Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Prime Minister

14 April 2021 · 16 other contributors

Opened by Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Gagan Mohindra raised concerns about prime minister in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Minister responded to queries on police reform and the NHS cadet scheme.
  • Minister provided insights into government priorities including education in Scotland.
  • Minister expressed support for Kash Singh's work and acknowledged the reality of racism.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Response

Responded to queries on police reform, NHS cadet scheme, children's rights legislation, road improvements, vaccine roll-out progress, local business support, and community initiatives. Provided insights into government priorities such as education in Scotland, road connectivity review recommendations, and promoting British unity. I fully support what Kash Singh is doing and I congratulate him on his work. We will respond in due course but nobody should be in doubt about the reality of racism. We are putting a huge £640 billion investment into infrastructure over the next few years, which we need skilled young people to go into engineering. I share my hon. Friend’s indignation about litter and we are doing the Respect the Outdoors campaign to encourage people to pick up their litter.

Other contributors (16)
  • Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras

    Paid tribute to Dame Cheryl Gillan and Shirley Williams, expressed concern over lobbying rules. Called for a full parliamentary inquiry into the Greensill scandal.

  • Acknowledged the passing of Dame Cheryl Gillan, Ian Gibson, and Baroness Shirley Williams. Reassured concerns about sewage overflow in rivers, initiated an independent review on lobbying rules by Nigel Boardman to be completed by June. Defended current lobbying regulations against criticisms.

  • Dean Russell Con Watford

    Asked the Prime Minister about exploring the creation of an NHS cadet scheme to recognise and build upon the volunteering legacy following the pandemic.

  • Ian Blackford SNP Ross, Skye and Lochaber

    Questioned the Prime Minister on the legal challenge against Scottish legislation embedding the UN convention on the rights of the child into Scots law. Criticised the UK Government for opposing children's rights in Scotland.

  • David Jones Con Clwyd West

    Inquired about prioritising improvements to the A55 expressway, which is crucial for north Wales' economic development and freight transportation.

  • Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North

    Highlighted the lack of British Sign Language interpreters at press briefings funded by taxpayers. Emphasised the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in government communications.

  • Acknowledged the role of small businesses, such as Brocklehursts, in maintaining economic activity during lockdowns and invited the Prime Minister to join a campaign promoting local shopping.

  • Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth

    Offered condolences on behalf of her constituents for the loss of Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, Prince Philip. Asked if David Cameron had been in contact with Boris Johnson regarding matters in the press.

  • Praised those involved in vaccine development and roll-out, highlighting the dedication of NHS staff and volunteers who facilitated the vaccination programme's success.

  • James Davies Con Westbury

    Acknowledged Sir Peter Hendy’s interim Union connectivity review findings which highlight improvements needed for north Wales' railways and A55 road. Requested confirmation that projects identified in the report will receive funding.

  • Hywel Williams PC Ynys Mon

    Recalled a bill proposed in 2007 to prohibit politicians from lying on matters of public policy and invited the Prime Minister's opinion on its principle.

  • Esther McVey Con Tatton

    Celebrated Kash Singh’s initiative 'One Britain One Nation' which aims to unite diverse communities in celebrating Britishness. Invited the Prime Minister to support and send a message for its launch.

  • Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside

    Contrary to the conclusions of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report, institutional racism still exists. Forty years since the Liverpool 8 uprisings, black communities continue to suffer racial injustice and the report downplays structural inequalities. The Resolution Foundation reported that unemployment for young black people rose by 35%, compared with a 13% rise for their white counterparts. Can the Prime Minister confirm allegations about Downing Street redrafting the report and agree it should be withdrawn?

  • As we build back better, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers is crucial. Will the Prime Minister work with EngineeringUK and Big Bang Digital to provide an online introduction for this year’s event? Can he recognise the extraordinary contribution that engineers have made in our battle against covid?

  • Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington

    Since becoming Prime Minister, there has been a threefold increase in donations from property developers. There is also a case of Richard Desmond with the Communities Secretary. Recently, there was a contract between a Health Secretary and his pub landlord for £30 million-worth of PPE. What does this say about the Prime Minister’s leadership?

  • Gareth Davies Con Grantham and Bourne

    A number of constituents have taken to the streets to tackle littering, particularly in Colsterworth. Will the Prime Minister join me in backing the spring clean campaign? Can he assure my constituents that the Government are doing all they can to tackle littering?

Shadow Response

Keir Starmer

Called for a parliamentary inquiry into the Greensill scandal, arguing that it is necessary to clean up Tory sleaze.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy