Prime Minister

Asked about the Prime Minister's intentions for the summer recess, emphasising the need for self-reflection and improvement in public trust.

Inquired about Turkey's withdrawal of opposition to Sweden and Finland joining NATO, expressing optimism that this will enhance Europe's security posture.

Called for the Prime Minister’s reflection on his tenure and challenged the economic policies of potential successors, criticising their unfunded spending proposals as fantasy economics. Emphasised inflationary pressures and cost-of-living crisis.

Critiques the Conservative Party's leadership contest, highlighting their failure in various areas such as dental care, ambulance response times, and taxes. Points out that they have trashed every part of their record in government.

Questions the Prime Minister about the impact of devolution in Wales, noting that one in five people in Wales are on an NHS waiting list for more than a year and 75% of school leaders lack sufficient capital to maintain their buildings.

Criticises Boris Johnson's economic record, pointing out that his Brexit policy slashed £31 billion from the economy and that people’s real pay is falling at a record rate. Accuses him of being a rule-breaker for illegally shutting down Parliament during the pandemic.

Suggests that the Prime Minister should reset his compass to true north, offering an invitation to visit Dudley where he will see his legacy and be welcomed with open arms.

Questions whether a new mandate from the British people is required before the candidates in the leadership election take over, suggesting that there should be a general election for a fresh start.

Expresses disappointment with the Mayor of London, highlighting concerns about bus cuts and developments in South Kensington. Requests a better Mayor for London.

Praises Lord Mackay of Clashfern, a highland gentleman who has been helpful over the years. Asks about funding for a green freeport in Cromarty Firth to harness wind energy.

Congratulates Boris Johnson on his work to tackle regional inequality through the levelling-up agenda and urges all candidates in the leadership election to drive forward this initiative further.

Very few people in the north of England believe that the levelling-up agenda has achieved anything at all. The Prime Minister has a few days left in office. Can he use that time to drive through the TransPennine rail system that we were promised would be finished in 2019 and will not be finished before 2030? It is a shambles, and he is responsible.

My right hon. Friend rightly paid tribute to our hard-working firefighters, who have been dealing with the fires over the past few days in this unprecedented weather. Will he take action to make sure that more fires can be prevented, by getting rid of disposable barbecues and Chinese sky lanterns?

Due to Scottish Government investment in affordable housing, the Scottish child payment and extended free school meals, Scotland has the lowest level of child poverty in the UK, in contrast to the north-east, where it has risen by 50% on the watch of this Government. In contrast, the Prime Minister took over £1,000 from the poorest families—so much for levelling up—and those fighting to replace him have been falling over themselves to promise tax cuts to the wealthy. If the UK is meant to be a voluntary Union, does he not recognise that voters in Scotland have the right to a referendum, so that they can choose a fairer future?

The Windrush compensation scheme was launched in April 2019. In the time since, we have seen this Prime Minister come and go. Meanwhile, just one in four applicants has received compensation so far, and sadly at least 28 have passed away without receiving compensation. Is it not about time for the Government to make the scheme independent of the Home Office, and finally provide justice to the victims before it is too late?

I thank my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister for all the work he has done for Scunthorpe, but I give particular thanks to him for the work that he has done for steel. He has shown his understanding both of the challenges that steel faces and of its importance to this nation. He has kept every promise he has made to me on steel, and I thank him very much for his work on that.

This Prime Minister has been the very embodiment of the excess and the vice that the ministerial code was designed to protect against, and once trust is broken it is very hard to rebuild. The trust of the Good Friday agreement between the peoples and the Governments of these islands has been systematically destroyed over the last six years, and people across the island of Ireland—whether Unionist, nationalist or neither—have looked on in horror at the degradation of the rule of law, the deterioration of Anglo-Irish relationships and the bolstering of the far right.

Since 2014, the Tory party has had more Prime Ministers than we have had referendums. May I remind the PM of the Smith Commission report, which states: 'It is agreed that nothing in this report prevents Scotland becoming an independent country'? Therefore, does the Prime Minister believe in democracy and will he respect the people of Scotland’s right to self-determination?

The Prime Minister spoke earlier about the atrocities carried out by the IRA. For decades, many men and women had the courage to put on the Queen’s uniform and uphold law and order in Northern Ireland on Operation Banner. One of the Prime Minister’s undoubted achievements is that he brought in the Northern Ireland (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, so that those people who served their country can finally sleep safely in their beds.

Prime Minister, the OECD forecasts zero growth in GDP for the UK economy in 2023; that would be the worst performance in the G7. Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Iceland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium and Finland are all wealthier than the UK. Why should Scotland not be afforded the same opportunity to seek prosperity through being a sovereign independent nation, standing as an equal among other equal nations?

May I place on the record my thanks particularly to the firefighters of Cornwall, who were also extremely busy and courageous yesterday? I thank the Prime Minister for his support and enthusiasm for Cornwall and the people of Cornwall over the last few years, and not least for the hosting of the G7 last year.

While the Prime Minister has been on the randan at Chequers, people in Scotland are suffering because of the Tory cost of living crisis and we are paying a high price for his disastrous hard Brexit, imposed against the wishes of Scottish voters. It is time to end this democracy denial, Prime Minister: Scotland cannot afford to stay shackled to this crumbling Union and Tory Governments that we do not vote for.

Expressed concern about the 35% tariff on white fish, which is causing industry leaders considerable worry despite recognising the importance of maintaining sanctions against Russia. Asked for meetings with relevant Ministers to discuss mitigating measures.

Joked sarcastically about Boris Johnson's legacy and questioned if he would enoble cronies, suggesting a list similar to Harold Wilson’s 'lavender list'.

Called for good temper and moderate language during the debate.

Asked Boris Johnson to encourage the Health Secretary to provide funding for expanding Southend’s A&E department, promising a £8.4 million Conservative-led capital fund from five years ago.

Critiqued Boris Johnson's record on job creation and student loan policies, highlighting the rising cost of living affecting those with loans at 7% interest rates compared to mortgage rates of 2%.

Expressed gratitude towards Boris Johnson for his service during his three-year tenure, praising his commitment to levelling up, rolling out the AstraZeneca jab, and supporting Ukraine.