Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has taken a sharp jab at the Conservative Party regarding the recent defections to the Reform party, drawing a comparison to Sol Campbell’s move to Arsenal. Highlighting the increasing number of Tory MPs switching sides to Reform, Lammy likened the situation to the controversial free transfer of the footballer in 2001. Nigel Farage has set a deadline until May for potential Tory defectors, stating that after that point, they will not be welcomed.
During the Prime Minister’s Questions session, Lammy pointed out that 26 Tory MPs have already crossed over to Reform, drawing a parallel to the impending deadline, which he humorously referred to as “the Tory transfer window.” He quipped, “It’s going to be the longest and most disloyal transfer saga since Sol Campbell left Spurs.” Lammy engaged in a verbal sparring match with Andrew Griffith, co-author of Liz Truss’s criticized mini-budget.
Lammy didn’t hold back in his criticism, directing jabs at Lee Anderson and Andrew Rosindell, a former Reform defector who expressed openness to privatizing the National Health Service. Refuting the idea, Lammy emphasized the positive impact of the Labour government’s decisions on healthcare, highlighting reduced waiting lists, increased appointments, and improved services.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of supporting the hospitality industry, particularly pubs, in response to questions raised by Andrew Griffith. He outlined the government’s support measures, including a £4 billion aid package and business rate cuts for pubs and music venues.
In a clever analogy, Lammy compared the Tory defectors to Sol Campbell’s infamous move from Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal. Addressing the chamber, he humorously remarked on the ongoing defections, drawing attention to the impending “Tory transfer window.”
Lammy also criticized Griffith for his stance on renewable investments, contrasting it with his previous role as Boris Johnson’s net-zero business champion. Additionally, he playfully teased Griffith for his past comments regarding Liz Truss’s leadership abilities.
Reflecting on Holocaust Memorial Day, Lammy shared his emotional experience of hearing a Holocaust survivor’s testimony at a Cabinet meeting. He pledged to honor the memory of Holocaust victims by establishing a National Holocaust memorial and learning center near Parliament.
Lastly, Lammy’s historic role as the first Black man to answer Prime Minister’s Questions was acknowledged, with Stuart Lawrence, brother of Stephen Lawrence, applauding the milestone. Lammy praised other trailblazing figures, such as Diane Abbott and Kemi Badenoch, who paved the way for diverse representation in UK politics.
As Keir Starmer embarked on a visit to China, David Lammy filled in for him at PMQs. Starmer’s trip to China, focusing on human rights issues, comes amid strained UK-China relations, with Lammy set to take charge during his absence.