Prime Minister claims Tories acting in the ‘national interest’

Theresa May was asked why she is “still here” during a debate on the Queen’s Speech.

The Prime Minister defended her party, saying the Tories were acting in the “national interest” by forming a Government to “address the challenges that face this country at the moment”.

Mrs May gave way to Labour’s Wes Streeting during the debate, and he said: “The fact is that the gracious speech has been given today and the Prime Minister still can’t tell us how her Government will be composed or how it will be supported.

“And given that she asked for a very personal mandate during the general election campaign and didn’t get one, the only question is why is she still here?”

Mrs May replied to the Ilford North MP, saying: “Which party was it that got the highest percentage share of the vote, Labour or Conservative?

“Which party was it that got more votes, 800,000 more votes than the other party, Labour or Conservative? Conservative.

“And which party was it that got 56 more seats than the Labour Party?”

Following an intervention by the Speaker, Mrs May continued: “I was merely pointing out that the Conservative party got 56 more seats than the Labour Party.

“We are doing what is in the national interest which is forming a Government to address the challenges that face this country at the moment.

“It is a critical time and it is important that we have a Government committed to the national interest.”

Which party was it that got 56 more seats than the Labour Party? THERESA MAY