If you want a sign of how badly things have gone wrong for this government, compare Keir Starmer’s third Liaison Committee grilling with his first. Back in December, it was all stonewalling and smiles, as the Prime Minister gently dead-batted questions in front of a (largely) sympathetic crowd. Seven months on, the audience remains the same: 18 of the 26 select committees in the Commons are chaired by Labour MPs. But now the tone has hardened considerably.
Today’s session focused on poverty and international affairs. Normally, these might be regarded as areas in which a redistributive social democrat premier would excel. But after the benefits U-turn a fortnight ago, Starmer found himself subjected to some hostile grilling. His worst moment came when Debbie Abrahams, the chair of the welfare panel, said that his ditched reforms were ‘so far removed from Labour values of fairness and social justice I have to say I felt ashamed.’
In his wearisomely-familiar style, Starmer gave Abrahams a set of stock lines which any No. 10 spokesman could have mustered: he wants more people back in work and has commissioned a review to ensure it. A similar formula was deployed when Florence Eshalomi, the chair of the housing select committee, asked about the Budget’s freeze to local housing allowance. Starmer defended the decision – before pledging ‘there will be a chance to look again across the board.‘
As the recent India series has shown, there is often merit in a Geoffrey Boycott-style approach to defence. But refusing to even attempt to score some runs can certainly tire the patience of the crowd. The frustration on the face of Liam Byrne and others was visible as Starmer made his way through the 90-minute grilling, stubbornly refusing to enlighten his assembled colleagues. Challenged multiple times on the detail of an answer, the PM begrudgingly promised to write in due course.
A classic case was offered in an exchange with Meg Hillier. ‘What other accomodation are you planning to take over to provide temporary accommodation for families?’ she asked in a discussion on migrants. ‘Oh, there’s lots of housing in many local authorities that can be used and we’re identifying where it can be used’, Starmer gaily replied. ‘Have you got any examples you can give us?’ retorted Hillier. ‘No but I’ll write in and give you details’, he answered, haltingly.
It says something when Gaza offers easier ground for a Labour PM to discuss. Pressed by Andy Slaughter on how the government will ‘protect Palestinians from mass killings’, Starmer offered the usual line about the need for an immediate ceasefire and aid to enter the region. It was a depressing and predictable note on which to end an underwhelming and angst-ridden first year for Starmer.
Asked by Hillier for the highlight of his initial 12 months, the Prime Minister responded ‘walking into Downing Street.’ Being something, rather than doing something – with this government, the jokes all too often write themselves.
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