Norman Calls Out Starmer for Dodging Questions

0:00On April 16, a conservative front-benture, Jesse Norman, is calling out Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for what he calls contemptuous behavior. During Prime Minister's questions, Norman says Starmer dodged questions from opposition leader Kimmy Botanok in 23 out of his last 24 responses. He wants the PM to apologize to the speaker, and all MPs for ignoring the rules. This all went down over the last four sessions, covering big issues like the Iran conflict, fuel duty, North Sea oil and gas, and the defense review. Norman pointed out how Starmer even argued with speakers Sir Lindsey Hoyle right there on live TV just for enforcing the Chamber's guidelines. MPs are fired up, with Norman stressing that dodging questions undermines accountability and the truth for the people we represent. The speaker's office backs this up, saying answers must stick to the actual questions asked, and they've reminded number 10 officials multiple times. Lately, meanwhile, Commons leaders Sir Alan Campbell push back, noting every PM handles

1:03these clashes their own way, and opposition doesn't always get the answers they want. Starmer's team claims he gave full responses on the topics raised, while acknowledging politics moves faster these days with announcements hitting them. Press first sometimes. Tensions like this highlight the push-pull and parliament over straight talk and rules. Could signal more clashes ahead as both sides dig in on holding, power to account.