Rishi Sunak has expressed his pride at being the first British-Asian prime minister, telling his final Prime Minister’s Questions: “I was even prouder that it was not that big a deal.”
The outgoing Conservative leader shared a series of warm exchanges with Sir Keir Starmer in which he urged his successor to support various issues, including the Coast-to-Coast Walk, grassroots cricket, Ukraine and the Northern Ireland Assembly.
At one stage Mr Sunak called on the Prime Minister to “find his inner tech bro” and continue to support emerging British tech businesses and establish the country as the “home of AI growth and innovation”.
The MP for Richmond and Northallerton also told the session he will be spending more time in Yorkshire – “the greatest place on earth” – once he is no longer leader of the Conservatives.
Mr Sunak, in his concluding remarks, said: “Tomorrow is Diwali. I became leader of my party during Diwali and I now stand down during that same festival.
“So I’m proud to have been the first British-Asian prime minister but I was even prouder that it was not that big a deal and that speaks volumes about the values of the British people, of our country and of this Parliament.
“So will the Prime Minister join me in applauding the kindness, decency and tolerance that has always been the British way?”
Sir Keir replied: “Yes, and I meant what I said when I said we were all proud to see him standing there as prime minister representing our diverse country.
“We were all proud, I think everybody in this House was.
I want to thank him for his hard work, for his commitment and for his decency in everything that he has done, and I too wish him and his family the very best for whatever the future may hold for them
“So I thank him for that and his final question as Leader of the Opposition, although judging by the speed by which his party goes through leaders he may be back here before too long.
“But in the meantime, I’m sure he’ll be a great champion for the people of Richmond.”
Sir Keir said he wanted to disclose details of a letter sent to him this week by Mr Sunak, adding: “My answer to him is clear: Yes, I will arrange for him to meet the relevant minister about the A66 that runs through his constituency.”
Sir Keir earlier thanked Mr Sunak for his “decency” during PMQs.
He said: “Last Diwali, the Leader of the Opposition and his family lit the diyas outside 10 Downing Street.
“It was a significant moment in our national story: the first British-Asian prime minister is a reminder that this is a country where people of every background can fulfil their dreams, and it makes us all proud to be British.
“This is our last exchange across the despatch boxes. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Leader of the Opposition for his service.
“Now, of course, we’ve had political disagreements, ideological disagreements, we’ve argued at some length, but I want to thank him for his hard work, for his commitment and for his decency in everything that he has done, and I too wish him and his family the very best for whatever the future may hold for them.”
I’m happy to confirm reports that I will now be spending more time in the greatest place on earth where the scenery is indeed worthy of a movie set, and everyone is a character - that’s right, if anyone needs me, I will be in Yorkshire
Mr Sunak thanked Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Sir Keir for their “kind” words, adding: “Today is my last appearance at PMQs, and I’m happy to confirm reports that I will now be spending more time in the greatest place on earth where the scenery is indeed worthy of a movie set, and everyone is a character – that’s right, if anyone needs me, I will be in Yorkshire.
“And as an adopted Yorkshireman, I’m particularly looking forward to doing the Coast to Coast Walk that runs through my constituency and many others.
“Since 2015 we’ve made significant progress with a campaign to make it a National Trail, and indeed, Natural England are close to concluding their work.
“So can I ask the Prime Minister to ensure that the Coast to Coast (Walk) does indeed become Britain’s greatest National Trail, and in preparation for my return to the back benches, would he meet with me to discuss it?”
Sir Keir replied: “I thought he was about to ask me to join him on the walk, but certainly I will meet him.”
