Starmer’s final PMQs latest: Labour MP pays tearful tribute as outgoing leader gets standing ovation from Commons

Sir Keir Starmer reiterated the need for cross-party consensus on support for Ukraine in his last Prime Minister’s Questions.

Responding to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s question on the need for backing for Ukraine to endure, Sir Keir said: “We have stood united on Ukraine in this House. We supported the last Government in the approach that they took.”

Mrs Badenoch had said she “admired” how the Prime Minister had invited Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street after his confrontation with Donald Trump and other senior members of his administration.

Sir Keir said: “On that meeting with President Zelensky, the day after he was evicted from the Oval Office, he left alone, he got a plane, we got him to come to London, and I asked him to come to Downing Street straight away.

“I walked out to meet him, I gave him a hug, and then I showed him what was in the street which was many people who had come, thinking that he was visiting Downing Street, and the moment he got out the car and hugged me, they cheered from the top of their voices, the British people, to tell President Zelensky exactly what they thought of him and the way he had been treated, and that was a really emotional moment, because it was the first human contact he had effectively had outside of his immediate team since he left the Oval Office.

“I had a meeting with him to tell him that in this country we will stand with him and Ukraine, and I didn’t let him leave alone. I walked him out to his car because we don’t let people in Britain walk out of our Britain, walk out of our buildings, we escort them out.”

Sir Keir Starmer said he will give his “wholehearted support” to his successor Andy Burnham and vowed to give support “privately if asked for, not publicly when not asked for”.v

Speaking at PMQs, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “He (Sir Keir) might not have answered many of the questions I asked him, but at least he turned up.

“It is important to respect Parliament. So, does the prime minister agree with me that his successor should come to this place and answer questions rather than scurrying away for the summer?”

Sir Keir replied: “As prime minister, I’ve participated in over 60 PMQs. Always a pleasure. Always something to look forward to. And I’ve answered, or at least given answers, 2,800 times, and I’m sure she will question my successor in the same way.”

Mrs Badenoch then said: “I remember when I started this job, the prime minister was very helpful to me, saying that I wouldn’t last the year. Life comes at you fast…

“But everyone in politics would do well to remember how quickly political fortunes can change. I know that he has been asked and he’s been diplomatic, but on that note: does he have any advice for his successor?”

Sir Keir responded: “I will give my wholehearted support to my successor. I want this Labour government to be a success. I want our country to be a success. I shall give my support privately if asked for, not publicly when not asked for.”

Keir Starmer told his wife and teenage children he loved them as he made his last statement in the House of Commons as prime minister.

He told MPs: “Every prime minister knows when they take up a torch that the day will come when they have to pass it on.

“That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey.”

He said that in two years in government, he was leaving the country “in better shape”, adding “I am proud of everything that we have achieved”.

He thanked his political team for “being prepared to walk through fire for me”, he told Labour MPs he was “proud of each and every one of you” and he pledged his successor Andy Burnham his “full support”.

He added: “To all colleagues across the House, can I wish you good health and happiness?

“To all those in the gallery whose lives have been changed or improved by this Labor government, and all across the country who struggle to be seen or heard, you’re the reason I came into politics.

“To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye”.

As he finished Labour MPs broke with protocol to clap, instead of cheer, their leader as he left the chamber.

Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:

Labour MP Carolyn Harris was in tears as she asked Starmer his last ever question at PMQs.

She told the House of Commons that because of the Labour leaders’ “service and his leadership, children are growing up in a fairer Britain.

“We stand tall on the world stage, and every day we see his decency and his courage shine through.”

On a personal note, she added: “Can I thank him and his wonderful family on behalf of me and my family for their cherished friendship? And I am certain everyone will join me in wishing him and his family the very, very best for their next chapter.”

Sir Keir Starmer has delivered his final speech in the Dispatch Box: “Every PM knows when they take up the torch, the day will come when they have to pass it on.

“This is the end of my political journey.

“In six years we went from historic defeat in 2019 to historic victory in 2024.

“In two years in government, I leave the country in better shape than I found it. I am proud of everything we have achieved.”

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey plays with Toy Story metaphor for Andy Burnham’s incoming premiership.

Mr Davey said: “As the prime minister finds himself with more time on his hands, can I recommend the new Toy Story film?

“For those of you who don’t know, Toy Story, its main character, used to be in law enforcement, but was mainly known for being little wooden, but was replaced by shiny new action figure from far away who thinks he can fly, and the name Andy on everyone’s lips.

“Perhaps, Mr Speaker, maybe the prime minister should give that a miss. But does he share my fear that when it comes to Britain’s national debt, [Andy Burnham’s] plan is to infinity and beyond?”

Political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Ed Davey have had a bizarre back and forth where they joked about going to Chessington World of Adventures together.

The prime minister joked that the Liberal Democrat leader, who is known for doing adventurous stunts as part of his political campaigning, is “fittingly, the Right Honourable member for Chessington World of Adventures”.

He added: “When he talks about the economy, I’m pleased to tell him that thanks to our summer savings his family can save nearly £20 when they visit this summer.”

Responding, Sir Ed said: “Can I invite the prime minister to join me at Chessington World of Adventures?

“Closing out the bizarre exchange, the outgoing prime minister joked that the pair could go during Andy Burnham’s first PMQs.

“He asked me about joining him at Chessington world of adventures, can I suggest 12 noon on the first Wednesday in September?”, Sir Keir said.

The prime minister shared a hilarious and humbling viral moment he had in a school earlier this year, which led him to a stern scolding by the headteacher.

Sir Keir Starmer said he “got into a lot of trouble at a primary school when an eight-year-old encouraged me to do the 6-7 thing” leading to the whole class copying the trend.

He said the headteacher “sternly” told him it was against school rules, to which the PM admitted he was “totally pathetic”.

“I simply said, ‘I didn’t start it!’”

Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:

The PM praised the Tory leader as he told MPs: “We have had robust exchanges across this Dispatch Box, but she has extended kindness to me privately and at very difficult times.

“Including when there was an attempt to burn down our family home, which deeply affected my family, she reached out to me.

“And when my brother died of cancer, she reached out to me privately… and I thank her for that and the tribute that she’s just made to my wife and children, who mean the world to me.”