Politics live: Elgin Marbles and immigration raised at heated PMQs
Rishi Sunak faced a difficult PMQs today following rows over the Elgin Marbles and the latest immigration figures.
Earlier MPs heard from the Scottish Secretary Alister Jack at Scottish Questions, while the Chancellor is now being grilled on the Autumn Statement by the Treasury Commitment.
Union Jack
Alister Jack says the Scottish Government "go to work every day to destroy devolution, and the strengtheners of devolution are this Government".
Tories cheer, the SNP politely roll their eyes.
Petered out
SNP MP Pete Wishart asks Alister Jack to acknowledge that "his version of aggressive unionism has utterly failed", and tells him to "abandon" the Scotland Office entirely.
The Scottish Secretary disagrees, shockingly, responding "I'm not entirely sure what I've done that's been a failure, to be honest".
Spare seats
Chamber now filling up as people take their places for PMQs.
For some reason, not all MPs were desperate to attend Scottish Questions.
Their loss, like going to the cinema and skipping the trailers.
Don't give up the day job
Sir Keir Starmer says the Prime Minister spent this week arguing about an ancient relic that only a tiny minority of the British public have any interest in, before adding "but that's enough about the Tory party".
I think the phrase is "funny for Westminster", which means not very funny.
EU must be joking
Rishi Sunak says the Labour leader is siding with an EU country over Britain, which should come as no surprise as his favourite piece of music is "Ode to Joy", the EU anthem.
I don't think he's joking, he seems to actually believe it.
Sir Keir replies: “Let me get this straight, the Prime Minister is now saying that meeting the prime minister of Greece is somehow supporting the EU instead of discussing serious issues.”
Cabinet divided
Sir Keir Starmer points out two previous Home Secretaries have criticised the UK's immigration policy, as has the current one, meaning the Prime Minister is the only person in the cabinet without his own immigration plan.
Rishi Sunak responds by talking about Brexit, because immigration has tripled so what else can he say.
Fried gold
Sir Keir Starmer mocking two Tories for the price of one here, referencing Jame Cleverly's recent use of the word s**t in the Commons.
He said: “It’s ironic that the Prime Minister has suddenly taken such a great interest in Greek culture. He has the reverse Midas touch- everything he touches turns to..maybe the Home Secretary can help me out with this.”
Snow worries
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn opens by saying Scottish families will be feeling dread over energy bill as it gets colder, and asks the Prime Minister if he regrets not providing more support.
Rishi Sunak replies listing the support that was given.
Empty chair
Tory MP Rehman Chesti criticises Rishi Sunak over the Tory record on tackling Islamophobia, which he says represented 44 per cent of religiously aggravated offences last year. Points out the independent advisor on Islamophobia role has been left vacant for a year. Adds: “Enough is enough”.
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