Category: Speeches

  • Ed Davey – 2026 Comments on Keir Starmer at the Final PMQs

    Ed Davey – 2026 Comments on Keir Starmer at the Final PMQs

    The comments made by Ed Davey, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, in the House of Commons on 15 July 2026.

    I associate myself with so many of the Prime Minister’s comments today, but particularly with his remarks about Ann Widdecombe. She devoted her life to public service and her murder was truly horrifying. I support his campaign for a memorial to her in this Chamber. I also thank the Leader of the Opposition for her tribute to Ann, and for reminding the whole House and the whole country that we need to remember her for the way she lived her life. I have to make a confession: I have always been slightly jealous of Ann for appearing on “Strictly Come Dancing”. [Hon. Members: “There’s still time!”]

    Can I join the whole nation, and hopefully every nation, in wishing England well against Argentina tonight after their superb win against Norway? It is the last job of the Prime Minister to make sure that we win the world cup.

    Can I also pick up on a remark from the Leader of the Opposition about the by-election we are about to see in Clacton? I have to tell her that I cannot back joke figures with ridiculous policies, which is why I am supporting Count Binface. [Laughter.]

    As the Prime Minister finds himself with more time on his hands, can I recommend the new “Toy Story” film? For those who do not know the films, the main character used to be in law enforcement, but was mainly known for being a little wooden, and was replaced by a shiny new action figure from far away who thinks he can fly—and the name Andy is on everyone’s lips. Maybe the Prime Minister should give that a miss, but does he share my fear that when it comes to Britain’s national debt, the plan of the right hon. Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) is “to infinity and beyond”?

    The Prime Minister

    The right hon. Gentleman is clearly angling to go on “Strictly Come Dancing”, and no doubt he would be very good at it. I have some good news for him because he is, fittingly, the right hon. Member for Chessington World of Adventures. He talks about the economy, so I am pleased to tell him that thanks to our summer savings, his family could save nearly £20 when they visit this summer!

    Ed Davey

    Can I invite the Prime Minister to join me at Chessington World of Adventures? We have not always agreed across the Floor, but can I pay my own tribute—[Interruption.] I disagreed with Labour on Europe, and I have disagreed with the Conservatives on Europe! I say to the Prime Minister that, although we have not always agreed, I have always admired the way he has led his party, I have always admired the way he has been a true patriot, and I always admire the way he has worked with so many people across this House to do the best for the national interest. We thank him for his public service.

    One of the Prime Minister’s qualities that people most underestimate comes from his experience as a carer. He has spoken powerfully about looking after his mother through her battle with Still’s disease and the love and care he gave to his brother Nick. I know the Prime Minister agrees that we can and must do more for family carers. As he leaves No. 10, will he join me and other carers across this House to speak up for family carers, to be their voice and to get them the support they deserve?

    The Prime Minister

    Yes. I thank the right hon. Gentleman for everything he has done in relation to social care and the importance of providing care. He does it with very real human experience, which we all know and we all respect, and no doubt he will continue to champion the issue, as everybody should. He asked me about joining him at Chessington World of Adventures, and I will. Can I suggest 12 noon on the first Wednesday in September? [Laughter.]

  • Kemi Badenoch – 2026 Comments on Ann Widdecombe and Keir Starmer

    Kemi Badenoch – 2026 Comments on Ann Widdecombe and Keir Starmer

    The comments made by Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Opposition, in the House of Commons on 15 July 2026.

    Can I start by thanking the Prime Minister for the way that he responded to the murder of Ann Widdecombe last week? This is the first opportunity I have had on the Floor of the House to commemorate her life. A lot has been said about how she died. I want to focus on celebrating the life she lived.

    Ann was a woman of high principle and profound beliefs, with a wicked sense of humour—a wonderful combination of being a serious person who did not take herself too seriously. She changed her faith from Anglican to Catholic and from the Conservative party to the Brexit party, but she always remained part of the Conservative family. You might not always have agreed with her, but Ann Widdecombe was a woman who said what she meant and meant what she said. Hers was an honesty that made our politics better. Her wit and forthrightness sat alongside a deep humanity and decency.

    Ann had wonderful turns of phrase. She said:

    “We need less political correctness and more political courage.”

    She said:

    “If we deny our culture, become nothing and everything, that weakens us.”

    She also said:

    “It is a truth universally unacknowledged at Westminster that there is life after politics.”

    With that in mind, I turn to this Prime Minister’s final questions. Mr Speaker, I wanted to make sure that I got the tone right today, so I looked back at the Prime Minister’s final questions to Boris Johnson. Luckily for the Prime Minister, I plan to be much gentler than he was that day.

    Week after week, the Prime Minister and I have clashed at these Dispatch Boxes and rarely agreed on anything, but there is one thing that I admired. When President Zelensky was attacked in the White House, the Prime Minister showed leadership and invited him to Downing Street. That was the right thing to do. Ukraine is on the frontline in the battle for freedom, so does the Prime Minister agree that cross-party support for their cause must endure?

  • Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on Ann Widdecombe at PMQs

    Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on Ann Widdecombe at PMQs

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 15 July 2026.

    Thank you, Mr Speaker, for your kind words.

    I must start by saying that I am truly horrified by the murder of Ann Widdecombe. She was a distinguished politician with deep convictions, whose vivid and fearless character captured the public imagination. My heartfelt condolences go out to all her friends and loved ones.

    It is chilling that during my time in this Parliament—11 years—three serving or former MPs have been murdered. I look across the Chamber at the shield for our dear friend Jo Cox, and at the shield for Sir David Amess, which sits on the wall behind me. I know that this is a House matter, so this is my personal view, but I believe it would be fitting for the House to consider a similar tribute to Ann.

    We thank the police for their work. The integrity of their investigation must be protected. You have been instrumental in defending the safety of every Member of this House, Mr Speaker. I believe we must do more to defend our democracy, and have tasked officials across Government with identifying the best mechanisms for taking this work forward so that it can move as quickly as possible. I hope that the whole House can unite behind that in the months ahead.

    I also pay tribute to the courage of the Hillsborough families. The Hillsborough law that we passed in this House last night is not only a law for the families and the 97, but a law that ensures that the state serves millions of working people and always gives a voice to those who fight for justice—a law for everyone, delivered by a Labour Government in the best traditions of the labour movement.

    This morning, I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I have an important appointment with the television at 8 o’clock this evening.

  • Lindsay Hoyle – 2026 Comments on Keir Starmer’s Final PMQs

    Lindsay Hoyle – 2026 Comments on Keir Starmer’s Final PMQs

    The comments made by Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, on 15 July 2026.

    We now come to the final Prime Minister’s questions of this term, and, indeed, the final Prime Minister’s questions with the right hon. and learned Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Keir Starmer) as Prime Minister. I thank the Prime Minister for his public service and his international leadership, particularly in his steadfast support for Ukraine. I am sure that Members will want to join me in wishing him and his family well in the future. Let us hope that this Prime Minister will be bringing home an England world cup win.

  • Heidi Alexander – 2026 Comments on Fare Dodgers

    Heidi Alexander – 2026 Comments on Fare Dodgers

    The comments made by Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, on 15 July 2026.

    We’re stopping fare dodgers in their tracks.

    We’re installing new barriers at stations across England to protect honest, fee-paying passengers and ensure every penny is possible is invested in our railways.

  • Shabana Mahmood – 2026 Comments on Failed Terrorist Plot

    Shabana Mahmood – 2026 Comments on Failed Terrorist Plot

    The comments made by Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, on 15 July 2026.

    My thanks to Terrorism Police for their swift work in apprehending a boy who allegedly planned to target two mosques in south London. It is deeply unsettling to see someone so young charged with offences of this nature. I know how concerning this will be to the Muslim community just days after a foiled attack at an Islamic festival in Suffolk.

    The police have confirmed there is no wider threat and they are not seeking other suspects in connection with this investigation. They have stepped up patrols in the affected areas, and they have my full support. Everyone in this country should be able to worship free from fear, intimidation or hatred.

  • Deborah Meaden – 2026 Comments on Keir Starmer

    Deborah Meaden – 2026 Comments on Keir Starmer

    The comments made by Deborah Meaden on 15 July 2026.

    I was with him [Keir Starmer] yesterday amongst so many who he has supported by challenging the system and introducing laws to prevent and protect…I observed total respect and a sense of loss and I observed his humanity, dedication, and grace in Departure. I believe my eyes, ears and those who actually know above the Tittle Tattle and name calling of foreign influence and those who simply serve to bring down. We have lost a good man with good intent, We will know that too soon.

  • Alastair Campbell – 2026 Comments on Nigel Farage Being Treated as a Politician

    Alastair Campbell – 2026 Comments on Nigel Farage Being Treated as a Politician

    The comments made by Alistair Campbell on 14 July 2026.

    No he is not [being treated as a war criminal]. Farage, finally, is being treated as a politician rather than a cheeky chappy commentator. He got away with so much for so long he thought he could do anything for ever. The main problem for him is that nobody thinks anyone ever gives a politician five million quid for nothing. His excuses have made it worse. And however hard Jenrick protests you just need to scroll through posts of Reform senior figures since Ann Widdecombe’s murder to see they have indeed been seeking to exploit it both to shift the narrative/avoid continuing questions over the money, and to claim they are treated unfairly by “the establishment” (basically anyone who isn’t a Farage fan) They would be wise to let the police do their job without making it harder than it already is.

  • John Redwood – 2026 Comments on Higher Taxation

    John Redwood – 2026 Comments on Higher Taxation

    The comments made by John Redwood on 14 July 2026.

    Rumours of higher taxes on capital gains and higher incomes is speeding more of the wealthy to leave the UK. If government wants to get more tax from the rich it needs to levy at rates people will stay to pay. People with plenty of money can afford air fares and a new home.

  • Owen Jones – 2026 Comments on Ann Widdecombe and Nigel Farage

    Owen Jones – 2026 Comments on Ann Widdecombe and Nigel Farage

    The comments made by Owen Jones on 13 July 2026.

    It’s very obvious what Nigel Farage is doing with the murder of Ann Widdecombe.

    He wants to shut down scrutiny of himself and his fellow Reform politicians by claiming that holding any of them to account threatens their personal safety.