Keir Starmer attacks MPs’ inflation-busting pay rise, calling for money to go to key workers

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Keir Starmer has attacked the inflation-busting pay rise being handed to MPs, calling for the cash to go to key workers instead. “This year of all years we shouldn’t have it,” Sir Keir said, adding: “That money, if it’s available, should be spent on key workers – those who have been on the frontline through this pandemic.” Speaking on LBC Radio, he confirmed Labour would not vote against the 10pm pubs’ curfew – warning there would be nothing in its place if the measure was defeated. Pointing out 200,000 Americans have been killed by coronavirus, he said: “I don’t know what on earth they must think about what he has been saying recently.” Sir Keir answered questions from callers ahead of Boris Johnson announcing the details of a new three-tier system for Covid-19 restrictions – with areas of the North facing much-tougher lockdowns. “The tier system is the first part of what we need to hear from the prime minister, but there's a lot more than that we need to hear this afternoon,” Sir Keir said.