Major issues you want to know from Keir Starmer’s grilling by senior MPs

POLITICS

On Dec 15, 2025

The Prime Minister faced questions from senior MPs at the Parliamentary Liaison Committee and faced questions on Ukraine, inheritance tax and doctors’ strikes

16:29, 15 Dec 2025Updated 16:30, 15 Dec 2025

Major things you need to know from Keir Starmer’s grilling by senior MPs

Keir Starmer said he has removed people in the past for leaking. But he was not clear what this was releated. Addressing the Liaison Committee he said leaks about the Budget were “intolerable” – and said he wants to stop them.
The Prime Minister lashed out at “irresponsble” strike action by resident doctors. Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) today rejected a package of measures from the Health Secretary to tackle a jobs crisis facing medics. Mr Starmer said: “I think it’s irresponsible action by the BMA, and not for the first time.”
Mr Starmer was confronted about the “real world consequences” of delays to the long-awaited violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy. The PM said he wants it published “as soon as possible”. Dame Karen Bradley, who chairs the Home Affairs Committee, said rape crisis centres have been impacted by the wait for the strategy, which was first expected in the summer.
The PM was told farmers are ending their lives early because of impending changes to inheritance tax for farmers. The controversial changes are set to come into effect in April. Labour MP Cat Smith – who chairs the Commons Procedure Committee – asked Mr Starmer: “Is the Prime Minister aware that some farmers who have a terminal diagnosis now are actively planning to expedite their own deaths so they die before April?”
Mr Starmer warned a botched peace deal in Ukraine would be dangerous. He said the UK must be “alert” to danger from Russia. Speaking ahead of a crucial meeting with European leaders in Berlin this evening he said: “We cannot let up in our efforts to bring about a just and lasting peace.”

Article continues below