Overview

• Kemi Badenoch pressed Keir Starmer on whether he would commit to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' pledge not to raise taxes or borrowing further during this Parliament, which he declined to do.
• Starmer defended Labour's budget, stating it is aimed at fixing the economy's foundations, while Badenoch criticized its impact on businesses, farmers, and workers.
• Farmers protested in Westminster against inheritance tax changes, while businesses raised concerns about job losses and price increases due to a hike in employer national insurance contributions.
• Badenoch referenced a 2.7 million-signature petition calling for a general election, which Starmer dismissed as unserious compared to Labour's electoral mandate.
• The two leaders sparred over electric vehicle mandates, with Starmer pointing out that the rules were introduced under the previous Conservative government, countering Badenoch's criticism of their economic impact.