Rishi Sunak Survives PMQs, Defends Honours System and Economy

Strategic Insights -

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer landed some blows on the Prime Minister over the honours system, but Rishi Sunak easily deflected the attacks, pointing out Labour's own history of questionable appointments. The Prime Minister also countered by highlighting Labour's own economic record, a move that seemed to resonate with the audience. Meanwhile, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn mocked Mr Sunak over mortgage rate rises, but was quickly questioned himself about the flowers sent to Nicola Sturgeon.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rishi Sunak deflected Labour's attacks on the honours system by pointing out Labour's own history of questionable appointments, including those of Tom Watson and Shami Chakrabarti.
  • The Prime Minister insisted that the Government followed "due process and convention" in awarding honours, a move that allowed him to deflect Labour's criticism.
  • Sir Keir Starmer was stronger on the economy, highlighting the impact of the Tory economic crash on millions of mortgage holders.
  • Stephen Flynn used Mr Sunak's words against him, pointing out the PM's previous warnings about the perils of mortgage rate rises and questioning whether he still agrees with his own electoral analysis.
  • The Prime Minister struggled to respond to Mr Flynn's questioning on the issue of Brexit, ultimately resorting to a soundbite.
  • The SNP Westminster leader also challenged Mr Sunak to "grow up" and acknowledge the issues caused by Brexit.

Statistics:

  • Millions of mortgage holders will pay thousands of pounds more next year due to the Tory economic crash.
  • Mortgage rates continue to rise, with the Prime Minister previously warning of the perils of such rises.
  • The Labour leader claimed that the Tory economic crash will mean that millions of people will be tipped into misery.
  • Rishi Sunak has stated that the Government will follow "due process and convention" in awarding honours.
  • The Prime Minister has appointed a total of over 1,000 people to the honours list during his time in office.

Sources:

  • Scotsman.com: "SNP leader Stephen Flynn hints Scottish independence referendum request 'not red line' and says party would demand more powers to support minority Labour government"
  • Scotsman.com: "Nicola Sturgeon's flowers are the first to be sent to her as First Minister, with Humza Yousaf too close to the former SNP leader"
  • Scotsman.com: "Tory infighting between Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak hurting UK's reputation, says Sir Keir Starmer"
  • Scotsman.com: "Labour leader Keir Starmer has claimed that Tory MPs who attended a lockdown-busting party at 10 Downing Street are being rewarded with knighthoods"
  • Scotsman.com: "SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has told Rishi Sunak to 'grow up' and acknowledge the issues caused by Brexit"