West Bank Products and Proper Labelling
Debbie Abrahams (Labour) raised a question regarding the occupied territories on the West Bank, inquiring about measures to prevent the import of products originating from there.
Keir Starmer responded by stating that products from the West Bank should be clearly and properly labelled as such.
Energy Support and North Sea Oil Debate
Kemi Badenoch criticized Labour's proposed energy bill support package, describing it as an example of Starmer advocating for increased spending targeted at people on benefits.
Starmer countered by asserting that Badenoch repeatedly misrepresents facts.
Badenoch referenced Norway’s Prime Minister, noting that he is acting in the best interests of his country and suggested that Starmer should adopt a similar approach.
She further stated that Labour’s promise to end new licences in the North Sea was a significant error.
Starmer responded that Badenoch’s plan would not effectively assist people with their energy bills.
Badenoch emphasized that as Prime Minister, Starmer has the authority to change the law. She pointed out that last year Norway’s government drilled 49 wells in the North Sea, whereas under Labour, none were drilled.
Starmer explained that laws cannot be changed retrospectively and that attempting to do so would only delay the process.
He made clear his opposition to joining the war.
Badenoch insisted that as Prime Minister, Starmer can make decisions immediately and override Ed Miliband.
She claimed that her supporters include unions, Tony Blair, and some MPs, questioning why the Prime Minister believes he knows better than everyone else.
Starmer replied that the law defines the decision maker and suggested Badenoch should be embarrassed for her lack of understanding.
He noted that the discussion is occurring because of the war and emphasized the need to de-escalate, contrasting this with Badenoch’s apparent eagerness to enter the conflict without considering consequences.
Badenoch accused Starmer of hiding behind procedural excuses, asking rhetorically what a Director of Public Prosecutions would think of the excuse, “I would love to provide my WhatsApps, but my phone’s been stolen.”
She questioned whether Ed Miliband is effectively running the government.
Starmer responded that under legislation applied by the Conservatives for 14 years, Miliband must make a quasi-judicial decision on this matter.
He stated that people are being “held to ransom” by fossil fuel prices and accused Badenoch of wanting to outsource energy policy to Russia and Iran.
Kemi Badenoch remarked that she had asked Starmer six questions the previous week, none of which he answered.
She asked whether the government will approve the Jackdaw and Rosebank oil and gas licences.
Starmer replied that these are subject to a quasi-judicial procedure. He noted that licences were granted but subsequently struck down.
He acknowledged that oil and gas will remain part of the energy mix for years to come but emphasized the government’s need to transition to renewables to reduce costs. He cited a senior Conservative who had previously argued this point, identifying Badenoch herself as that individual.
Local Government and Other Issues
Cat Smith (Labour) criticized the councillors leading Lancashire council.
Starmer stated that Reform UK is failing people in many areas where they run local councils, offering “nothing to offer but chaos, grievance and division.”
He began by condemning the recent arson attack on the Jewish community over the weekend and expressed relief that the Hatzola ambulances have now been replaced.
Starmer highlighted the government’s announcement on new towns and the extension of nursery provisions.
He also wished the new Archbishop of Canterbury success in her new role.
Metropolitan Police Release Transcript on Phone Theft Report
The Metropolitan Police sought to dispel conspiracy theories regarding the loss of Morgan McSweeney’s phone.
Some commentators online expressed skepticism that if the Prime Minister’s chief of staff reported the theft of a phone potentially containing sensitive information, the police would take minimal action.
In response, the Metropolitan Police provided journalists with a transcript of McSweeney’s 999 call reporting the phone theft.
The transcript reveals that McSweeney informed the call handler that the stolen device was a government phone and provided his name. However, the call handler did not inquire about his position, nor was there any mention during the call of McSweeney being the Prime Minister’s chief of staff.
"Unfortunately, much of it has included some assumptions about what would have been known to us at the time of the report and how that should have influenced our decision making and handling.
Of particular note, it has been assumed by many that the Met would have known details of the victim’s employment or the particular security risks associated with his device or material on it. This was not information provided to us and could not reasonably have shaped our decision making, as you will see below.
We would not typically release detailed information about an allegation of crime however given the profile of the incident, the public interest and in an effort to ensure any reporting is as accurate as possible, we have taken the decision to do so."
