Prime Minister’s Questions descended into chaos as Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle slammed Sir Keir Starmer for dodging direct questions on defence spending and instead launching attacks on Kemi Badenoch, telling the Prime Minister: “This is Prime Minister’s Questions, we have got to concentrate.”
Hoyle Intervenes as Starmer Ducks Defence Scrutiny
The dramatic moment came when Sir Keir repeatedly derailed questioning to criticise the Conservative leader over her stance on the Iran war rather than addressing urgent calls to publish the long-awaited defence investment plan. Sir Lindsay Hoyle rose to his feet and delivered the blunt rebuke live in the Commons chamber.
The intervention highlighted growing frustration with the Prime Minister’s evasive style as pressure mounts over Britain’s defence capabilities and national security.
Badenoch Demands Publication of Defence Plan
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch pressed Starmer directly: “There are still two weeks of the parliamentary session left, so why won’t the Prime Minister publish the defence investment plan before then?”
Instead of answering, Sir Keir launched into an attack on the previous Conservative government’s record, claiming they had cut frigates and destroyers by 25 per cent and mine-hunters by 50 per cent, and left defence spending at its weakest level for 400 years.
Badenoch had earlier urged the Government to follow Lord Robertson’s advice and consider cutting the ballooning welfare bill to fund the Armed Forces.
Starmer Rejects Welfare Cuts to Fund Military
The Prime Minister flatly rejected calls to reduce Britain’s £344 billion welfare budget to boost defence spending. He insisted Labour was “reforming welfare and spending more on defence” while accusing the Tories of doing neither during their time in office.
Sir Keir also rebuked his own Strategic Defence Review authors, including Lord Robertson, over their “corrosive complacency” criticism, saying: “I respect Lord Robertson… but I don’t agree with his comments.”
PM Swerves HMS Dragon Upgrade Question
Starmer further dodged a direct question on whether he would immediately approve upgrades to HMS Dragon, the Royal Navy vessel delayed during the Iran conflict. He again pivoted to attack Kemi Badenoch personally, claiming “serious times call for serious people” and that she was “not one of them”.
Southport Inquiry and Other Live Updates
During the session Sir Keir described the Southport inquiry report as “truly harrowing” and pledged changes to honour the victims. He also confirmed King Charles III’s state visit to the United States will proceed despite Donald Trump’s trade threats.
Meanwhile, Treasury ministers defended the Government’s record, insisting they are “not sat on our hands” and will reach 2.6 per cent of GDP on defence by April next year.
- Speaker Hoyle forces Starmer to focus on PMQs
- Defence investment plan still unpublished after six months
- Starmer rejects welfare cuts to fund military spending
- Rebuke of own defence review authors over “corrosive complacency”
- Badenoch demands immediate publication of 10-year plan
Reform UK’s Growing Momentum on Defence and Security
The chaotic PMQs session comes as Reform UK continues to surge in the polls ahead of the May 7 local elections. The party has repeatedly highlighted Labour’s failure to deliver on defence, welfare reform and border control, positioning itself as the only party willing to take the tough decisions Britain needs.
Robert Jenrick and Lee Anderson have been vocal on the ground, demanding action on fuel prices, immigration enforcement and parental accountability in cases such as Southport.
What This Means for Britain
Today’s Commons clash exposes deep cracks in Labour’s handling of national security and defence spending at a time when threats from Russia, China and Iran are intensifying. With the Army at its smallest size in 200 years and key naval assets delayed, voters are demanding urgent leadership rather than political point-scoring.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s rare intervention sent a clear message: the Prime Minister must answer the questions the British public expects to be answered at Prime Minister’s Questions.
As local elections loom, Reform UK’s message of stronger defence, lower taxes and real border control is resonating strongly with voters tired of evasion and delay.
Share if you believe Britain deserves straight answers on defence instead of more dodging and attacks.
This article is a factual summary of reporting by GB News. Full original story and live updates available on their website. All quotes directly attributed.
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