of challenges facing the government, from immediate industrial disputes and fiscal policy controversies to long-term strategic security concerns, all under the watchful eye of Parliament's most senior select committee chairs.
