Labour leader Keir Starmer faced criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch during PMQs over the potential negative impact of the proposed Employment Bill on businesses. Badenoch argued the bill would lead to increased legal costs and hiring difficulties, while Starmer defended the legislation as crucial for worker protections and argued it was consistent with economic growth.
Keir Starmer faced criticism during a heated Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) session today for the perceived burden of red tape and costs imposed on businesses through new employment rights legislation. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch challenged the Prime Minister's pledges on deregulation, contrasting them with the potential drawbacks of the proposed law.
She labeled the legislation as an 'adventure playground for lawyers', warning that it could hinder companies from hiring new employees. Badenoch argued that the Employment Bill, with an estimated annual cost of £5 billion for businesses, failed the Prime Minister's growth test. She pointed to warnings from the Federation of Small Businesses, stating that 92% of small employers expressed concerns about the bill's impact. She specifically highlighted clauses one through six, claiming they made it more difficult for businesses to recruit, particularly young people seeking their first jobs. Starmer countered by emphasizing the government's commitment to growth, citing record levels of investment, positive economic forecasts from institutions like the IMF and PwC, and rising wages. He highlighted the Chancellor's support for Heathrow Airport expansion and the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor as examples of pro-growth initiatives. He also accused the Conservatives of losing the confidence of businesses and dismissed their criticisms as lacking substance. The exchange took place against a backdrop of growing anxieties on the high street following the recent Budget, which included a significant increase in national insurance contributions for employers. This announcement coincided with Lloyds Banking Group's decision to close 136 branches across the UK, impacting customers in both urban and rural areas.
Keir Starmer Kemi Badenoch Employment Bill Business Costs Deregulation Growth Labour Party Conservative Party UK Politics Pmqs
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Donelan's Employment Bill Criticism Sparks Heated Exchange with StarmerUK Education Secretary Michelle Donelan clashed with Labour leader Keir Starmer over the government's Employment Bill, with Donelan accusing it of favoring lawyers over businesses and Starmer refuting her claims as 'nonsense'.
Read more »
Speaker Tells Kemi Badenoch Off For Accusing Keir Starmer Of 'Misleading' CommonsKate is a political correspondent at HuffPost UK. Based in Westminster, she covers the day-to-day events occupying parliament while also specialising in the Ukraine war, international relations and unpicking key economic events. She occasionally pops up on the radio to discuss the major political events of the day.
Read more »
Badenoch Accuses Starmer of Using 'Smear Tactics'A row has escalated over grooming gangs, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accusing Sir Keir Starmer of using 'Labour smear tactics' and claiming he is 'a man of the past'.
Read more »
Starmer and Badenoch Clash Over Grooming Gangs InquiryPrime Minister Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch engaged in a heated debate during Prime Minister's Questions regarding a proposed national inquiry into grooming gangs. Starmer argued that a new inquiry could hinder immediate action against child sexual abuse, while Badenoch insisted it was necessary to investigate potential racial and cultural motivations behind the crimes.
Read more »
Badenoch Accuses Labour of Rape Gangs 'Cover-Up' as Starmer Calls for ActionKemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, criticizes Labour's refusal to hold a national inquiry into rape gangs, calling it a 'cover-up'. Sir Keir Starmer counters by urging for action and dismissing the need for another lengthy inquiry.
Read more »
Starmer and Badenoch Clash Over Grooming Gang InquiryKeir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch engaged in a heated exchange during Prime Minister's Questions regarding a proposed national inquiry into grooming gangs. Starmer urged Badenoch to withdraw her amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, arguing that it would delay action on tackling child sexual abuse. Badenoch countered that failing to back an inquiry would fuel concerns about a cover-up.
Read more »