BEST BITS: Starmer grilled on failing economy at PMQs

It's another blockbuster PMQs, and Kemi Badenoch came out swinging. She grilled Prime Minister Keir Starmer on his economic record and whether he still stands by Labour’s manifesto promises not to raise income tax, national insurance, or VAT.

Starmer fired back with a defence of his government’s progress: inflation down, growth up, and what the fastest growth in the G7. Badenoch said all the PM knows how to do is "tax, tax, tax”, “blaming everyone but himself.”

Elsewhere, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey pressed Starmer on Russian interference in European politics, pointing to recent scandals in Wales and across the continent. Starmer responded that Russian meddling remains a serious threat, and warned that Reform UK’s “Putin-friendly” stance would be disastrous for Britain’s security.

Former Reform MP James McMurdock turned the focus to the NHS, describing a 75-minute ambulance delay and calling for urgent action. Starmer thanked NHS staff and cited a £26 billion boost to the service, noting that Reform UK plans to “charge people to see their doctor.”

Finally, Labour MP Janet Daby spoke movingly about fatal stabbings in her constituency, urging the government to do more to tackle knife crime.

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