Steerpike Steerpike

Starmer’s academies U-turn

(Photo by Omar Marques/Getty Images)

Today’s PMQs won’t go down in history as Sir Keir Starmer’s finest half hour, with the PM losing marks over his performance on education. It seems the Labour politician has reverted to his old ways, with yet another Starmer U-turn making an appearance at today’s session. Quelle surprise…

Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch went in hard on the schools bill, blasting the Labour lot for wanting to row back on measures that propelled English schools to the top of Western league tables. ‘This bill is an act of vandalism,’ Badenoch declared. Pulling no punches, the Tory leader went on:

It is wrecking a cross-party consensus that lasted for decades… This bill is the worst of socialism, Mr Speaker, and isn’t it deprived children in England who will pay the price?

Shots fired…

And when the discussion turned to the subject of academies, Sir Keir was left a little flustered. ‘We introduced academies,’ the Labour leader insisted.

Steerpike
Written by
Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

Topics in this article

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in