British premier faces tough questions ahead of Thursday's local government polls

On the eve of crucial local elections across England, Prime Minister Keir Starmer came under intense scrutiny during Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions, facing criticism on border control, grooming gangs, and UK-US trade talks.

As voters prepare to cast ballots in 23 local authorities and six mayoral races, political tensions flared in Westminster. During PMQs, Starmer responded to sharp challenges from opposition leaders, including Reform UK’s Nigel Farage and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

Labour recently unveiled a new fly-tipping policy that would allow authorities to crush vehicles used in illegal dumping—part of an effort to show firm leadership ahead of Thursday’s vote. However, this announcement was overshadowed by growing concerns over migration and law enforcement.

Farage, capitalizing on rising public anxiety over small boat arrivals, cited data indicating that over 10,000 irregular migrants had arrived in the UK by boat in 2025—the highest figure for the first four months of any year. “Smash the gangs was nothing more than an election slogan,” he said, urging Starmer to declare a national emergency.

Starmer defended his government's strategy: “We are passing a borders bill with extensive powers to smash the gangs. We must take back control of our borders after the last government lost control.”

On grooming gangs, Kemi Badenoch pressed for a national inquiry. Starmer pushed back, saying such an inquiry had already taken place and hundreds of recommendations were being implemented. “I strongly believe we should listen to victims, and we've been listening to victims on this side for decades,” he added.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey criticized the government’s lack of transparency over UK-US trade negotiations, calling for parliamentary votes on any final agreement. Referencing Canada’s experience with former President Donald Trump, Davey warned, “He can't be trusted to stick with it.” Starmer did not commit to a vote but assured MPs that any deal would follow proper parliamentary procedures.

With polls predicting gains for Reform UK, Thursday’s elections are seen as a major test of Starmer’s leadership and Labour’s grip on public trust.

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