PMQs: Boris Johnson writes ‘two versions of every article’ says Keir Starmer as he rejects ‘more flip-flops than Bournemouth beach’ jibe
Keir Starmer accused Boris Johnson of writing 'two versions of every article he ever published' (PA)
2 min read
Boris Johnson was accused of writing “two versions of every article he ever published” after Keir Starmer hit back over the claim he had “more flip-flops than Bournemouth beach”.
The pair clashed at the final Prime Minister’s Questions before Parliament's summer recess a day after a damning report into attempted Russian interference in UK democracy.
After repeated questioning over the results of the inquiry by the Intelligence and Security Committee, the PM said of the Labour leader: “He protested neither against the former leader of the opposition’s [Jeremy Corbyn's] stance on Salisbury, nor against his willingness to take money from Russia Today.
“He flip-flops from day to day, one day he's in favour of staying in the EU and the next day he’s willing to accept Brexit, the leader of the opposition has more flip-flops than Bournemouth beach.”
Mr Johnson appeared to believe Sir Keir would be unable to hit back having used all six of his allotted questions.
But having reserved a final one, the Labour leader came back to the despatch box, and to loud cheering in the chamber said: “Pre-prepared gags on flip-flops, this is the former columnist who wrote two versions of every article he ever published.”
He added: “In case the Prime Minister hasn't noticed the Labour Party is under new management.
“And no front bencher of this party has appeared on Russia Today since I've been leading this party.”
The Labour leader then asked about the treatment of the Uighurs in China and called for the extension of the Magnitsky act sanctions on Russian individuals to be extended to Beijing officials involved in human rights abuses and oppression.
The PM replied: “I'm delighted he now supports the Government but last week of course he didn't support the government Mr Speaker.
“I'm glad he's with us this week, I don't know how many more questions he's got Mr Speaker as you allow him to come back and ask throughout this session.”
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