Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK Labour Party, has recently shifted his approach at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), adopting a more aggressive and confrontational style. This change has been noticeable over the past few weeks, with Starmer appearing less rigid and less reliant on his legalistic demeanor. Instead, he has taken a more combative tone, particularly in his attacks on the Conservative Party and Reform UK, a smaller but increasingly influential political faction. This new strategy seems to align with Labour’s broader efforts to regain momentum, as recent polling data has shown Reform UK surpassing Labour in public support for the first time. The shift in Starmer’s performance at PMQs reflects a deliberate attempt to counter this challenge and reassert Labour’s position in the political landscape.
One of the key issues Starmer has focused on in his recent PMQs appearances is immigration, a topic that has become a central concern for both Reform UK voters and Conservative supporters considering a switch to Reform. During a recent session, Starmer criticized both the Tories and Reform UK for voting against Labour’s borders bill, which aimed to address illegal immigration by criminalizing the organization of small boat crossings and endangering lives at sea. In a dramatic, almost pantomime-like exchange, Starmer accused both parties of voting “against making it an offence to organise the buying, selling, and transport of small boats” and “against making it an offence to endanger lives at sea.” Labour backbenchersjoined in, chanting “Against!” as Starmer emphasized the opposition’s stance. Starmer also accused both parties of supporting “open borders,” a charge that resonated with Labour’s attack ads targeting Reform UK and the government’s tough rhetoric on illegal immigration.
The shift in Starmer’s approach has been noted by political observers, who suggest that this more assertive style is part of Labour’s fightback strategy. The party is clearly responding to the growing threat posed by Reform UK, which has gained traction by focusing on issues like immigration and critiques of the current government. Starmer’s new aggression at PMQs is complemented by Labour’s broader campaign efforts, including hard-hitting ads and videos that emphasize the need for stricter border controls. These moves appear designed to appeal to voters who are increasingly prioritizing immigration as a key issue, as highlighted by recent polling data.
However, Starmer’s new confrontational style has not been without its criticisms. During one PMQs session, he claimed that “farming is top of the agenda as far as I’m concerned,” a statement that was quickly challenged by Harriet Cross, a new Conservative MP. Cross pointed out that a Labour minister had recently downplayed the importance of farming, suggesting that Starmer’s rhetoric may not align with his party’s actual priorities. This exchange highlighted the risks of Starmer’s more aggressive approach, as it can sometimes lead to inconsistencies or overstatements that opponents are quick to exploit.
In contrast to Starmer’s newfound aggression, other party leaders, such as Sir Ed Davey of the Liberal Democrats, have taken a different approach at PMQs. Davey has consistently focused on serious, substantive issues, including President Trump’s threats against Ukraine and the imposition of tariffs on American electric cars like Elon Musk’s Teslas. His calm and measured style has provided a striking contrast to the increasingly theatrical exchanges between Starmer and the Conservatives. Davey even managed to inject a bit of humor into the proceedings, though his joke about tariffs on Tesla vehicles seemed to fall flat with the MPs present.
The evolving dynamics at PMQs also highlight the impact of changing fortunes for other parties. Stephen Flynn, of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has been less prominent since his party lost its position as the third-largest party in Parliament. Flynn’s direct and effective questioning has been missed by many, as it often cut through the noise and addressed key issues head-on. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch, the Prime Minister, has faced criticism for her performance, with some suggesting that Starmer’s improved showing is at least partly due to her struggles. Badenoch’s approach has been described as “scattergun,” and she has often found herself on the defensive during PMQs. However, despite these challenges, Badenoch has managed to hold her ground, and her more composed demeanor has allowed her to counter Starmer’s aggression effectively.
In conclusion, the recent changes in Sir Keir Starmer’s approach at PMQs reflect a broader shift in Labour’s strategy to counter the growing influence of Reform UK and regain public support. Starmer’s more aggressive and theatrical style has drawn attention and sparked debate, but it also carries risks, as opponents are quick to challenge inconsistencies or overstatements. Meanwhile, other leaders, such as Sir Ed Davey, have adopted a more measured approach, focusing on substantive issues rather than political theatrics. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the dynamics at PMQs will remain a key indicator of the effectiveness of these strategies and the shifting fortunes of the parties involved.
