Keir Starmer Delivers Rare Joke at PMQs Amid Reform UK and Farage Tensions
At the Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) session on December 17, 2025, Keir Starmer opened with a Christmas greeting followed by a joke aimed at Reform UK, saying, "If mysterious men appear from the east, this time report it to the police." This rare humorous moment drew genuine laughter from MPs across the chamber, standing out in what was otherwise described as a largely uneventful and "bloodless endurance contest."
Nigel Farage, seated in the Commons' Special Gallery, appeared stony-faced throughout the session, with speculation suggesting he was sulking due to restrictions allowing him to ask only one question every six weeks. Starmer continued to target Reform UK during PMQs, including a remark about Sarah Pochin and controversies related to race in advertising.
The political context included references to a recent Erasmus scheme win. The session also featured exchanges involving Kemi Badenoch.
Additionally, the piece mentioned a letter published in The Guardian alleging Farage had made past racist remarks and calling for an apology, providing further background on the tensions surrounding him during the debate.
Overall, while PMQs often passes without notable moments, Starmer's joke was highlighted as a potential landmark, infusing humor into an otherwise routine parliamentary session.
