Labour tries to stop PMQs after Starmer argues with Speaker

Labour's attempt to cancel PMQs is a big move. This is the first time in years such a request has been made.
By Newsroom | Politics, United Kingdom |

Labour whips attempted to cancel the upcoming session of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) after a heated exchange between Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The controversy erupted when Sir Lindsay instructed the Prime Minister to stop evading questions posed by Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch.

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The Prime Minister reportedly reacted with significant anger following the Speaker's directive. Sources close to the situation indicated that Sir Keir Starmer was "fuming with Lindsay" during the confrontation, despite an official confirmation that Starmer retains confidence in the Speaker.

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A Controversial Maneuver

The move by Labour to potentially cancel the parliamentary session is described as an "audacious bid." Allies of Sir Lindsay Hoyle have pointed out that the Speaker often receives public complaints about Prime Ministers consistently avoiding direct answers during PMQs.

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Background: Starmer's Premiership and Parliamentary Scrutiny

Sir Keir Starmer, the current Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, assumed leadership following a career as a human rights lawyer and former Director of Public Prosecutions. Since entering Parliament in 2015, Starmer has navigated significant political challenges, including post-Brexit relations with the European Union, the cost of living crisis, and the implementation of Labour's policy agenda.

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Parliamentary scrutiny, particularly during PMQs, has presented notable moments. In November 2025, Kemi Badenoch, identified as the Conservative leader in some reports, made political capital from Starmer's difficulties during a session. Starmer himself has publicly condemned "unacceptable" briefings against ministers.

Earlier in 2025, Kemi Badenoch and Sir Keir Starmer engaged in tense exchanges during PMQs, including a significant row concerning the pensions triple lock. Another notable incident in July 2025 saw Labour's Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, appearing visibly upset in the Commons during Starmer's grilling over a benefits cuts vote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Labour try to cancel Prime Minister's Questions on April 17, 2026?
Labour whips attempted to cancel the upcoming PMQs session after a disagreement between Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The argument happened when the Speaker told the Prime Minister to stop avoiding questions from MP Kemi Badenoch.
Q: What happened during the argument between Sir Keir Starmer and the Speaker?
The Prime Minister was reportedly angry after the Speaker told him to answer questions directly. Sources said Sir Keir Starmer was upset with Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, even though he officially said he still trusts the Speaker.
Q: What is the significance of Labour trying to cancel PMQs?
This move by Labour is seen as a bold step. Supporters of the Speaker say he often faces complaints about Prime Ministers not answering questions directly during PMQs.
Q: What is the background of Sir Keir Starmer and parliamentary scrutiny?
Sir Keir Starmer has been Prime Minister since 2023. He was a human rights lawyer before entering Parliament in 2015. He has faced challenges like Brexit and the cost of living crisis. PMQs has seen tense moments, including arguments with MP Kemi Badenoch and concerns raised by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the past.