In Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), Keir Starmer poked fun at Nigel Farage’s repeated visits to the United States. The Reform UK MP for Clacton, elected in July, has made three trips to the US in just four months to support his friend Donald Trump.
Starmer Highlights Farage’s US Visits
Starmer took the opportunity to question Farage’s commitment to his UK constituency, joking about the anti-immigration leader’s absences.
Farage opened his PMQs query by mentioning reports that an Iranian Revolutionary Guard member may have plotted to kill Trump during his election campaign.
“Prime Minister, isn’t it time to proscribe this obvious terrorist organisation?” Farage asked. “And in doing so, maybe mend some fences with the incoming Trump administration, considering your cabinet’s history of criticism.”
Starmer’s Witty Reply
Ignoring the remark about his cabinet’s stance on Trump, Starmer replied, “I’m glad to see the honourable member back in Britain.” As Farage waved, Starmer continued, “He’s spent so much time in America recently, I almost expected to see him on the immigration statistics.”
The comment sparked laughter across the House, even from Farage himself. It was a particularly stinging joke, considering Farage’s vocal stance against immigration. In June, he even suggested a freeze on “non-essential” immigration.
Starmer then addressed Farage’s concern about Iran, confirming the government would work with allies on such serious issues. He added that proscription remains “under review.”
Farage’s Parliamentary U-Turn
Farage initially announced he wouldn’t run for parliament this year, wanting to focus on Trump’s re-election campaign in the US. However, he later changed his mind and secured a seat in the July general election after seven previous attempts over the years.
You may also like: Starmer denounces ex-Labour adviser’s call to close small farms
