← Back to House of Commons Debates
Prime Minister
19 January 2022
Lead MP
Wendy Chamberlain
North East Fife
Lib Dem
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyEmploymentTransport
Other Contributors: 22
At a Glance
Wendy Chamberlain raised concerns about prime minister in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Response
Defended his actions during the pandemic, emphasised progress in vaccine rollout and economic recovery. He also expressed disappointment with the Labour opposition's questioning. Defended the government’s actions during the pandemic and beyond, emphasising economic growth, job creation, vaccine roll-out success, and other initiatives. Repeatedly stated that opposition was politicising issues and wasting time. I can assure my hon. Friend that we are well aware of the risks associated with the smart motorway scheme. I know that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport is looking at it right now.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Asked the Prime Minister about his official engagements and raised concerns over the Downing Street parties scandal, urging the Prime Minister to resign due to a lack of trust.
Inquired about the British Council's funding requirements amidst soft power competition from other countries like China. The Prime Minister assured that significant financial support is provided despite economic challenges.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Welcomed a new Labour MP to the House and criticised the Prime Minister's handling of the Downing Street parties scandal, arguing for his resignation due to misleading the public and Parliament.
Boris Johnson
Con
Uxbridge and South Ruislip
Defended the government's handling of the pandemic, highlighting economic growth and job creation. Criticised opposition for politicising royal family issues.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Critiqued the Prime Minister over partygate scandal and accused him of being out-of-touch, offering Labour's plan to tackle rising energy bills through VAT reduction and targeted support.
Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker
Chorley
Maintained order in the debate, reminding MPs that they should focus on questions and answers rather than engaging in political disputes.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Continued to press the Prime Minister over partygate revelations, questioning his fitness for office and demanding his resignation due to loss of public trust.
Mark Pawsey
Con
Devon North
Asked about support for a gigafactory in Coventry that would create thousands of jobs and inject £2.5 billion into the local economy, seeking government backing for swift delivery.
Highlighted the cost of living crisis affecting constituents, specifically mentioning the tragic case of a veteran who took his own life due to financial pressures, and criticised the government's prioritisation in economic recovery efforts.
Boris Johnson
Con
Expressed sympathy for James Scott and Oliver Freckleton's families, mentioned steps to support veterans through the action plan, defended PPE procurement efforts, supported additional police recruitment but emphasised multi-stakeholder approaches, promised inquiry into rules compliance.
Shared details of Oliver Freckleton's tragic death and questioned the Prime Minister on supporting a multi-stakeholder approach to tackling violent crime among young people.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Challenged the Prime Minister to admit his role in setting rules and follow them, expressing disappointment over his conduct during the pandemic.
Asked about using funding from dormant assets to establish a community wealth fund for levelling up communities, urging consideration of specific provisions for consultation on the scope and nature of such funds.
Described emotional personal stories about pandemic restrictions affecting families during tragic times, criticising the Prime Minister's conduct and calling him a hypocrite.
Called for support in establishing a memorial to the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit and its members, referencing his constituent George Pritchard.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Suggested that the Prime Minister's current actions indicate dishonesty rather than stupidity, questioning whether he should continue in office.
Invited support for a large-scale celebration of Armed Forces Day, highlighting Scarborough’s event and past turnout as an example of nationwide engagement.
Referenced previous discussion on political integrity and honesty with the Prime Minister, asking for a retraction or amendment if applicable.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Critiqued the government's failure to address rising bills and poverty levels in the north-east, urging the PM to consider resignation due to his conduct.
David Davis
Con
Goole and Pocklington
Called for the Prime Minister to take responsibility for actions, referencing historical quotes about leadership responsibilities during wartime crises.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberafan Maesteg
Asked if the PM agrees with a derogatory comment regarding Scottish Conservative leader's ability.
Flick Drummond
Lab
Southampton, Test
Last week many people welcomed the five-year moratorium on smart motorways. However, the M27 is due to be opened as a smart motorway in a couple of months. What reassurance can my right hon. Friend give my constituents, and others in the rest of south Hampshire, that the M27 will be safe, to give them confidence to use it?
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.