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Badenoch and Lammy Clash in Fiery PMQs

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 16:01 GMT by Daily Express
      Locales: England, UNITED KINGDOM

Westminster, January 28th, 2026 - Prime Minister's Questions today witnessed a particularly robust session, dominated by pointed exchanges between Kemi Badenoch, the Business and Trade Secretary, and Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The session, occurring while Rishi Sunak was present, centered heavily on the persistent cost of living crisis and accusations of governmental accountability - or lack thereof - as the UK navigates ongoing economic challenges.

The atmosphere in the House of Commons was markedly tense as Lammy launched a series of criticisms, arguing the Conservative government was failing to adequately support communities grappling with escalating costs of essential goods and services. He specifically accused the government of 'abandoning' those most vulnerable, painting a picture of widespread financial hardship ignored by those in power. Lammy's assertions weren't simply focused on current struggles; he alluded to a pattern of neglect and insufficient long-term planning contributing to the present difficulties.

Badenoch, known for her assertive and direct style, responded swiftly and forcefully, directly refuting Lammy's claims. While details of her precise rebuttals are still being analyzed, sources confirm her arguments focused on outlining government initiatives aimed at mitigating the cost of living, including energy price caps and targeted support for low-income households. She also challenged the Labour Party's own economic proposals, suggesting they would exacerbate existing problems rather than offer viable solutions. The exchange was described by multiple MPs as "fiery" and "pointed," with frequent interruptions and vocal disagreements.

The debate extended beyond immediate cost of living pressures, touching upon the broader state of the UK economy. Lammy pressed Badenoch on indicators suggesting sluggish growth and declining real wages, while Badenoch countered with statistics highlighting employment rates and potential areas of economic recovery. This part of the exchange highlighted the fundamental disagreement between the two parties regarding the underlying health of the nation's finances.

Beyond the Badenoch-Lammy clashes, Prime Minister Sunak himself faced considerable scrutiny. MPs raised concerns regarding the notoriously lengthy NHS waiting lists, demanding concrete plans to address the backlog and improve healthcare access. The latest economic data - released earlier this week - also became a key point of contention. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves was frequently referenced during the session, specifically concerning Labour's proposed tax reforms and spending commitments. Sunak was repeatedly pressed to explain how his government would address the economic concerns raised by Reeves, and if he believed her plans were economically viable.

The focus on the NHS is especially pertinent given the ongoing debate around funding and staffing levels. The pandemic significantly disrupted healthcare services, and the subsequent surge in demand has created a significant strain on the system. Addressing waiting lists is not merely a matter of increasing capacity but also requires a review of efficiency and resource allocation within the NHS.

The economic figures fueling the debate paint a complex picture. While employment remains relatively stable, inflation continues to erode purchasing power, particularly for those on fixed incomes. The Bank of England's recent decision to hold interest rates - despite inflationary pressures - is another source of contention, with critics arguing it's a cautious approach that fails to address the immediate needs of struggling families.

Political analysts suggest today's PMQs reflects a broader shift in the political landscape, with Labour gaining ground in opinion polls and increasingly confident in its ability to challenge the government's economic narrative. The sharp exchanges between Badenoch and Lammy can be seen as a preview of the likely tone and focus of the upcoming general election campaign. The debate also underscores the importance of economic competence and social welfare as key battlegrounds in the minds of voters. The coming weeks will undoubtedly see continued pressure on the government to demonstrate its commitment to addressing the cost of living crisis and improving public services.