Keir Starmer rebukes the Conservative Party for criticizing the Government’s handling of doctors’ strikes during Prime Minister’s Questions.
The Prime Minister, engaged in a heated exchange with Kemi Badenoch for the last time in 2025, condemned the five-day strike by NHS resident doctors as “irresponsible” and urged medical professionals not to neglect patients.
Starmer pushed back against the Tory leader who proposed making NHS strikes illegal if in power, highlighting the Conservatives’ past record of overseeing high levels of strike days.
In another exchange, the PM made a Christmas joke at the expense of Reform UK, mocking the party’s former leader in Wales for allegedly accepting Russian bribes.
During his final PMQs of 2025, Starmer extended Christmas wishes to MPs and parliamentary staff before directing a humorous jibe at Nigel Farage’s party, advising them to report any suspicious gifts from mysterious individuals to the police.
Starmer also addressed allegations of racism against Farage, suggesting it is never too late to apologize to former classmates, referencing a group of individuals expressing dismay over Farage’s handling of the accusations.
In a separate discussion, SNP leader Stephen Flynn inquired about the PM’s plans for his last Christmas in Downing Street, to which Starmer suggested Flynn should focus on welcoming investment into Grangemouth, criticizing his failure to mention the issue.
The Government recently announced a £150 million support package to safeguard 500 jobs at the Grangemouth ethylene plant near Falkirk.
Sir Ed Davey raised concerns about patients being left on hospital corridors for extended periods, calling on the PM to prioritize addressing the issue. Starmer agreed, emphasizing the need to improve conditions without excuses.
Starmer issued an ultimatum to Roman Abramovich to fulfill his promise of donating £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC to support Ukraine, warning of legal action if the pledge is not met.
Kemi Badenoch urged the PM to ban doctors from striking, citing ongoing flu crisis impacts. However, the PM dismissed the suggestion, citing the Tories’ historical industrial action record.
Starmer reiterated his criticism of the resident doctors’ strike as irresponsible and reiterated the importance of patient care.
Badenoch injected some Christmas humor, joking that all Labour MPs want for Christmas is a new leader.
Amid the discussion, Badenoch highlighted rising unemployment under Labour’s governance, prompting Starmer to point out that unemployment averaged higher levels under the Tories.
The PM was also accused of breaking promises on tax policies during the session.
Starmer concluded with a festive message to Reform UK during PMQs, eliciting a reaction from Farage in the public gallery.
In a significant development, former Labour elected mayor Jamie Driscoll announced his move to the Green Party, citing dissatisfaction with British politics and the need for a change in leadership.
Key ally losses were observed for Starmer as a left-wing candidate won the position of Unison General Secretary, potentially altering the balance within Labour’s National Executive Committee.
The UK’s decision to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus student exchange program was highlighted as a positive development for British youth, allowing them to study in European universities post-Brexit.
Thousands of resident doctors initiated a five-day strike after rejecting the Government’s offer, leading to potential disruptions in non-urgent appointments and hospital operations. Search tools were provided to check if local hospitals were affected by the strike.