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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Politics
Ben Kentish

PMQs live: Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May clash over living standards in last session before summer recess

Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn have clashed at PMQs for the last time this parliamentary year.

The exchanges focused mostly on living standards, with the Labour leader highlighting falling wages and the Prime Minister defending the Conservatives' economic record.

After a tumultuous year in Parliament, which included a general election, the triggering of Article 50 and the start of Brexit negotiations, both party leaders will be relieved to have survived the last 12 months. Mr Corbyn undoubtedly goes into the summer recess in a stronger position than Ms May, who was weakened by a disastrous election result.

While she has so far managed to cling on to her job, a number of Tory MPs are ready to wield the knife and it is unlikely but not unthinkable that this PMQs could be Ms May's last. 

The Prime Minister is likely to use the summer break to try to reassert her authority and strengthen her hold on power, as she attempts to enforce discipline on an increasingly divided cabinet.

Earlier this week Ms May was forced to tell ministers to stop briefing about their colleagues and instead get on with their jobs, after a string of negative stories about Chancellor Philip Hammond appeared in Sunday newspapers.

Mr Hammond is not the only senior minister under pressure this week; David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, also faced criticism after turning up to Brexit negotiations in Brussels apparently without any briefing notes and stayed for just one hour before returning to London and leaving his officials to handle the talks.

Some Tory MPs are likely to use PMQs to raise the issue of  BBC salaries on the day the corporation revealed 96 members of staff who are paid more than the Prime Minister.

Here are the main political stories today:

EU set to halt Brexit talks ‘because the UK is not ready’

Theresa May to chair new advisory group aimed at building bridges with business before leaving EU

Theresa May under pressure to drop migration target after warning over Brexit recruitment crisis

Labour granted emergency debate on student tuition fees

Tory party split laid bare after Theresa May gets go-ahead to sack disloyal ministers

Jeremy Corbyn tells Theresa May to scrap 'invasive' tests for trans people

 

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