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Rishi Sunak has faced off Sir Keir Starmer during a fiery PMQs that saw both party leaders clash amid snap election rumours.
SNP leader Stephen Flynn asked the prime minister what all voters are wondering, whether there will be a summer election.
But a laughing Mr Sunak, said: “There will be a general election in the second half of this year.”
The PM reminded MPs about the latest announcement that inflation figures have fallen to 2.3 per cent – the lowest since in almost three years.
But the news have been overshadowed by recent scandals that hit the Conservative government.
The Labour leader addressed the infected blood scandal and asked the PM to make sure officials subscribe to the NHS duty of candour to avoid future failures.
MPs gave Craig Mackinlay a standing ovation when he appeared in the Commons following his long battle with his sepsis.
Stephen Flynn asks the question everyone wants asking
The SNP leader Stephen Flynn did not mess about and asked the prime minister if he is going to call a summer general election “or is he feart?”
A laughing Rishi Sunak, said: “There will be a general election in the second half of this year.”
So no real answer yet.
Craig Mackinlay has warmed up the hearts of MPs during today’s PMQs.
He jokingly says he has broken House of Commons rules including encouraged clapping, wearing trainers because of his feet and not wearing a jacket.
The Tory MP is asking a question to the PM as he thanks him for his support throughout his health journey. He says: “That shows the true depth of the character of the prime minister.”
Mackinlay then asks: “Can we please ensure that we embed recognition of early signs of sepsis?
“If we can stop someone to end up like this that would be a job well done.”
Sunak says the government is “working hard to raise awareness” and he’ll take suggestions from the MP on what the NHS can do.
He finishes by saying: “Craig, you’ve inspired each and every one of us.”
Labour MP urges gov to stop sales in Israel
Zarah Sultana says: “This house does not aid and obey Hamas but it does aid and obey Israel.
“Would the PM uphold international law and end sales to Israel?”
Sunak jokes it is “always nice to see the changed Labour party”.
He claims the actions of the ICC will do nothing to get hostages out.
Inflation rates
Tory MP John Baron asks Sunak how the cut in inflation help hard-up families.
The prime minister says “the plan is working” as he slams Labour.
‘Spring Budget will modernise the NHS’
MP Will Quince says he welcomes the announcement that the government will be implementing AI in cancer research.
He asks the PM to ensure the NH gets the funding it deserves.
The PM then vows to allocate more funding to modernise the NHS in the Spring Budget.
Watch: Moment Craig Mackinlay enters Parliament
SNP MP urges Rishi to ban hate preachers
Alison Thewliss asks Rishi Sunak to address the rising mysoginy among young people and ban Andrew Tate.
The MP reveals she has been the target of hate attacks after receiving abusive emails.
In full: Starmer makes clear a Labour government will introduce a duty of candour
In a week where the infected blood inquiry and Paula Vennells evidence today at the Post Office/ Horizon inquiry, the failures of the state to face up to problems is Keir Starmer’s main subject at PMQs.
Some might suggest that his usual attacks on the economy would be difficult on the day that inflation has come down to 2.3 percent.
The Labour leader has made clear that if he wins power at the next election his government would bring in far reaching reforms.
He said: “I cannot think of a reason why the duty of candour should not apply to all public servants.
“Does the Prime Minister agree that the time has now come for the duty of candour to be introduced across the board.”
Sir Keir also appears to be willing to tackle “the culture at the NHS” which he insisted also needs reforming.
Langstaff report
Sir Keir Starmer has brought up the need of a change as “the story is not new”.
He asks the Langstaff report has also identified issues within the NHS.
Starmer addresses the infected blood scandal
He asks the prime minister to condemn NHS failings.
Rishi Sunak responds: “This was an appalling blood scandal and I pay tribute to
“Their voices have now finally been heard. We will ensure that nothing like this never happens again.
Sir Keir Starmer says the scandal is “shocking but not unique” he urges the PM to urge officials to subscribe to the NHS duty of candour.
Source: independent.co.uk
