Highlights of an emotional PMQs as Keir Starmer says goodbye

Mr. Speaker, this morning I have meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I have an important appointment with the television at 8 o'clock this evening. May I associate myself with the Prime Minister's remarks regarding Anne Widdicombe? Take this opportunity to thank him for his public service and wish him and his family all the best for the future. Most of us, Mr. Speaker, can only dream of playing the role of Jude Bellingham. scoring the winning goal, leading our team to victory. Yet the Prime Minister did it. But politics, like football, is a ruthless game. And he's just been shown a red card by the 400 dubious referees behind him. What advice, Mr. Speaker, does this Prime Minister have for the right honourable member for Makefield? to make sure he, unlike himself, doesn't end up with an early bath? I think that's the first and sadly probably the last time I'll be compared to Jude Bellingham. But I thank him for that. And as for the issue of red cards, I can't tell him how much incoming I had last Monday. After President Trump intervened, regarding their red card, for me to have the England red card adjusted. For the record, Mr. Speaker, I did not attempt. But for my successor and for the England team, I won't offer any advice. I will wholeheartedly support you. And Mr. Speaker, for the record, I don't care what the score is tonight, as long as we win. This is my final exchange with the right honourable gentleman. And I know how much his wife and children mean to him, and that they are in the gallery today. As everyone here knows, our families make a tremendous sacrifice for our decision to enter public life. So I hope he will allow me to bring our time together to a close, by thanking them for the love and support they have given him throughout his time in office. I can thank her very much for that. It is the last question I will face from the Leader of the Opposition. So let me wish her well, and her family. We have had robust exchanges across this Dispatch Box. But she has shown me kindness in private during very difficult times. Including when there was an attempt to burn down our family home, which deeply affected my family. She reached out to me. And when my brother died of cancer, she reached out to me privately, not through this Dispatch Box. And I thank her for that, and for the tribute she has just paid to my wife and children, who mean the world to me. I do thank her for that. She knows this is robust, and it has to be robust. That's how politics is conducted. But the kindnesses that lie behind it, privately, are often just as powerful, if not more powerful. And I thank her for that. I also stood at that Dispatch Box, Mr. Speaker, for four years as Leader of the Opposition. I know firsthand, it's the most difficult job in politics. Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister finds himself with more time on his hands, might I recommend the new Toy Story film? For those of you who don't know Toy Story, its main character used to be in law enforcement. But was mainly known for being a bit stiff. But was replaced by a shiny new action figure from afar, who thinks he can fly. And the name Andy on everyone's lips. Perhaps, Mr. Speaker, maybe the Prime Minister should skip that. But does he share my fear that, when it comes to Britain's national debt, the right honourable Member for Makefield's plan is to infinity and beyond? Mr. Speaker, may I first say he's clearly aiming to join Strictly Come Dancing, and no doubt he'd be very good at it. And I have some good news for him, as he is, appropriately, the Right Honourable Member for Chessington World of Adventures. And I suppose when he talks about the economy, I'm pleased to inform him that thanks to our summer savings, His family can save nearly £20 when they visit this summer. Mr. Speaker, this will be my final response from this Dispatch Box. Every Prime Minister knows that when they take up the torch, the day will come when they must pass it on. That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey. In six years, I went from historic defeat in 2019 to historic victory in 2024. And in two years in office, I leave the country in better shape than I found it. I am proud of everything we have accomplished. Mr. Speaker, may I just take a moment to thank you, Mr. Speaker, and all those who work for the House and in our constituency offices for your hard work. To our civil servants, thank you as well for all your hard work. To my political team, many of whom are here with me today, who have journeyed alongside me, thank you so much for everything you have done and for being willing to walk through fire for me. To my colleagues sitting on these benches, I am proud of all we have accomplished together, and proud of each and every one of you. To my successor and to each of you, I will give my full support. To all my colleagues across the House, I wish you good health and happiness. To everyone in the gallery whose lives have been changed or improved by this Labour government, and to all across the country who struggle to be seen or heard, you are the reason I entered politics. To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye.