Starmer chairs final cabinet and faces last PMQs as Burnham nears Labour leadership
Keir Starmer is presiding over his last cabinet meeting and final Prime Minister's Questions as Andy Burnham prepares to take over as Labour leader and prime minister. The government blocked a Tory attempt to delay recess for Burnham to address MPs, while ministers defended a voluntary teen social media curfew.
Keir Starmer is chairing his final cabinet meeting this morning and will face his last Prime Minister's Questions at noon, ahead of Andy Burnham's expected takeover as Labour leader and prime minister. Burnham is set to announce his cabinet on Monday, with speculation rife in the press about appointments.
Conservatives sought to force a vote on delaying the parliamentary recess so that Burnham could address MPs before the six-week summer break. The government, however, changed Commons business to replace the vote with a debate on Iran, a move critics described as low skulduggery. Burnham is reportedly content with the recess starting tomorrow.
Meanwhile, online safety minister Kanishka Narayan defended a proposed voluntary midnight social media curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds, rejecting claims it would be pointless if easily switched off. He cited evidence that similar defaults introduced by platforms in October were maintained by over 90% of teenagers.
Former minister Rushana Ali criticised the government's elections bill as timid and limited, urging Burnham to go further. The day also includes a Reform UK press conference, a Lords committee hearing on BBC charter renewal, and the launch of Bev Craig's manifesto for Greater Manchester mayor.
