Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch TRADE BLOWS in ROWDY first PMQs SHOWDOWN

Prime Minister Andy Burnham refused to rule out further tax rises as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch challenged his spending plans during their first Prime Minister’s Questions clash on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. In a fiery House of Commons exchange, Badenoch repeatedly demanded to know how Burnham would fund his government’s promises, accusing him of behaving like a “people pleaser” and warning that markets were worried about a “spendthrift Prime Minister” as UK borrowing costs reached their highest level in 18 years. Burnham defended his economic plans by pointing to the removal of VAT from electricity bills and lower business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues. He insisted his government would follow its fiscal rules, reduce the welfare bill and fully fund Britain’s defence commitments. The two leaders also clashed over government borrowing, digital ID funding, welfare spending, the Liz Truss mini-budget, rising debt-interest costs and support for Ukraine. However, Burnham resisted Badenoch’s demand for a clear yes-or-no answer on whether taxes could rise again at the upcoming Budget. Stay connected with the Irish Mirror for the latest Irish news, crime, politics, sport, entertainment and real-life stories. Visit: https://irishmirror.ie/ Sign up to our newsletters: https://irishmirror.ie/newsletter-pre...