‘We did pull the levers’: emotional Starmer defends his record

Lindsay Hoyle (right), the Commons speaker, says farewell to Keir Starmer on Wednesday. Photograph: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA View image in fullscreen Lindsay Hoyle (right), the Commons speaker, says farewell to Keir Starmer on Wednesday. Photograph: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA ‘We did pull the levers’: emotional Starmer defends his record In his final PMQs the prime minister offers Andy Burnham – and the England team – his full support Politics live – latest updates Keir Starmer has defended his record as prime minister in an often emotional final outing at prime minister’s questions, which largely avoided political jibes in favour of tributes and questions, many about the World Cup. Answering the very last question, his voice breaking at times, Starmer paid tribute to those he had worked with over his two years in office, which will end on Monday when he hands over to Andy Burnham. “This will be my last answer from this dispatch box,” he began. “Every prime minister knows when they take up the torch that the day will come when they have to pass it on. That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey.” After a session watched by his wife and children, as well as members of the public whose lives intersected with policy areas, such as Jaguar Land Rover workers and parents who campaigned for a social media ban for children, he ended: “Can I wish you good health and happiness to all those in the gallery whose lives have been changed or improved by this Labour government, and all across the country who struggle to be seen or heard. “You’re the reason I came into politics. To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye.” This farewell was greeted by cheers and applause from many MPs, ending when the speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, reminded the Commons that applause is frowned on in the chamber. View image in fullscreen Keir Starmer addresses a packed Commons chamber during PMQs on Wednesday. Photograph: UK Parliament/PA In one early exchange Starmer said he was “truly horrified” at the death of Ann Widdecombe , and suggested she be granted a shield in the Commons, as is the case for Jo Cox and David Amess , who were murdered as sitting MPs. Asked for his advice to Burnham and to England before their semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday evening, Starmer replied: “For my successor and for the England team, I won’t give advice. I will simply give my wholehearted support.” Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, dispensed with her usually combative questions to ask Starmer about a series of topics, some more serious than others, including whether the country deserved “a televised debate between Nigel Farage and Count Binface ” ahead of the Clacton byelection. Starmer replied: “My advice to everyone is: put your vote in the bin.” View image in fullscreen Kemi Badenoch dispensed with her combative questions to ask Starmer his thoughts on a televised debate between Nigel Farage and Count Binface. Photograph: House of Commons/UK Par