Badenoch won't say sorry for language at fiery Commons session

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Badenoch won't say sorry for language at fiery Commons sessionImage source, UK ParliamentByJack Fenwick, Political correspondent and Richard Wheeler, Political reporterPublished9 minutes agoThe Conservatives have said Kemi Badenoch will not apologise for her language after a fiery Prime Minister's Questions in which she repeatedly attacked government ministers. During the Commons session, Badenoch said Labour MPs were cheering on Sir Keir Starmer despite there being "400 knives stuck in his back", with Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle calling for a "little bit more decorum and respect". The Conservative leader also suggested many Labour MPs are "traitors and deserters" before branding Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson a "spiteful class warrior".

Badenoch and Phillipson had a heated exchange in the moments after PMQs. In the first Prime Minister's Question session since Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation, Badenoch said Labour MPs have "abandoned" him for a "pair of eyelashes and a black t-shirt" - a reference to leadership frontrunner Andy Burnham. Sir Keir quit as Labour leader on Monday, paving the way for a new prime minister to replace him as early as next month.

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Burnham, the new MP for Makerfield, is seen as the overwhelming favourite for the position. Badenoch also accused Chancellor Rachel Reeves of "killing jobs" and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband of "killing industry". Sir Lindsay intervened to highlight the need to "think about the language" being used in the Commons, saying "when we leave this chamber, don't be surprised when constituents feel they can use the same language".

Asked if she would be apologising, a spokesman for Badenoch said "absolutely not". Burnham on course to be PM, but what would his No 10 operation look like? Published3 hours agoBurnham likely to replace Reeves if he becomes PM Published6 hours agoStarmer holds talks with Burnham as he seeks 'orderly' transition Published12 hours agoIt's not clear what specific language led to Sir Lindsay's intervention.

A Conservative source claimed the Speaker was unhappy when Badenoch said Labour MPs "don't like it up them", a reference to the sitcom Dad's Army. But a Labour source claimed the Speaker's comments related to Badenoch's criticism of Phillipson. The pair exchanged words in the division lobbies afterwards, with a Labour source claiming that Badenoch told Phillipson: "You are spiteful, I'm never going to stop talking about how spiteful you are.

"Phillipson is said to have replied: "The public are going to find out who you really are. "A Conservative source said Badenoch also told Phillipson: "I will fight you all the way, you're destroying children's lives" - but that has subsequently denied by a source close to Phillipson. Posting on social media, Phillipson later said "Kemi lost her head at PMQs - and afterwards too" and claimed the Conservative leader had previously compared her "to a Gestapo officer".

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.