Keir Starmer Faces First PMQs as Prime Minister Amid Child Poverty Debate

Keir Starmer's initial session of Prime Minister's Questions was more subdued than usual, though he faced scrutiny over his stance on child poverty. The Labour leader also dealt with internal dissent after suspending seven lawmakers who voted against government policy on welfare payment limitations.

Keir Starmer's debut experience of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) saw a less hostile atmosphere, yet he faced pressure over child poverty policies. Despite Labour's recent electoral triumph, internal rebellion emerged as seven lawmakers were suspended for defying party lines on welfare limitations.

The usual fiery exchanges in PMQs were absent as former Prime Minister and opposition leader Rishi Sunak focused discussions on bipartisan support for Ukraine. However, Starmer faced scrutiny from the Scottish National Party over the two-child benefit cap, a contentious issue linked to child poverty.

Starmer reaffirmed Labour's historical commitment to alleviating child poverty, announcing a new taskforce. Despite prior confrontations with Sunak on policy records, the session had a congenial tone, marking a shift since Labour's overwhelming election win. The session also featured a light-hearted moment when Starmer accidentally referred to Sunak as 'the prime minister.'

(With inputs from agencies.)