'More Positions Than Kama Sutra': UK's Starmer Mocks Conservatives Over Policy U-Turns

Last Updated:January 15, 2026, 17:47 IST

Starmer's remarks came as he defended his government against criticism over the recent decision to drop plans for mandatory digital ID cards for workers.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (PTI file photo)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday mocked the Conservative Party, saying they had “more positions in 14 years than the Kama Sutra," during a heated debate in Parliament.

The British Prime Minister’s remarks came as he defended his government against criticism over the recent decision to drop plans for mandatory digital ID cards for workers.

Starmer explained that the Labour government remains committed to cracking down on illegal employment, but clarified that while checks will be mandatory, the specific form of digital ID is flexible.

“I’m determined to make it harder for people to work illegally in this country, and that is why there will be checks. They will be digital, and they will be mandatory," he told MPs.

Starmer also used the debate to take aim at the previous Conservative government, highlighting frequent leadership changes and ministerial reshuffles. “Over the past 14 years, they have had five prime ministers, six chancellors, eight home secretaries, and 16 housing ministers," he said.

“They had more positions in 14 years than the Kama Sutra. No wonder they’re knackered and they left the country screwed," he noted.

The digital ID plan, first proposed in September last year, was designed to verify the right to work in Britain. Initially intended to be mandatory, the proposal faced widespread opposition from political rivals and parts of the public, who raised privacy concerns.

Critics warned — without evidence — that the scheme could track vaccinations, carbon footprints, and restrict access to travel and essential services.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the proposal as a “rubbish policy" and welcomed its withdrawal. Opposition parties seized on the move as evidence of government inconsistency, pointing out that Labour has already reversed several policies since winning power in July 2024.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, called the decision a “victory for individual liberty" and vowed to scrap digital ID completely if his party returns to power.

(With inputs from agencies)

News world 'More Positions Than Kama Sutra': UK's Starmer Mocks Conservatives Over Policy U-Turns

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