Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer opened a wide-ranging appearance before Parliament’s Liaison Committee by condemning an antisemitic terror attack in Sydney, warning it had heightened fear within Jewish communities in the UK. He said the government was working closely with police, the Community Security Trust and religious leaders to ensure safety during upcoming Hanukkah events, stressing that antisemitic violence was “not an isolated incident”.
The session quickly turned to standards in public life, with MPs pressing Starmer on adherence to the Nolan Principles and the ministerial code. He was challenged over a social media post on bus fares, written ministerial statements being used instead of parliamentary announcements, and claims made at Prime Minister’s Questions about teacher numbers. Starmer defended his record, arguing that ministers remained accountable to Parliament and saying he would review concerns raised by the Speaker.
Questions also focused on leaks and political briefings, particularly allegations of unauthorised briefing against cabinet ministers and a Treasury leak inquiry. Starmer said briefing against ministers was “completely unacceptable” and confirmed he would take action if evidence showed wrongdoing, including dismissals where necessary.
On public appointments, Starmer acknowledged an error in his involvement in the appointment process for the chair of the Independent Football Regulator, saying processes had since been reviewed to avoid similar situations. He also defended recent House of Lords appointments, arguing balance was required while reforms to reduce the size of the Lords continued.
The committee examined health and industrial action, with Starmer strongly criticising the British Medical Association’s decision to back further strikes ahead of Christmas. He called the move “irresponsible” during a severe flu outbreak, insisting there was no additional money on the table and warning the strikes risked undermining NHS recovery.
Starmer was also questioned on criminal justice reform, defending proposals following Sir Brian Leveson’s review to reduce Crown Court backlogs, while insisting serious crimes would still be heard by juries. He said delays of several years for victims, particularly in cases involving violence against women and girls, were unacceptable.
On energy bills and climate policy, the prime minister defended government measures to cut household costs while arguing that the transition to renewable energy was the only long-term solution. He rejected claims the UK’s climate leadership had weakened, saying clean energy investment was becoming an engine of growth.
Finally, Starmer updated MPs on Ukraine, ahead of talks in Berlin. He reiterated that any peace deal must be decided by Ukraine, backed by strong security guarantees, and warned against repeating failed European peace settlements of the past. He confirmed military planning included air, sea and ground contingencies if required.
