During a session of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) on 24 June 2026, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson a "spiteful class warrior" and said Labour MPs had "400 knives stuck in [Keir Starmer's] back". Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle intervened, urging MPs to "think about the language" and warning that inflammatory words in the chamber can spill into public discourse. The incident has reignited debate about the tone of political debate in the UK parliament.
PMQs is a weekly fixture in the House of Commons where the prime minister answers questions from MPs. It takes place every Wednesday at midday when parliament is sitting. The session is often confrontational, designed to hold the government to account, but there are rules and conventions intended to maintain civility. The Speaker of the House is responsible for enforcing order, including asking MPs to withdraw offensive remarks or, in rare cases, suspending them.
“What PMQs is, why parliamentary language matters, and the rules governing MPs' conduct.”
The rules of behaviour in the Commons are not set out in a single code but are based on precedent, standing orders, and guidance from the Speaker. MPs must not use abusive or insulting language, impute false motives, or refer to other members by name — they should use titles such as "the honourable member" or "the secretary of state". Swearing is banned. The Speaker can order an MP to withdraw a remark and, if they refuse, name them for disciplinary action.
Badenoch's language was criticised by Labour MPs and some of her own side. The Speaker's intervention was notable for being applied to the opposition leader rather than a backbencher. After PMQs, a row reportedly broke out between Badenoch and Phillipson in the voting lobby, with Badenoch allegedly saying: "You are spiteful, I'm never going to stop talking about how spiteful you are." Phillipson replied: "The public are going to find out who you really are." Labour whips said they would refer the incident to the Speaker, and Labour MP Tulip Siddiq said she would make a point of order.
For UK readers, the tone of PMQs matters because it shapes perceptions of politics. Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: "When we leave this chamber, don't be surprised when constituents feel they can use the same language." The incident also occurs at a pivotal moment: Sir Keir Starmer resigned as Labour leader on 21 June 2026, triggering a contest to replace him as prime minister. The frontrunner, Andy Burnham, was the target of one of Badenoch's jibes — she dismissed him as "a pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt".
Q: What is Prime Minister's Questions? PMQs is a weekly session in the House of Commons where the prime minister answers questions from MPs. It lasts about 30 minutes, usually on Wednesdays, and is the most visible form of parliamentary scrutiny. The Leader of the Opposition gets six questions, and backbenchers are called at the Speaker's discretion.
Q: Why did the Speaker intervene during Badenoch's questions? Sir Lindsay Hoyle said MPs should "think about the language we use" and asked for "a little bit more decorum and respect". It is unclear exactly which phrase prompted his comment — a Conservative source said it was Badenoch's reference to "they don't like it up them" (from the sitcom Dad's Army), while a Labour source said it was her criticism of Bridget Phillipson.
Q: Can an MP be punished for what they say in the Commons? Yes. The Speaker can ask an MP to withdraw a remark. If they refuse, the Speaker can "name" them, leading to a vote on suspension from the House. In extreme cases, the House can vote to suspend an MP for a fixed period. However, MPs have freedom of speech in debates, protected by parliamentary privilege.
What happens next: The Speaker will decide whether to take further action on the Badenoch incident. Meanwhile, the Labour leadership contest continues, with Andy Burnham expected to be confirmed as leader and prime minister by mid-July 2026. James Purnell, a former cabinet minister, is tipped to become Burnham's chief of staff. The row over language in the Commons may prompt a wider review of conduct rules, though no formal process has been announced.