The leaders played austerity tug-of-war at PMQs today. Is it over yet? Yes it is, said Theresa May. Not for years, said Jeremy Corbyn. Back and forth they went. Eventually they’d swung around 180 degrees and swapped positions. Corbyn seemed to want more austerity. May seemed thrilled that it was finished – a policy that Corbyn has long called for. But, he asked, isn’t the social security budget due to shrink by a further £5bn?
‘Yes or no?’
The PM ignored this and asked him about tax-cuts for higher earners announced in Monday’s Budget.
‘Will you vote for them?’
Tricky for Corbyn. If he opposes the cuts he penalises millions. If he accepts them he’ll be condemned as a far-right, tax-slashing, hug-a-millionaire class-traitor. A hurricane of jeers and catcalls from gloating Tories swept over Corbyn as he stood up to answer.
‘Are you done yet? he snarled, with his road-rage face.
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