Keir Starmer has MPs in fits of giggles as he accidentally refers to Rishi Sunak as 'Prime Minister' a fortnight after they switched places in the Commons
Keir Starmer had MPs in fits of giggles today as he accidentally called Rishi Sunak 'Prime Minister' in the Commons.
The premier was making his first statement to the House since getting the keys to No10 when the verbal slip-up happened.
After the Tory leader asked a series of questions about last week's Nato summit, Sir Keir said: 'In relation to the particular point the Prime Minister... '
As Mr Sunak and the Opposition frontbench roared with laughter, Sir Keir quipped ruefully: 'Old habits die hard.'
Sir Keir and Mr Sunak switched places just over a fortnight ago after Labour routed the Conservatives at the election.
Keir Starmer was making his first statement to the House since getting the keys to No10 when the verbal slip-up happened
After the Tory leader asked a series of questions about last week's Nato summit, Sir Keir said: 'In relation to the particular point the Prime Minister... '
Sir Keir is now sitting on a massive majority, but bizarrely relations with Mr Sunak - who has announced he is stepping down - seem warmer than ever.
The Tory leader aimed a series of highly personal jibes at his rival during the campaign, accusing him of hiding tax rises and not being up to the top job.
However, the pair were seen joking and patting each other as they walked to the House of Lords for the King's Speech last week.
The exchanges were similarly good-natured today as Mr Sunak urged Sir Keir to keep migration partnerships with third countries - such as the one he struck up with Rwanda - 'on the table'.
'When it comes to illegal migration, we all face the same fundamental question: how to deal with people who come to our countries illegally, whilst respecting our international obligations. Because of course, it's not feasible or right to return Afghans to the Taliban, or Syrians to Assad or Iranians to the ayatollahs...
'So I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister say that he was a pragmatist, and he will look at what works when it comes to squaring this circle.
'And I would urge him in his conversations with other European leaders to keep the option of further third country migration partnerships on the table as other countries have been discussing.'
Mr Sunak also warned Sir Keir of the 'trade-offs' involved in pursuing a security and defence cooperation pact with the European Union, adding: 'I hope he can reassure the House that any closer cooperation with the EU will not adversely affect the technological and procurement aspects of our other alliances.'
Sir Keir is now sitting on a massive majority, but bizarrely relations with Mr Sunak - who has announced he is stepping down - seem warmer than ever
