Sir Keir Starmer 'breaks with convention' as he issues statement on Diane Abbott
Sir Keir Starmer has admitted a "departure from convention" in his opening statement in the House of Commons
PA
Sir Keir Starmer has admitted a "departure from convention" in his opening statement in the House of Commons, welcoming Diane Abbott, the mother of the House to the Commons.
The Labour Leader paid tribute to Abbott, who is now the longest-serving female MP in the Commons.
Addressing the Commons for the first time as Prime Minister, Starmer said: "I hope you will not begrudge me for a slight departure from convention.
"To also pay tribute to the new Mother of the House, Diane Abbott who has done so much in her career over so many years to fight for a Parliament that truly represents modern Britain. We welcome her back to her place."
Sir Keir Starmer has admitted a "departure from convention" in his opening statement in the House of Commons, welcoming Diane Abbott, the mother of the House to the Commons
PA
Diane Abbott is only the second person to be given the 'Mother of the House' title, the first being Harriet Harman.
Starmer also used his speech to vow to “put an end to a politics that has too often seemed self-serving and self-obsessed”.
He said: “And now, as in any new Parliament, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to put an end to a politics that has too often seemed self-serving and self-obsessed, and to replace that politics of performance with the politics of service.
“Because service is a precondition for hope and trust, and the need to restore trust should weigh heavily on every member here, new and returning alike.
“We all have a duty to show that politics can be a force for good.
“So whatever our political differences, it’s not time to turn the page, unite in a common endeavour of national renewal and make this Parliament a Parliament of service.”
Responding, Rishi Sunak gave his first speech as Leader of the Opposition, in which he described being an MP as the “greatest honour, privilege and responsibility”.
Opening his speech, he said: “Can I start by congratulating the Prime Minister on his election victory and as he takes on his formidable task, he and his family deserve the good wishes of all of us in this House?
“In our politics, we can argue vigorously, as the Prime Minister and I did over the past six weeks, but still respect each other, and whatever disputes we have in this Parliament, I know that everyone in this house will not lose sight of the fact that we are all motivated by our desire to serve our constituents, our country, and advance the principles that we honourably believe in.”
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Sunak also offered his congratulations to Diane Abbott in her new role as Mother of the House, saying: “We have our differences on policy but no-one can deny the right honourable lady’s important role in this House and the inspiration for so many young women of colour that she has provided.
“[Abbott] is true in every sense of the word a trailblazer.”