Rishi Sunak too weak to take on Tory Brexit ‘malcontents’, says Starmer

Labour leader urges PM to ‘just get on with it’ and reach deal with EU over Northern Ireland

Keir Starmer has accused Rishi Sunak of being too weak to take on Brexit “malcontents” on the Conservative benches and reach a deal with the EU over Northern Ireland, as the pair tussled over Brexit at prime minister’s questions.

In a rare airing of the issue at the event, Starmer reiterated Labour’s pledge to “put country before party” and help Sunak push a deal through parliament, even if hardline Brexiter Tories rebelled.