PMQs: PM comes under fire for ‘wanting and inadequate’ NHS

During prime minister’s questions, Boris Johnson came under pressure from Labour leader Keir Starmer on the state of the NHS. Meanwhile, the PM’s unpopularity on both sides of the House of Commons remained a theme.

Starmer referred to the large reception received by Johnson as he walked into the House, telling the House, “I couldn’t make out whether that introductory noise was cheers or boos”. 

While under criticism for the government’s “wanting and inadequate” preparation for the pandemic, the PM defended the government, explaining that Covid was a “novel virus for which the whole world was unprepared” but reminded MPs of the UK’s “fastest rollout in Europe” of vaccines.