PM accuses Farage of insulting British workers and blasts the Tories for threatening to ‘rip up’ vital deals as JLR row explodes in Parliament.
Credit: ricochet64, Shutterstock.
Sir Keir Starmer went full throttle in Parliament today, in a row over comments made by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who declared that Jaguar Land Rover “deserves to go bust”.
In a high-octane session of PMQs, the Labour Prime Minister didn’t hold back as he tore into Farage and his government critics – sparking gasps and jeers all around.
Starmer, standing tall at the despatch box, said he knew “first-hand” what a trade deal meant for the iconic British carmaker’s workers, families, and entire communities.
But then came a screeching handbrake turn – and he aimed his fury straight at Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, accusing her of threatening to rip it up when it comes to Britain’s hard-won international deals.
But it was Farage who got the full brunt of Starmer’s rage.
‘The Reform leader… What did he say about JLR? He said JLR deserves to go bust! Shame on him!’ Starmer blasted, shaking his head as Farage looked, his jaw almost hitting the green benches.
The Commons erupted, with backbenchers roaring approval and others jeering. Farage, ever the showman, tried to style it out.
A national icon on the line
JLR – still a symbol of Britain’s automotive industry despite its Indian ownership and Jaguar’s recent struggles– employs tens of thousands of workers across the Midlands and beyond. For many families, it’s more than just a carmaker – it’s pride.
Farage’s eyebrow-raising remark – reportedly made during a recent speech slamming government subsidies for big business – has sparked huge backlash.
Critics accuse him of turning his back on British industry in a desperate bid to court anti-globalist voters. Others say it’s the latest in a long line of Farage-flavoured faux pas. Even those outside the political bubble are revving their engines in protest.
Kemi Badenoch has yet to comment on Starmer’s accusation that she’s planning to tear up the key trade deals that are so crucial to JLR right now- but behind closed doors, there are rumblings of unease within Tory ranks.
WATCH the fiery moment Farage gets roasted in the Commons – video below.
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