Keir Starmer has criticized the Conservative Party during Prime Minister’s Questions for attempting to advise the government on doctors’ strikes. The Prime Minister, who faced 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 rebuked the Tory leader’s proposal to outlaw NHS strikes if they were in power, highlighting the historical record of strike days overseen by the Conservatives.
During the session, the Prime Minister delivered a humorous Christmas joke at the expense of Reform UK. He teased the party’s former leader in Wales for allegedly accepting Russian bribes, advising Reform members to report any suspicious gift-bearers to the police. Starmer also addressed Nigel Farage, jokingly referring to him as the “member for Clacton relaxing in the lounge” and hinting at past allegations of racism from Farage’s classmates at Dulwich college.
Amidst the discussions in Parliament, SNP leader Stephen Flynn extended Christmas greetings to the PM and inquired about his plans for the holiday season at Downing Street. Starmer responded by suggesting Flynn should focus on welcoming investment into Grangemouth, emphasizing the importance of addressing critical issues such as healthcare and unemployment.
Furthermore, Starmer issued a firm demand to Roman Abramovich, the former Chelsea owner, to fulfill his promise of contributing £2.5 billion from the club’s sale for the benefit of Ukraine. The UK Government has threatened legal action against the Russian billionaire if he fails to deliver on his commitment following sanctions related to his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin.
In response to Badenoch’s call to ban doctors from striking amid a flu crisis, the PM dismissed the Tory Party’s stance, citing their historical record of industrial action. Starmer reiterated the irresponsibility of the resident doctors’ strike and urged healthcare workers not to abandon their patients. The session also witnessed playful Christmas banter, with Badenoch teasing Labour MPs and Starmer countering with facts on unemployment rates during different party administrations.
In a significant development, former Labour elected mayor Jamie Driscoll announced his shift to the Green Party, expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of British politics and economy. Meanwhile, Andrea Egan’s victory as the new Unison General Secretary poses a challenge for Starmer, as her election could impact Labour’s affiliations and internal dynamics.
Lastly, the UK’s decision to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus student exchange program post-Brexit signals a positive development for young people seeking educational opportunities abroad. This move is expected to benefit over 100,000 UK students annually, fostering international academic exchanges and cultural enrichment.
