Keir Starmer commemorated 642 British soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan during PMQs, implicitly rebuking JD Vance’s comments. Kemi Badenoch maintained support for Vance despite pushback, while recent polling shows strong public support for using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine aid. Starmer reiterated the need for unity in Parliament on critical issues such as humanitarian efforts and national security.
Keir Starmer addressed Members of Parliament highlighting the sacrifices of British soldiers, stating that 642 died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Critically, he named six fallen soldiers, marking 13 years since their death. This mention serves as a significant reminder of their bravery and implicitly rebuts recent comments made by JD Vance regarding military contributions from certain nations. Starmer emphasized, “These men fought and died for their country, our country… We will never forget their bravery and their sacrifice.”
In the latest PMQs, Kemi Badenoch maintained her support for JD Vance’s remarks about European military deployments, despite widespread criticism. Badenoch’s spokesperson indicated that she does not support attacks on the vice president on social media and acknowledged Vance’s clarification regarding his earlier comments about troop contributions. This stance has drawn mixed reactions, showing a division in how politicians interpret the implications of Vance’s statements on allied involvement.
Recent polling indicates that 58% of the British public supports utilizing frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts. This opinion crosses party lines, suggesting a consensus among Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat voters. The UK government has announced plans to use approximately £2 billion of its total £18 billion in frozen assets for humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine, following a cutback in international aid aimed at increasing defense funding.
There were discussions in PMQs about potential talks involving Starmer, President Macron, and President Zelenskyy visiting Washington to discuss policies with President Trump. However, official confirmation from the Prime Minister’s spokesperson on this matter was not provided after the session. The lack of friction during the PMQs was noted, contrasting with past sessions that featured more conflict, as Starmer and Badenoch discussed critical foreign policy issues.
Amidst other parliamentary exchanges, Starmer stressed the need for unity in addressing pressing matters like the fishing industry and Northern Ireland’s peace process. He highlighted the importance of a unified Commons voice while responding to various questions. Starmer condemned abusive behavior in family court cases and called for a review of the presumption that abusive parents should have ongoing contact with their children, affirming commitments to support victimized families.
In sum, Keir Starmer’s PMQs performance underscored a poignant acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by British soldiers, implicitly rebuking JD Vance’s controversial comments. The ongoing political landscape reflects a growing consensus among the public on utilizing Russian assets for Ukraine. The discussions within parliament indicate a complex engagement with foreign policy while maintaining calls for unity within the Commons. Starmer’s emphasis on bravery and sacrifice continues to resonate amid pressing political exchanges.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
