Keir Starmer accused of ‘contemptuous behaviour’ at PMQs

WorldPolitics
16 Apr 2026 • 9:54 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Keir Starmer accused of ‘contemptuous behaviour’ at PMQs

  • Conservative frontbencher Jesse Norman accused the Prime Minister of "contemptuous behaviour" during Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs).
  • Mr Norman claimed the Prime Minister ignored questions and changed the subject in 23 out of 24 responses to Kemi Badenoch during recent PMQs.
  • He also criticised the Prime Minister for "hectoring" Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and called for an apology to MPs and the House.
  • The Speaker's office confirmed that Sir Lindsay has repeatedly reminded Downing Street that answers in the Commons should be confined to the questions asked.
  • Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell defended the Prime Minister's approach to PMQs, stating that all prime ministers handle the session in their own way.

IN FULL