Starmer apologises for Commons remark after facing criticism for a heated exchange with Plaid Cymru’s leader in Westminster. The Prime Minister admitted on Tuesday that his previous comment toward Liz Saville Roberts was “overly rude.”
During last week’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Saville Roberts challenged Sir Keir Starmer on his shifting stance on immigration. She accused him of abandoning principles in favour of focus group feedback. In response, Starmer dismissed her statement by saying, “Yes, the belief that she talks rubbish.”
The exchange came as Starmer defended his recent speech on immigration. In that address, he warned that Britain risked “becoming an island of strangers” and called for a system based on “control, selection, and fairness.”
His retort in Parliament drew criticism from across the political spectrum. Even Labour peer Harriet Harman weighed in, suggesting Starmer should have taken a more thoughtful approach. “A prime minister has the opportunity to be a bit more magisterial,” she said.
On Tuesday, during a separate Commons session, Starmer revisited the exchange. In response to a new question from Saville Roberts, he opened with an apology. “I think last week I was overly rude and I apologise. I do respect the honourable member,” he told the chamber.
Saville Roberts accepted the apology, saying Parliament is “a better place for people admitting their mistakes.” She said the Prime Minister appeared more composed than when making his earlier “divisive” comments on immigration.
The original confrontation stemmed from Saville Roberts’ remarks about Starmer’s changing immigration rhetoric. She highlighted his past defence of free movement and compassion for migrants, contrasting it with his new tone. Her question pressed whether any of his core beliefs remained intact after entering Downing Street.
Starmer’s “rubbish” comment sparked backlash and was seen as dismissive. Critics, including members of his own party, urged him to explain his positions more clearly rather than resort to personal jabs.
This latest development suggests a shift in tone from the Prime Minister as he attempts to manage internal discontent and uphold respectful debate in Parliament.
Starmer apologises for Commons remark as political leaders and observers continue to call for more civility and clarity in public discourse.
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