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PMQs Tracker — UK Prime Minister's Questions 🏛️

PMQs Tracker — UK Prime Minister's Questions 🏛️

Last updated: 15 July 2026 PMQs schedule: Wednesdays 12:00-12:30

Latest Session

Wednesday 15 July 2026 — Starmer's FINAL PMQs: "This is the end of my political journey"

PM: Sir Keir Starmer (present — his final PMQs before stepping down as PM and handing power to Andy Burnham) Opposition: Kemi Badenoch (present — unusually conciliatory tone) Other questioners: Ed Davey (Lib Dems), Carolyn Harris (Labour), Will Forster (Lib Dem), Jerome Mayhew (Tory), Danny Kruger (Reform UK), Lloyd Hatton (Labour), Lola McEvoy (Labour)

Key Topics

1. Starmer's final PMQs — emotional sign-off Starmer declared "this is the end of my political journey" in an emotional final session. He received a standing ovation from Labour MPs after signing off: "To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye." Chancellor Rachel Reeves and members of his political team were visibly moved, wiping away tears. Starmer pledged his successor Andy Burnham his "wholehearted support" and said he would offer advice privately if requested.

2. Tributes to Ann Widdecombe (killed last week) Both Starmer and Badenoch led tributes. Starmer said he was "truly horrified" by her death and that "we must do more to defend our democracy." Badenoch described Widdecombe as a "woman of high principle" with a "wicked sense of humour."

3. Badenoch's conciliatory tone Badenoch struck an unusually gentle tone — promising to give Starmer an easier ride than he gave Boris Johnson at his final PMQs. She praised his invitation to Ukrainian President Zelensky after his tense exchange with Donald Trump. Starmer thanked her for her "private kindness" after the arson attack on his family home and his brother's death. Chris Mason: "A conciliatory and human tone."

4. Badenoch goes after Burnham Badenoch accused Andy Burnham of "scurrying away for the summer" instead of answering questions in the Commons, adding that "changing PM is not a silver bullet." Starmer said he was sure Badenoch would question Burnham "in the same way she has grilled him."

5. Clacton by-election — "Put your vote in the bin" Reform UK's Danny Kruger (former Tory, defected to Reform) asked Starmer who he supported in the Clacton by-election. Starmer advised voters to "put your vote in the bin" — a reference to Count Binface standing against Nigel Farage — and quipped that "Reform believe in recycling politicians," met with a roar of approval from all sides except Reform.

6. World Cup bank holiday — dodged Lib Dem MP Will Forster asked Starmer to declare a bank holiday if England wins the World Cup. Starmer avoided committing, saying to ask him again on Sunday.

7. 6-7 meme — Starmer tells story of being told off by headteacher Lola McEvoy asked about viral moments. Starmer recounted being told off by a headteacher after a primary school class did the 6-7 hand gesture that went viral. He demonstrated it in the Commons to laughter. "I was totally pathetic — I'd simply said 'I didn't start it'."

8. Ukraine and Coalition of the Willing Lloyd Hatton paid tribute to Starmer's "steadfast leadership in the face of two major conflicts." Starmer said he was proud of the Coalition of the Willing and that Ukraine's security "is our security." He noted the Ukrainian ambassador was in the gallery.

9. Speaker scolds MPs for applauding Speaker Hoyle scolded MPs for applauding Starmer — which is against Commons rules — rather than cheering and waving order papers, which is allowed. Tories remained seated throughout; Corbyn also stayed seated. Lib Dems and Reform's Tice and Kruger joined the standing ovation.

10. Tory MP Mayhew swipes at Burnham Jerome Mayhew said Starmer was "brought down by an inability to articulate a plan for government" and that it "must be tough" to be replaced by someone who "refuses to say whether he's even got a plan." Starmer cited stabilising the economy and stronger public services as delivered plans.

Key Quotes

Starmer (final words): "This is the end of my political journey. In six years, we went from historic defeat in 2019, to historic victory in 2024, and in two years in government I leave the country in better shape than I found it."

Starmer (sign-off): "To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye."

Badenoch (on Widdecombe): "A woman of high principle" with a "wicked sense of humour."

Badenoch (on Burnham): "Scurrying away for the summer" — "changing PM is not a silver bullet."

Starmer (on Clacton by-election): "Put your vote in the bin."

Starmer (on Reform): "Reform believe in recycling politicians."

Badenoch (on Starmer): Praised his invitation of Zelensky to Downing Street after the Trump exchange.

Starmer (on Badenoch): Thanked her for "private kindness" after the arson attack on his family home.

Ed Davey (on Starmer): Described him as a "true patriot" and thanked him for his "public service."

Chris Mason (BBC Political Editor): "Today was a day where emotion and human feeling rose to the surface — and where a cross-party respect for public service was acknowledged."

Speaker Hoyle (scolding MPs): Scolded them for applauding — against rules — instead of cheering and waving order papers.

Makerfield Mentions

Andy Burnham was the elephant in the room throughout. Badenoch explicitly attacked him for not attending PMQs since returning to Parliament, accusing him of "scurrying away for the summer." Starmer declined to share advice for Burnham but pledged "wholehearted support." Burnham will become PM next week, succeeding Starmer without a contested leadership election. Notably, Burnham was not in the chamber for Starmer's final PMQs.

Summary

Keir Starmer's final PMQs was an unexpectedly emotional affair. Badenoch swapped her usual aggression for a conciliatory tone — praising Starmer on Ukraine and thanking him for his service — though she still landed jabs at incoming PM Andy Burnham ("scurrying away for the summer"). Starmer's sign-off — "This is the end of my political journey" — drew a standing ovation from Labour MPs, with Reeves in tears, while the Tories remained seated. Comedy came via the Clacton by-election ("put your vote in the bin"), the 6-7 meme story, and a World Cup bank holiday dodge. Bipartisan tributes to the murdered Ann Widdecombe added a sombre note. An era ends.

Wednesday 8 July 2026 — Deputy PMQs: Lammy vs Coutinho/Cleverly (Starmer & Badenoch absent)

Standing in for PM: David Lammy (Deputy PM & Justice Secretary) — Starmer at NATO summit in Turkey Standing in for Opposition: Claire Coutinho (Shadow Energy Secretary) & James Cleverly (Shadow Housing Secretary) — Badenoch absent Other questioners: Daisy Cooper (Lib Dems), Andrew Griffith (Tory)

Key Topics

1. North Sea energy policy & drilling ban Claire Coutinho kicked off by challenging Lammy on the North Sea drilling ban and rising energy costs, asking why Labour is "happy for Britain to get its oil and gas from Russia or Qatar, but not from Aberdeen." Lammy insisted "oil and gas is coming out of the North Sea 24/7" as part of a "mixed economy" and accused the Tories of abandoning net-zero commitments to chase Reform voters.

2. Prisoner early release — Lammy refuses to apologise to grooming gang victims James Cleverly pressed Lammy hard on releasing 5,000 serious criminals early, including rapists and paedophiles. "Will he apologise to the victims of the rapists, sexual predators and paedophiles that he is planning to release early?" Lammy refused to apologise, instead blaming the Tories for the state of the justice system. Cleverly: "50,000 prisoners released early in just two years on his watch... I am genuinely shocked that when given the opportunity to apologise to victims, he very publicly refused to do so." Lammy: "Every decision we have taken has been on the basis of public safety and justice for victims."

3. Government branded "on life support" Coutinho told Lammy "this is a government on life support" and said they should "cut welfare, fund defence, make energy cheap, and back the North Sea." Lammy hit back: "I'm proud to serve this prime minister, and proud of what this Labour government is delivering."

4. Ruth Ellis conditional pardon announced Lammy announced a conditional pardon for Ruth Ellis — the last woman hanged in Britain (1955) — in recognition she was hanged for murder triggered by prolonged abuse. Her grandchildren Laura Enston and Stephen Beard watched from the gallery. The MoJ later said Ellis could have successfully argued diminished responsibility under modern law.

5. Hillsborough Law bill Lammy said the Hillsborough Law bill would return to the Commons "in the coming days."

6. Defence spending Coutinho referenced the resignations of Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns last week in protest at government spending plans. Lammy insisted spending more on defence is their "number one priority."

Key Quotes

Coutinho (on energy): "Happy for Britain to get its oil and gas from Russia or Qatar, but not from Aberdeen."

Lammy (on energy): "Oil and gas is coming out of the North Sea 24/7."

Cleverly (on prisoner releases): "Will he apologise to the victims of the rapists, sexual predators and paedophiles that he is planning to release early?"

Cleverly (on Lammy refusing): "I am genuinely shocked that when given the opportunity to apologise to victims, he very publicly refused to do so."

Coutinho (on government): "This is a government on life support."

Lammy (defending Starmer): "I'm proud to serve this prime minister, and proud of what this Labour government is delivering."

Lammy (on defence): Spending more on defence is their "number one priority."

Makerfield Mentions

The Makerfield by-election (18 June) loomed large — Coutinho used it to frame the government as on "life support." Andy Burnham's return to Westminster as Makerfield MP continues to reshape Labour dynamics; Starmer is at the NATO summit amid party leadership uncertainty.

Summary

Deputy PMQs with both leaders absent. Lammy took hits on two fronts: Claire Coutinho attacked the North Sea drilling ban and accused the government of being "on life support"; James Cleverly landed the sharper blows, demanding an apology to grooming gang victims over early prisoner releases and extracting Lammy's refusal on record. Lammy's counter-punch was the Ruth Ellis conditional pardon — a significant announcement that played to his justice brief. With Starmer at the NATO summit, the caretaker PM era continues, and today's session underlined just how stretched the government looks on energy, justice, and defence simultaneously.

Wednesday 24 June 2026 — Starmer vs Badenoch (First PMQs since resignation)

PM: Sir Keir Starmer (present — first PMQs since resigning as Labour leader on 22 June) Opposition: Kemi Badenoch (present — aggressive attacks on Starmer's cabinet) Other questioners: Ed Davey (Lib Dems), Desmond Swayne (Tory backbencher)

Key Topics

1. Defence spending Badenoch opened by pressing Starmer on defence spending, asking if the PM felt let down by his chancellor over the defence investment plan. Starmer insisted they have the "right economic plan" that can "weather global storms." Badenoch retorted: "If it's all so fantastic, why is he resigning?"

2. Badenoch attacks Starmer's cabinet Badenoch broadened her attack beyond Starmer to his entire cabinet:

  • Bridget Phillipson (Education Secretary): branded a "spiteful class warrior" who is "destroying children's lives"
  • Rachel Reeves (Chancellor): accused of letting the PM down
  • Ed Miliband (Energy Secretary): accused of "betraying" Starmer by being close to Andy Burnham; notably Miliband did not attend PMQs

3. Andy Burnham jibe Badenoch described Andy Burnham — front-runner to succeed Starmer — as "a pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt." Starmer responded with a quip about Burnham, lightening the chamber.

4. "400 knives" Badenoch claimed Labour MPs were cheering Starmer despite there being "400 knives stuck in his back," and called them "traitors and deserters." Speaker Lindsay Hoyle intervened, calling for "decorum" and "respect."

5. Post-PMQs clash After the session, Badenoch and Phillipson had a heated exchange in the corridor. Phillipson later posted on X: "Kemi lost her head at PMQs — and afterwards too. It's not the first time. She's compared me to a Gestapo officer."

6. Starmer defends record Starmer claimed he was handing over the country in "better shape" than he found it, unlike his Tory predecessors. He passionately defended Phillipson's life story (rising from poverty to cabinet).

7. Belfast knife attack Starmer opened PMQs by saying people were "rightly sickened" by Monday's knife attack in Belfast, adding that the "violence and arson that followed are totally unjustified."

Key Quotes

Badenoch (on Starmer's position): "If it's all so fantastic, why is he resigning?"

Badenoch (on Burnham): "He's the other party leader who won a by-election last week, although I think I'm much happier with my new MP than the Prime Minister is."

Badenoch (on Labour MPs): "400 knives stuck in his back" — "traitors and deserters."

Badenoch (on Phillipson): "Spiteful class warrior" who is "destroying children's lives."

Starmer (on Phillipson): "An incredible story of social mobility" — "I'm so proud of the education secretary."

Starmer (on economic plan): "The right economic plan" that can "weather global storms."

Starmer (on handing over): Country in "better shape" than he found it.

Phillipson (post-PMQs on X): "Kemi lost her head at PMQs — and afterwards too... She's compared me to a Gestapo officer."

Hoyle (Speaker): Called for "a little bit more decorum and respect."

Makerfield Mentions

Andy Burnham's return to Westminster (he won a by-election last week) loomed large. Badenoch's "eyelashes and a black T-shirt" jibe was a direct reference to him. Burnham is expected to be crowned Labour leader (and thus PM) by mid-July if uncontested. Health Secretary James Murray publicly backed Burnham, citing his "determination and drive" and "fantastic track record in Greater Manchester."

Summary

A fiery, personal PMQs — Starmer's first since announcing his resignation. Badenoch went far beyond normal opposition, attacking Starmer's entire cabinet (Phillipson, Reeves, Miliband) and mocking Burnham with the "eyelashes and a black T-shirt" line. Starmer was defensive but landed some blows, passionately defending Phillipson and claiming the country is in "better shape." The Speaker had to call for decorum. Post-session, Phillipson accused Badenoch of "losing her head" and compared her to a Gestapo officer. The caretaker PM era is getting ugly fast.

Session Archive

Date PM Key Topics Notes
15 Jul 2026 Starmer Starmer's FINAL PMQs — emotional sign-off ("this is the end of my political journey"); standing ovation from Labour; Reeves in tears; Badenoch unusually conciliatory; tributes to murdered Ann Widdecombe; Badenoch attacks Burnham ("scurrying away for the summer"); Clacton by-election ("put your vote in the bin"); 6-7 meme story; World Cup bank holiday dodge; Speaker scolds MPs for applauding Starmer hands power to Burnham next week; Corbyn stayed seated; Tories remained seated throughout; Ed Davey: "true patriot"
8 Jul 2026 Lammy (standing in) Deputy PMQs — Starmer & Badenoch both absent; Lammy vs Coutinho (North Sea energy) & Cleverly (prisoner early release); Lammy refuses to apologise to grooming gang victims; Ruth Ellis conditional pardon; Hillsborough Law bill; defence spending row Starmer at NATO summit in Turkey; Healey & Carns resigned over defence spending; Coutinho: "government on life support"; Cleverly: "genuinely shocked" Lammy wouldn't apologise
3 Jun 2026 Starmer Nowak murder, two-tier policing, Farage clash, welfare bill (£20bn rise), Southampton disorder, police anti-racism guidance review, Wales devolution, hospitality VAT Starmer passionate in condemning Farage; Badenoch notably restrained; NPCC reviewing anti-racism guidance; Commons united vs Farage
27 May 2026 Starmer No PMQs — parliament in recess Blair essay dominates; Starmer signs Poland defence treaty at Battle of Britain Bunker
  • Starmer era ends: His final PMQs was emotional and bipartisan — a stark contrast to the vicious 24 June session. Badenoch's conciliatory tone signals she's already looking past Starmer to Burnham.
  • Burnham the target now: Badenoch explicitly went after the incoming PM, accusing him of ducking the Commons. The "scurrying away for the summer" attack line will likely be repeated.
  • Ann Widdecombe murder: Cross-party tributes and Starmer's call to "defend our democracy" reflect heightened concern over MP safety after her killing.
  • Clacton by-election farce: Starmer's "put your vote in the bin" and "Reform believe in recycling politicians" quips show Labour happy to treat the contest as a joke — and Farage as beneath serious debate.
  • Caretaker government in full effect: With Starmer leaving, Burnham incoming, and major defence/resignation crises ongoing, PMQs is transitioning from Starmer vs Badenoch to Burnham vs Badenoch.

Sources

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