It was deputies’ day at PMQs. Sir Keir Starmer is busy flying around the world yet again. This time he’s trying to charm the unlucky leaders of the G20. Angela Rayner took his place at PMQs opposite Alex Burghart for the Tories. His opener was terse and effective.
‘What is the government doing to bring down inflation?’
Rayner was prepared. She reminded him that he was the ‘growth minister’ under Liz Truss when inflation soared to 11 per cent. Fair point. Burghart quoted the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecast that Rachel Reeve’s smash-and-grab budget will lift inflation to three per cent. Rayner drawled out an identical reply and suggested that three percent is preferable to 11 per cent.
On inheritance tax, Burghart mentioned a family of farmers who were in tears yesterday. Their children will be denied a chance of continuing the family business.
‘What does she have to say to them?’
‘We are absolutely committed to our British farmers,’ said Rayner, which prompted outraged jeers from the Tories.
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