Keir Starmer looked physically pained as he listened to Boris Johnson's response to his question about testing during Prime Minister's Questions.
The Labour leader had finally had enough.
"Just answer the questions, Prime Minister" 🤦🤦🤦 #PMQs https://t.co/kAHWP5cSjM— Carolyn Harris MP (@Carolyn Harris MP) 1599650627
Starmer screwed up his face as Johnson said:
Mr Speaker, I note that [Starmer] won't take back his criticism and his attack on NHS test and trace and I regret that. I gave him the opportunity, Mr Speaker, to withdraw his verdict that it was on the verge of collapse. It is not. They're doing a heroic job.
Johnson side-stepped Starmer's question about why some people are being suggested coronavirus testing centres hundreds of miles away from where they live by the government's website, instead accusing him of "attacking" the test and trace system and the NHS workers tasked with carrying it out.
Starmer indeed said that the test and trace system is on the verge of collapse, but blamed a lack of "good governance" and "confused" messaging for this, not the NHS.
As Starmer explained during PMQs, there are several ongoing issues with testing. Some people are being encouraged to travel unreasonable distances to access tests, while others are being told that no home test kits are available. But Johnson appeared unwilling to engage with this, instead resorting to "waffle" and "bluster".
People instantly began sharing Starmer's 'over it' face.
He was "as baffled as the rest of us". Many accused the PM of being "incompetent" and "disastrous" at the weekly parliamentary duel.
every time Boris Johnson starts yabbering & changing the subject #PMQs https://t.co/r1Ap9yF29D— Toby Earle (@Toby Earle) 1599650021
Keir Starmer as baffled as the rest of us at how a blustering, bloviating mess like Boris Johnson came to be Prime… https://t.co/umhLHInd5F— Planet Belfast 💙 Get vaccinated 😷 🇪🇺 (@Planet Belfast 💙 Get vaccinated 😷 🇪🇺) 1599650304
@Keir_Starmer face is all of us listening to this waffle rn 😬🤦🏻♀️ #PMQs https://t.co/lBdc5d1SR2— Sarah (@Sarah) 1599653002
Some people even compared him to a beleaguered parent or teacher dealing with an unruly child.
Your English teacher Keir Starmer’s face when you get “where” and “were” mixed up for the fourth time https://t.co/KvqlhoPli0— Tudor Acid (@Tudor Acid) 1599653521
Keir Starmer is very worried about your commitment to your GCSEs. https://t.co/oVz9XP6BtE— Glen O'Hara (@Glen O'Hara) 1599650619
Or an annoyed email correspondent.
“I hope this email finds you well” https://t.co/g4XH5oE3P2— Abby Tomlinson (@Abby Tomlinson) 1599654782
when someone spells your name wrong and it was RIGHT THERE IN THE EMAIL https://t.co/UOrra2ALmP— Esther Webber (@Esther Webber) 1599654711
Starmer is known for his "forensic" style of questioning during PMQs. Johnson is not exactly known for providing coherent, logical answers.
After yet another attempt at deflection this week, it seems that Starmer has finally had enough.