July 6, 2022
3:32 pm
Prime Ministers Questions
Catch-up
Sajid Javid delivers brutal resignation speech in Commons
PMQs Live – ‘Pathetic spectacle’ – Brutal PMQs for Boris as more resignations roll in
PMQs Live – 06/07 – PM faces tough questions over Chris Pincher
PMQs live – PM faces grilling after shock resignations
PMQs Live – Scotland wants independence – Blackford
PMQs Live -‘Champagne socialism back in Labour’
PMQs Live – Rayner to face Raab
PMQs Live – No one wants a UK-EU trade war, says PM
PMQs Live – 06/07 – PM faces tough questions over Chris Pincher
Starmer: ‘Sinking ships fleeing the rat?’
Starmer says it sums the PM up that he tolerated “awful behaviour, unacceptable in any walk of life”.
The Labour leader derides those ministers resigning now after defending so much previously.
He asks: “Isn’t this the first recorded case of the sinking ships fleeing the rat?”
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Stamer wants PM to apologise for Pincher
Starmer sticks to the issue of Chris Pincher. He says when a young man complained about Pincher to a government whip she asked if he was gay. And apparently, she said that him being gay means it’s not straightforward.
Starmer says this comment is sickening.
He asks the PM for an apology.
The PM responds: “I regret very much that the member for Tamworth continued to hold office after the complaint was made against him in the Foreign Office.”
“It was resolved in the Foreign Office,” he says.
He says in hindsight he should have realised Pincher would not change.
“We want to help people with the things that matter to them, like cutting their taxes,” he says.
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Starmer presses on Pincher allegations
Starmer reads a testimony about one of the allegations against Pincher – the whole of the Commons falls silent.
Starmer makes clear, the whole of the government’s front bench is to blame for defending the PM for promoting Pincher.
Starmer then asks the PM whether he described Chris Pincher as “Pincher by name, Pincher by nature”. Yes or no?”
The PM refuses to answer saying he is “not going to trivialise what happened … because very serious complaints have been raised against [Chris Pincher].
He says that a complaint was raised and resolved while he was in the FO and that the fact Pincher remained in government is a massive regret for him.
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The PM says Chris Pincher no longer has the Tory whip and when he found out about the allegation, Pincher lost his status as a Tory MP and now is the subject of an independent investigation.
The PM says he abhors bullying or abuse of power.
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Why was Chris Pincher given position of power?
Labour’s Keir Starmer kicks off by referring to Chris Pincher (arguably the man who may be the downfall of the PM). Starmer goes on to list the allegations against Chris Pincher, saying it’s a reminder to those “propping up” the PM how serious the situation is.
He says the PM promoted Pincher despite knowing the allegations and asks why Pincher was put in a position of power despite knowing the allegations.
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The PM kicks off this week’s PMQs.
He begins by saying the government is implementing the “biggest tax cuts for a decade” – he says 13m people in the UK will benefit from it. He adds a typical worker will be £330 better off each year.
He wishes the best of luck to the England and Northern Ireland teams competing in the Women’s Euros.
When the PM mentions having ministerial meetings later today – the opposition benches let out some big laughs.
More resignations rolling in for the PM after Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid quit
After Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid handed in their resignations last night, a flurry of others followed suit and quit. – Read Rishi and Sajid’s letters here.
It’ll be a tough day for Boris Johnson today – not only is he facing a grilling at PMQs amid even more expected letters, but the PM will also sit in a committee meeting where integrity will be the number one topic and Sajid Javid is expected to deliver a statement following PMQs.
PMQs live – PM faces grilling after shock resignations
Andrew Murrison
— Rt Hon Andrew Murrison MP (@AWMurrison) July 5, 2022
Bim Afolami
Vice chairman of the Conservative Party Bim Afolami revealed his intentions during a television interview.
When asked for his thoughts on the scandal surrounding Chris Pincher, Bim Afolami told Talk TV live on air: “You have to resign.”
He said that he “can’t serve under the prime minister” as he had “lost trust in people”, adding: “The prime minister asked at the confidence [vote] to be given time to restore that trust, and I took that as many others did in the party.
‘But I think it becomes clear, especially after losing the support of two of his closest party colleagues, that the time has come for him to stand down.”
Jonathan Gullis
Jonathan Gullis, a parliamentary private secretary (PPS) in the Northern Ireland office has resigned.
Gullis actually spends a lot of his letter praising the work of the government, but adds: “I feel for too long we have been more focused on dealing with our reputational damage rather than delivering for the people of this country and spread opportunity for all, which is why I came into politics.
“It is for this reason I can no longer serve as part of your government.”
Saqib Bhatti
The Conservative party has always been the party of integrity and honour but recent events have undermined trust and standards in public life. It is for this reason that sadly, I must resign.
I will continue working hard for my constituents on the issues that matter to them. pic.twitter.com/oHZzPO285o
— Saqib Bhatti MP (@bhatti_saqib) July 5, 2022
Nicola Richards
Virginia Crosbie
“Sadly, I am forced to say that the sheer number of allegations of impropriety and illegality – many of them centred around Downing Street and your premiership – is quite simply making your position untenable.”
She said the PM risked “irrevocably harming” the party if he stayed on, saying Mr Johnson was “either badly advised or unable to change or reform the dysfunctional operation at the centre of the government you lead”.
Ms Crosbie praises the “considerable achievements” of the government over Brexit, the pandemic and the situation in Ukraine, but concluded that they “continue to be overshadowed by the simple calculation I believe the country has made – that you cannot be trusted to tell the truth”.
She added: “This can never be a position to inhabit for anyone in public life, let alone a prime minister.
“The party I love, and this government, are now facing continued distraction, scandal and allegations of cover up.”
Theo Clarke
I am very sad to be resigning as the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Kenya with immediate effect👇 pic.twitter.com/rBKSdbMCQ7
— Theo Clarke MP (@theodoraclarke) July 5, 2022
