Coffee House Shots PMQs: Labour's 'dog whistle politics'
Nov 19, 2025
Isabel Hardman, a political journalist known for her insights on UK politics and defence, joins James Heale, who specializes in parliamentary analysis. They delve into the messy performances at PMQs by Kemi Badenoch and Keir Starmer. The duo critiques Labour's so-called 'dog whistle politics' highlighted during an exchange with Lee Anderson. Additionally, they discuss allegations against Nigel Farage from his school days and their potential impact on his political future. Defence concerns also surface, with discussions on UK preparedness amidst recent threats.
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Pre-Budget PMQs Felt Flat
- Both Kemi Badenoch and Keir Starmer struggled with delivery at PMQs, weakening their attacks and defences before the budget.
- Poor opening lines from both leaders made the session feel like a pre-budget dead rubber rather than a heated contest.
Pre-Budget Deferral Lowers Stakes
- A week before the budget, Starmer can often stonewall questions by deferring to next week's announcements.
- This tactic plus stumble-prone delivery let the Tories claim Starmer hadn't ruled out freezing income tax thresholds.
Performance Over Policy During Taunts
- Reform's Lee Anderson used aggressive provocation to unsettle Keir Starmer and grab headlines.
- The exchange highlighted how personal taunts are employed to shift PMQs from policy to performance.