London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Sir Keir Starmer will face tough scrutiny from MPs after Labour’s poll ratings falter, with criticisms on recent policies like inheritance tax changes and the Wapsi women issue.
On Thursday, for the first time since his election win in July, Sir Keir Starmer will face questions from the Liaison Committee.
The panel, composed of the chairs of the Commons select committee, will put questions to the prime minister covering multiple Government institutions.
Sir Keir Starmer stated,
“Some of the decisions the Government was taking might not be popular in the short term, but we are delivering the change the country voted for, and it is change worth fighting for.”
The panel includes ex-Tories cabinet minister Steve Barclay and Bob Blackman, head of the 1922 Committee of backbench Conservatives.
Labour members, including Sarah Owen, a former shadow minister, and Dame Meg Hillier, chairman of the Treasury Committee, are also part of the committee.
As reported by the Independent, PA news agency’s poll analysis for the week ending December 15 placed Labour at 26 points, just one point ahead of the Tories and four clear of Reform UK, coming just after its major victory less than six months earlier.
Since taking office in the summer, Keir Starmer has been under scrutiny for policies like changes in inheritance taxes for farmers and revising winter fuel payments for pensioners.
This week, the prime minister also faced criticism for declining compensation for Waspi women and growing concerns over Chinese unknown spy allegations, which were later identified as “Yang Tengbo.”
The Labour leader admitted that certain government decisions may not be well received during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.
While speaking to his ministers in Downing Street, he highlighted NHS and planning policies as major examples of “progress.”
The Prime Minister said,
“Some of the decisions the Government was taking might not be popular in the short term, but we are delivering the change the country voted for, and it is change worth fighting for.”
In earlier remarks, he justified his actions and time away amid growing criticism from the opposition, stressing that his government would improve people’s financial well-being.
During an interview on LBC Radio, he assured that his strategies would address tough issues related to planning and regulation to enhance economic growth.
When questioned about his unfavorability, Sir Starmer stated,
“What worries me is, and what gets me out of bed every day, is how we deliver for those people who voted us in July to change the country for the better.”
Sky News reports that the Prime Minister is meeting with another foreign leader, the sultan of Brunei today, but this time the meeting is happening in Downing Street instead of foreign.
No 10 said both leaders will discuss the renewal of the garrison deal and major issues related to security and trade investment.
He spoke with the US President-elect on Wednesday and stressed the need for allies to unite in aid for Ukraine.
The statement issued by No 10, revealed that the British Prime Minister began his call with President-elect Trump by congratulating him on his recent cabinet selections.
Sir Starmer is facing backlash from the WASPI campaign group, which has accused the prime minister of disseminating “misinformation” regarding the issues faced by women who were not given timely notification about the rise in their state pension age.
During PMQs on Wednesday, he rejected a vote on the matter, stating that the £10.5bn compensation package was unaffordable for taxpayers, while his own MPs accused him of “betrayal.”
Dianne Abbott, a Labour MP, criticized Labour’s leader, saying he had “no feel for politics,” following the government’s refusal to compensate Wapsi women.