Rishi Sunak Slammed for Dodging Parliament and PMQs
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak came under fire at Tuesday’s Liaison Committee meeting for skipping Parliament and missing key Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs). Sir Chris Bryant, chairman of the Standards Committee, questioned whether Sunak is actually committed to turning up in the House of Commons.
Sunak Under Fire Over NHS Plan and PMQ Absences
One hot topic was Sunak’s decision not to announce the NHS workforce plan in Parliament and missing two PMQs in a row. Sunak pushed back, insisting he usually delivers big announcements in Parliament. He cited upcoming duties, including the NHS 75th anniversary service and attending the NATO summit in Lithuania.
Defends Skipping Boris Vote and Charity Dinner Controversy
Sunak took a swipe at Sir Chris, asking, “Should a British prime minister skip a NATO summit with global leaders?” He also defended missing the vote on whether Boris Johnson lied to Parliament, saying he had a charity dinner for Jewish Care to attend. Yet, MPs who went to the same event still made it back in time to vote, raising eyebrows.
Admits Skimming Boris Johnson Report, Tory Peer Resigns
Sunak confessed he hadn’t fully read a Privileges Committee report on allies of Boris Johnson undermining the investigation. He’d scanned the findings but not the full three-page document. After Sunak asked him to apologise for his mention in the report, Tory peer Lord Zac Goldsmith promptly quit as a minister.
Cost of Living, Channel Crossings and Rwanda Plans Defended
Discussion also touched on the cost of living crisis, Channel migrant crossings, and the controversial Rwanda asylum policy. Sunak stood firm, vowing to fight court rulings vigorously and stressing that progress was being made despite challenges like rising inflation and record migration attempts.
Tensions Rise Over Transparency and Accountability
The fiery committee session threw a spotlight on Sunak’s parliamentary disappearances, decisions, and government policies. Critics say it underscores ongoing worries about transparency and accountability – with the PM’s handling of crucial national issues under the microscope.
