Theresa May attacks Labour confusion over tuition fees in final PMQs showdown before recess

Addressing the Commons during a particularly raucous exchange at the Despatch Box, the Prime Minister accused Labour of misleading voters in the issue of student debt.

She also defended her government’s continued opposition to an increase in public sector wages, despite claims the current cap is “weakening” the economy. She told MPs that she recognised the “excellent work” and “sacrifices” many public sector workers make, but stressed the government must be able “to pay for them”.

Her comments follow several days of confusion over the Labour party’s position on tuition fees after Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell appeared to row back on a pledge to tackle existing student debts. In an interview with NME magazine during the election, Mr Corbyn stated he would “deal with” the financial “burden” placed on those currently paying £9,000 a year, including looking at ways to “reduce” their debts

This was widely interpreted as a promise to scrap historic debts, but Mr McDonnell has since stated that the party does not want to commit to something “we can’t deliver”. Rotherham MP Sarah Champion fueled further scepticism about the pledge after telling the BBC’s Daily Politics show she did not think wiping out existing debt “is going to be possible”.

Raising the issue in PMQs, Mrs May indicated Labour should apologise for the apparent U-turn. “At the election the Leader of the Opposition vowed to deal with student debt, Labour were going to abolish student debt, now they say it wasn’t a promise at all,” she said. “Students know Labour can’t be trusted on student fees.”

Mr Corbyn however, focussed his attacks on pay caps and reports of feuding between Tory ministers. The Labour leader argued low wages were harming the economy and challenged the Prime Minister to increase public sector pay, pointing out that she did no have “any problem finding money to pay for the DUP’s support”.

Mrs May replied: “[You] and I both value public sector workers. ... The difference is we know that you have to pay for them.”