Topic: World Politics

Thursday, 16 July 2026, at 2:47 pm

Sir Keir Starmer finished his last question session in the House of Commons as the UK leader, saying his political journey is over.

Sir Keir is leaving his job on Monday after losing support from his Labour Party and failing to deliver economic growth and fix public services.

He is giving his job to a new Labour leader, Andy Burnham.

Here are the key points from the session.

PMQs is a weekly event in British politics.

Prime Minister's Questions happen every Wednesday at midday in the House of Commons, where the prime minister answers questions from other leaders.

Sir Keir Starmer told the Commons that his time in politics is ending.

PMQs is known for being a place where people argue and say mean things.

But Sir Keir's last appearance was more gentle, with serious talk and jokes about the football World Cup.

Someone said his MPs had given him a 'red card'.

The prime minister said he won't give advice to his successor or the England football team, just support.

He said he didn't care about the score, as long as England wins.

He left to watch the World Cup match on TV at 8 pm.

England lost to Argentina 2-1 in the semifinal.

Sir Keir said politicians must 'do more to defend our democracy'.

Sir Keir is leaving office next week.

He was upset about the killing of a former lawmaker, Ann Widdecombe.

The police are investigating her death as a murder.

A British man has been arrested.

Sir Keir said it's chilling that three politicians have been killed in the past 11 years and urged others to protect democracy.

Ms Widdecombe's death has sparked debate about politicians' safety.

Sir Keir got praise for supporting Ukraine.

Many foreign leaders respect Sir Keir for his work on Ukraine and European ties.

Kemi Badenoch praised Sir Keir for inviting Ukraine's president to London.

The meeting happened after a diplomatic issue with the US president and vice president.

Sir Keir and Ukraine's president shook hands at 10 Downing Street.

Sir Keir remembered people gathering to see Ukraine's president.

When Ukraine's president got out of the car, people cheered for him.

Sir Keir said he's proud of his government's achievements.

Sir Keir said the economy is stable, and public services are better.

He said he's proud to leave the country in a better state than he found it.

Every prime minister knows they will have to pass on the job one day.

Sir Keir spent six years as Labour leader and two as prime minister.

He said his political journey is ending, but he'll stay as a lawmaker.

Sir Keir said goodbye to everyone.

The House was silent as Sir Keir thanked his colleagues and staff.

He said 'I love you' to his family and said goodbye.

Lawmakers from all sides applauded Sir Keir.

The speaker reminded them that cheering is allowed, but clapping is not.

ABC news

Thursday, 16 July 2026, at 2:47 pm

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