In a heated exchange during PMQs, Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of failing to answer questions and claims the Tories have acknowledged their mistakes on asylum hotels. Starmer defends his record, emphasizing his experience as a prosecutor and criticizes the government’s approach to immigration. Badenoch challenges Starmer on his stance on deportation and free movement, prompting a debate on immigration policy.
The session also touches on the emotional impact of inheritance tax changes on farmers, with NFU president Tom Bradshaw reportedly reduced to tears during a committee session. Stuart Maggs highlights the negative effects on older farmers and Jeremy Moody criticizes the government’s advice on dealing with the changes as unrealistic. Dr. Arun Advani underscores the continuing attractiveness of farmland as an asset for reducing inheritance tax, despite the changes announced in the budget.
Meanwhile, a farmers’ protest in Whitehall draws attention to the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, with tractors lining the streets. Environment secretary Steve Reed affirms the government’s commitment to supporting farmers through financial assistance and initiatives like the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme.
The PMQs session also addresses the fall of President Assad in Syria and local government funding, with Labour highlighting successes in Middlesbrough. Overall, the discussions reflect ongoing tensions over immigration policy, the emotional toll of inheritance tax changes on farmers, and the government’s efforts to support agricultural industries.
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