Sir Keir Starmer has been told to “show some backbone” and ban doctors strikes as he faces his final PMQs of the year.
As resident doctors begin a five-day walkout, Kemi Badenoch asked the prime minister: “We already banned strikes by the police and the army. Why doesn’t he put patients first, show some backbone and ban doctors strikes?”
Sir Keir declined to respond directly to the Tory leader’s question, but said the strikes were “dangerous and utterly irresponsible”.
Wes Streeting has said the government did “everything we could” to avoid the strike, which he said comes at the “worst time” for the NHS.
Appearing before the Health and Social Care Committee as the walkout began, Mr Streeting said he was “entirely focused on getting the NHS through the next five days”.
He added that the strikes are going to “come at a cost of around a quarter of a billion pounds”.
The five-day strike, which started at 7am on Wednesday, is the 14th by resident doctors since 2023. British Medical Association (BMA) want a plan to increase the pay of resident doctors and a guarantee of new training places.
Key Points
- Starmer dodges question on NHS walkout ban in final PMQs of 2025
- Resident doctor strike underway
- Streeting: Walkout to cost NHS £250m
- Analysis: Strikes come 'hospitals feel they are buckling'
- Christmas interest rate cut expected after inflation figures
Watch: Starmer sends message to striking doctors as five-day walkout begins
12:56 , Athena StavrouFinal PMQs of 2025 comes to an end
12:43 , Athena StavrouThis week’s PMQ’s - the last of 2025 - has come to an end.
Here are some of the key points raised:
- Both Starmer and Badenoch began with paying tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach attack over the weekend.
- The session was filled festive puns, the first of which came in a joke aimed at Reform UK, when Sir Keir urged them to tell the police “if mysterious men from the East appear bearing gifts”.
- Badenoch has accused Sir Keir of breaking his promises, urging him to "finally be honest" about having breached a manifesto pledge not to raise taxes on working people.
- The prime minister was told to “show some backbone” and ban doctors strikes.
Starmer dubbed 'undertaker prime minister'
12:38 , Athena StavrouKemi Badenoch described Sir Keir Starmer as “an undertaker prime minister” for his record on the economy.
Mrs Badenoch said: “The Prime Minister is talking about non-entities. Has he looked at his Cabinet? A bunch of turkeys, they could fit right in at a Bernard Matthews factory.
“He is one to talk, last week his MPs were calling him a caretaker prime minister – after what he’s done to the economy, they should be calling him the undertaker prime minister.
“Let’s look at what else he promised. The Prime Minister gave his word that he would help pubs, yet they face a 15% rise in business rates because of his Budget. Will the Prime Minister be honest and admit his taxes are forcing pubs to close?”
Sir Keir replied: “She knows very well that the temporary relief that was put in place during Covid has come to an end. That was the scheme they put in place. We supported it, but it was always a temporary scheme coming to an end. We’ve now put in place a £4 billion transitional relief.
“We’ve also taken other measures, creating hospitality zones, greater licencing freedoms and tackling late payments. We’re also bearing down on the cost of living, so more people can enjoy a drink or a meal out. Freezing rail fares, freezing prescription charges, £150 off energy bills, driving wages up.
“What did they do in relation to each of those? They voted against each and every one of those measures.”
Abramovich threatened with legal action if he fails to hand over £2.5bn from Chelsea FC sale
12:26 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports
The government has called on Roman Abramovich to hand over more than £2.5bn from the sale of Chelsea FC to benefit the victims of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, or risk facing court action.
Speaking at PMQs, Sir Keir Starmer said: “The clock is ticking on Roman Abramovich to honour the commitment he made when Chelsea FC was sold and transfer the £2.5 billion to a humanitarian cause for Ukraine.
“This government is prepared to enforce it through the courts so that every penny reaches those whose lives have been torn apart by Putin’s illegal war.”
The multi-billion-pound proceeds have been frozen in a UK bank account since the sale in 2022, when the UK government sanctioned Mr Abramovich after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine due to his ties with Putin.
Watch: Starmer sends message to striking doctors as five-day walkout begins
12:26 , Joe MiddletonBadenoch tells Starmer 'show some backbone' and ban doctors strikes
12:19 , Athena StavrouKemi Badenoch has told Starmer to “show some backbone” and ban doctors strikes.
The Tory leader said during PMQs: “He promised to end the doctors strike, he gave the doctors a 28.9 per cent pay rise, what did he get in return? This morning they’ve gone back on strike for the third time in the middle of winter, in the middle of the worst flu crisis in years.
“Mr Speaker, this shouldn’t be allowed. We already banned strikes by the police and the army why doesn’t he put patients first, show some backbone and ban doctors strikes.”
Starmer said the strikes were “dangerous and utterly irresponsible,” as he urged on resident doctors: “Don’t abandon patients, work with us to improve conditions and rebuild the NHS.
Badenoch urges Starmer to 'finally be honest and admit he broke his promise on tax'
12:15 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports
Kemi Badenoch has accused Sir Keir Starmer of breaking his promises, urging him to "finally be honest" about having breached a manifesto pledge not to raise taxes on working people.
The Tory leader told PMQs: “I don't know what planet the prime minister is living on but unemployment has gone up every single month under him.
“Youth unemployment - record levels. Graduate recruitment - lowest ever.
“He promised that he wouldn't increase taxes on working people, but he has. Last year, he increased national insurance. Last month, he froze income tax thresholds. So will the prime minister finally be honest and admit he broke his promise on tax?”
Starmer condemns 'sickening' Bondi beach attack
12:11 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports
Sir Keir Starmer opened PMQs by condemning the antisemitic terror attack on Bondi beach, describing it as “sickening”.
He said: “It has had a profound impact around the world including on Jewish communities here in the UK.
“These incidents are not isolated. We think of the appalling attack at Heaton Park earlier this year and these incidents are chillingly focussed on some of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar.
“I've been in touch over the last few days with the Community Security Trust, the Home Office and the chief Rabbi about security for Hanukkah events here in the UK.”
Starmer’s pointed Christmas joke hits home with Reform
12:10 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Politics Editor David Maddox reports:
Sir Keir Starmer opens off PMQs with a pointed Christmas joke to Nigel Farage and the Reform MPs sitting in the House.
Carrying on his repeated claim that Reform is “Putin’s party” he refers to the recent convection of Reform’s former Welsh leader Nathan Gill for taking payments from the Russian government.
He said: “A word of advice to Reform, if mysterious men from the East come bearing gift…this time report it to the police.”
PMQs begins
12:03 , Athena StavrouThe final PMQs of the year has kicked off in the Commons.
Sir Keir Starmer will face tough questions from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, as the resident doctors strike gets underway.
The prime minister began with paying tribute to victims of the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach over the weekend.
Starmer leaves Downing Street ahead of final PMQs of 2025
11:52 , Athena Stavrou
'We are Australia's best medical school'
11:47 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s reporter Dan Haygarth has been speaking to resident doctors on strike in London today:
Dr Shivam Sharma said the UK was “Australia’s best medical school”, referring to the large number of doctors leaving the UK.
“We know that we’re 40,000 doctors short compared with the EU average - that’s at a time when patients are waiting longer than ever for appointments, waiting over 12 hours in corridors, in A&E,” he told The Independent.
“That is not dignified. At the same time doctors are struggling to get jobs - it just doesn’t make sense.
“What we’re saying to the health secretary is to increase the total amount of jobs in the NHS so that patients can get seen.”
He added: “We are Australia’s best medical school. We have record numbers of doctors leaving to Australia and that is a waste of taxpayers’ money.
“Doctors are being trained up only to leave and that is because doctors don’t feel valued within this healthcare system.”
Starmer to face final PMQs of 2025
11:28 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer is set to face tough questions in the Commons in the last PMQs of the year.
The prime minister will be grilled by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch before a parliamentary recess for Christmas and the New Year.
Corbyn urges Streeting to 'listen to doctors' on picket line
11:20 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Dan Haygarth is reporting from St Thomas’ Hospital in London:
Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn joined striking doctors on a picket line in London on Wednesday morning.
He told The Independent that despite “huge queues” at A&E departments, there a “doctors who are unemployed”.
Asked what he would do if he were in Wes Streeting’s position, he said: “First of all, I’d meet with doctors, listen to them and spend time in A&E to understand what the pressures are like - and the moral blackmail that's used against doctors all the time to try and do the impossible, as they do almost every day in our A&E.”
Maternity crisis trust unable to "safely" cover resident doctor shifts during strikes
11:12 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s health correspondent Rebecca Thomas reports:
“It is currently impossible for there to be enough” consultants and other senior doctors to safely cover every shift within obstetric services at Nottingham University Hospital, according to a letter from the British Medical Association.
NUH, which was the centre of a major maternity scandal, faces a police investigation and long-term staff sickness, which is making it hard for the trust to cover resident doctors strikes, the letter posted by the BMA said.
The BMA has agreed to grant obstetric services at the trust resident doctors to come back for “part” of a shift.
The BMA has again agreed a derogation for some obstetrics shifts in Nottingham due to unique and difficult circumstances. Read the letter to Nottingham obstetrics residents below for more information. Thank you to colleagues who were otherwise preparing to strike to restore pay… pic.twitter.com/Ch5gtibjVL
— The BMA (@TheBMA) December 16, 2025
Explained: How rising inflation impacts your mortgage and savings
11:06 , Athena StavrouInflation has been on a difficult path in 2025, initially dropping before surging back up from April onwards.
However, it appeared to peak over summer and the latest figures thankfully have inflation back on the downward path, with Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate falling back to 3.2 per cent in November.
While the rate is lowering, remember, that does not mean prices are coming down - it means they are rising more slowly than previously.
The Independent’s Business and Money editor Karl Matchett explains:
'Cuts don’t pay the bills': Doctors rally on picket lines
10:55 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Dan Haygarth is reporting from St Thomas’ Hospital in London:
A group of resident doctors formed a picket line outside St Thomas’ Hospital in London as strikes began across the country.
The doctors, who told The Independent they were fighting for improved pay and conditions, were in a defiant mood and were led in a number of chants outside the hospital - including ‘Come on Wes, do it today, fix our jobs, fix our pay’, ‘cuts don’t pay the bills’ and ‘oh pay restoration’.
Some vehicles heading along Westminster Bridge Road beeped their horns in support for the doctors, who were also visited by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Wednesday morning.
The biggest hit of this strike round could be to the NHS’ pocket
10:52 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s health correspondent Rebecca Thomas reports:
While ministers' warnings focus on the pressures facing hospitals during this week of strikes, this morning NHS England chief executive Jim Mackey has said the health service has so far had to absorb the additional monetary costs.
Having consultants cover resident doctors’ shits comes at a considerable cost – which is coming out of the NHS’ existing budget.
When quizzed the health secretary did not indicate more money would be coming from the government to help with this additional cost pressure.
While finances are already very stretched for the NHS absorbing additional costs of strikes could mean money comes out of other delivering other services.
Pictured: Doctors join picket lines across the country
10:43 , Athena Stavrou
Government and union 'too far apart' on pay dispute, says Streeting
10:33 , Athena StavrouSpeaking about the resident doctors dispute, Wes Streeting told the Health and Social Care Committee of MPs: “I think (on) jobs (we are) broadly in agreement, pay – too far apart.”
The British Medical Association (BMA) want a plan to increase the pay of resident doctors and a guarantee of new training places.
Mr Streeting added: “And the the sadness I feel, especially when I meet with Jack Fletcher (chairman of the British Medical Association’s UK resident doctors committee), who is a decent person, who cares about his profession, we are in agreement on so many things.
“If we were not locked in what is an increasingly difficult dispute, we would be making more progress together.
“And these strikes are going to come at a cost around a quarter-of-a-billion pounds and impact on the operational pressures, impact on patients and the whole NHS workforce. And I deeply regret we’re in this situation.”
Analysis: Strikes come 'hospitals feel they are buckling'
10:20 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s health correspondent Rebecca Thomas reports:
Healthcare leaders have warned the timing of doctors strikes meant an additional pressure at a time when hospitals feel they are buckling.
Those managing services and consultants working on wards have admitted to The Independent services tend to run more smoothly during strikes as there are senior clinicians making the decisions.
However, this strike comes the week before Christmas during which time hospitals are usually scrambling to clear beds ready for an onslaught in the days after Christmas and the first week of the new year.
In addition to these, hospitals are facing an early flu peak.
Consultants are going to be “more knackered” due to the strikes, the Health Secretary Wes Streeting told the Health Committee on Thursday morning, this echoed a consultant's words to The Independent last week that the strikes have come during the worst weekend.
The question remains for how long will consultants be happy to put in the extra hours to cover these ongoing strikes? There is also a major cost to having consultants cover resident doctor shifts.
While the strike days may not be a disaster for hospitals the action will undoubtedly be a big hit.
Streeting: Walkout to cost NHS £250m
10:19 , Athena StavrouThe health secretary has said the resident doctor strike will cost the health service £250 million.
Appearing before the Health and Social Care Committee, Wes Streeting said he was “entirely focused on getting the NHS through the next five days” as the walkout begins.
He added: “These strikes are going to come at a cost around a quarter of a billion pounds.”
Resident doctor strike underway
10:00 , Athena StavrouAbout 30 people outside the Royal Liverpool University Hospital are stood under orange British Medical Association (BMA) umbrellas on a picket line.
The doctors, from hospitals across Liverpool, held placards reading: “Doctors need jobs now.”
Some cars beeped their horns as they passed the hospital.
House prices rise despite inflation fall
09:54 , Athena StavrouThe average UK house price increased by 1.7 per cent, to £270,000 annually in October, slowing from 2.0 per cent in the 12 months to September, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
Property values increased to reach £292,000 (a 1.4 per cent annual increase) on average in England, £211,000 (1.5 per cent) in Wales, and £192,000 (3.3%) in Scotland, in October.
The average house price in Northern Ireland in the third quarter of 2025 was £193,000 – a 7.1 per cent annual increase.
Within England, the North East had the highest annual house price inflation in October, at 5.0 per cent. Annual house price inflation was lowest in London, where the average house price fell by 2.4 per cent.
Average UK house prices increased by 1.7%, to £270,000 in the 12 months to October 2025, down from 2.0% in the 12 months to September.
— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) December 17, 2025
Average UK private rents rose by 4.4%, to £1,366 in the 12 months to November 2025, down from 5.0% in the 12 months to October. pic.twitter.com/qebtXK8pMq
Streeting apologises to patients for strikes
09:48 , Athena StavrouHealth Secretary Wes Streeting apologised to patients for the disruption caused by the strikes.
He told broadcasters: “We did everything we could to avert these strikes and to stop strike action from taking place.
“When we came into Government, we recognised what resident doctors were saying about pay, and that’s why they received a 28.9 per cent pay rise from this Government.
“And of course, we’re willing to talk to them about what we do in future years.
“I think people can see that I’ve tried my absolute best to avoid these strikes on what is the worst time for the NHS. I’m really sorry to patients for the disruption that is happening as a result.”
He said the Government met with British Medical Association (BMA) representatives on Tuesday to see if “even at the 11th hour, we could avert the strikes”, but added: “After constructive discussions, we still weren’t able to persuade the BMA either to come into negotiations or indeed to delay strikes to January.”
What is happening in UK politics today?
09:37 , Athena StavrouThis morning’s inflation figures have provided a boost for the chancellor Rachel Reeves, but her fellow ministers have a busy day ahead.
On the first day of five-day resident doctors strike, health secretary Wes Streeting is appearing before the Health and Social Care Committee.
At midday, Sir Keir Starmer will face PMQs in the Commons as usual, with Kemi Badenoch likely to grill him over the doctor’s walkout.
FTSE100 gets a boost after better than expected inflation figures
09:27 , Athena StavrouThe FTSE100 climbed higher on Wednesday morning after the release of today’s inflation figures.
The index is up 1.28 per cent since opening.
Bank of England likely to cut interest rates - expert
09:11 , Athena StavrouExperts have said the Bank of England will likely cut interest rates this week after a fall in inflation.
Nicolas Crittenden, associate economist at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), said: “Today’s figures suggest inflation is back on a downward path, falling in consecutive months for the first time since March.
“Though still above target, this trajectory means the Bank of England will likely cut Bank Rate tomorrow, but a close decision is expected.
“We predict inflation will continue to fall into 2026 as slowing wage growth and disinflationary effects from the recent Budget feed through the economy. The Bank of England will remain cautious about cutting rates further with inflation expected to remain above target for some time, but we still expect a further cut in the first half of 2026.”
Expect bigger discounts on Christmas shopping, expert says
08:59 , Athena StavrouKris Hamer, director of insight at the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said the fall in inflation was driven by “extensive discounting by retailers across Black Friday month”.
“With many customers kicking off their Christmas shopping, there will have been relief to see the price of clothing and footwear fall on the year,” he said.
“And while high labour and commodity costs have pushed up food inflation over 2025, bigger promotions ahead of Christmas helped to bring this figure down.
“As a result, there were deals to be had, with bigger discounts seen for some meat products such as pork, lamb and chicken.”
Graph: UK inflation rate
08:43 , Athena StavrouChristmas interest rate cut expected after inflation figures
08:34 , Athena StavrouUK Inflation eased further than expected last month, adding to expectations for the Bank of England to cut interest rates ahead of Christmas.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures mean an interest rate cut – from 4 per cent to 3.75 per cent – now appears highly likely when the the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee makes its decision on Thursday.
Price rises 'deeply concerning' for families, shadow chancellor says
08:18 , Athena StavrouTory shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride has welcomed today’s inflation figures, but warned “prices are still rising at well above the target rate”.
“While a fall in inflation is welcome, prices are still rising at well above the target rate which will be deeply concerning for families,” he said.
“Last year, Labour hiked taxes and ramped up borrowing, stoking inflation. This year, their Budget made the same mistake, raising taxes to pay for higher benefits spending.
“With unemployment rising and the economy shrinking, families are paying the price for Labour’s bad choices. Only the Conservatives have a leader with a backbone, a clear plan, and a strong team to deliver a stronger economy and get inflation under control.”
Lowering household bills 'top priority', Reeves says
08:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneChancellor Rachel Reeves said lowering household bills was a “top priority” after official figures showed inflation fell to 3.2 per cent last month.
She said: “I know families across Britain who are worried about bills will welcome this fall in inflation.
“Getting bills down is my top priority. That is why I froze rail fares and prescription fees and cut £150 off average energy bills at the Budget this year.
“The Bank of England agree this will help cut prices and expect inflation to fall faster next year as a result.”
Analysis: Inflation rates will allow businesses to plan with more security
07:53 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s business and money editor Karl Matchett reports:
On a wider economic picture, continued disinflation will be seeing businesses hope the government will back them properly in the new year. Nobody came out of the Budget particularly happy about their lot, but they will now at least be able to plan with more security and knowledge - the three months before Rachel Reeves' numbers were revealed were full of hesitation, disinclination to spend and hiring on a downward spiral.
It's important now, if inflation continues to slow, that firms are able to put projects in place to stimulate their own growth and, in turn, that of the UK economy - job No1 for the government all of this year, but not one they've done terribly well at encouraging.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) are already calling for a number of further interest rate cuts early next year, saying "high interest rates are draining confidence from households and firms. It’s vital that we now boost demand."
The TUC also called out the Bank of England for being "too cautious" and said “lower rates will give firms the confidence to invest and help get more households spending.”
Analysis: Inflation falling means 'sure-fire bet' for interest rate cuts
07:42 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s business and money editor Karl Matchett reports:
Today's data shows a steeper decline in inflation than anticipated, but the Bank of England (BoE) will be aware there's still lots to do to get down to their 2 per cent target - which they have suggested we won't reach until summer of 2027.
It also means a potentially easier vote coming from their MPC tomorrow; stickier inflation would have left one or two members hesitant about cutting interest rates, but as inflation comes down alongside unemployment going up and wage growth slowing, it's looking an absolute sure-fire bet now that the base rate will be cut to 3.75 per cent.
What will that mean for peoples' money? Well if you're on a variable rate or tracker mortgage, payments should come down. If you're about to renew or considering a new deal, the advice has been to get one locked in right away - plenty of mortgage products are at or below 4 per cent now. And if you've been considering locking away some money in a fixed-term deal for a year or so, if you don't do it today then you can expect most of the best rates to be gone from tomorrow onwards - and standard savings accounts (or cash ISAs) will see their rates likely drop swiftly too.
'More to do' after fall in inflation, Reeves says
07:31 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRachel Reeves has said there is “more to do” after a drop in food prices drove a fall in inflation in October.
In a post on X the chancellor said she knew families struggling with the cost of living would “welcome” the news.
She added Labour had taken a number of measures at the Budget, including freezing rail fares, to keep pushing for lower everyday prices.
I know families across Britain who are worried about the cost of living will welcome this fall in inflation.
— Rachel Reeves (@RachelReevesMP) December 17, 2025
But there is more to do.
That is why at the Budget we froze rail fares and prescription charges and will be cutting £150 off the average energy bill next year.
'Notable' fall in inflation caused by lower food prices, economist says
07:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: “Inflation fell notably in November to its lowest annual rate since March.
“Lower food prices, which traditionally rise at this time of the year, were the main driver of the fall, with decreases seen, particularly for cakes, biscuits and breakfast cereals.
“Tobacco prices also helped pull the rate down, with prices easing slightly this month after a large rise a year ago. The fall in the price of women’s clothing was another downward driver.
“The increase in the cost of goods leaving factories slowed, driven by lower food inflation, while the annual cost of raw materials for businesses continued to rise.”
What does a fall in inflation mean?
07:18 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported a fall in inflation this morning.
The figure sits at 3.2 per cent, down from 3.6 per cent in October.
This means that while prices are still rising, they are rising more slowly than they were earlier this year.
Sanjay Raja, chief UK economist for Deutsche Bank, said we saw a “peak” in inflation in August, but that the figures represent a downward trend.
“Autumn Budget measures have lowered our projections for inflation for next year – particularly in the spring. Lower energy prices have also helped lower our projections,” he said.
“We see CPI landing pretty close to target from spring next year before more sustainably returning to target in 2027.”
Lower food and tobacco prices contributed to fall, ONS economists say
07:09 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLower prices for items such as food and tobacco have helped contribute to last month’s falling inflation, economists have said.
The Office for National Statistics’ chief economist Grant Fitzner said decreases were seen particularly for cakes, biscuits, and breakfast cereals.
BREAKING: Inflation falls to 3.2 per cent
07:03 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3.2 per cent in the 12 months to November 2025, down from 3.6 per cent in October 2025.
This is its lowest annual rate since March.
