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Confidence in Her Majesty’s Government
18 July 2022
Lead MP
Boris Johnson
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyTaxationBrexit
Other Contributors: 68
At a Glance
Boris Johnson raised concerns about confidence in her majesty’s government in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Prime Minister argued that despite the opposition, his government has delivered on its promises. He highlighted significant achievements such as winning the largest Conservative victory since 1987 and passing the Brexit legislation. The PM also defended his early intervention with vaccines which he claims saved lives compared to other European countries.
Lichfield
Mr Fabricant supported the Prime Minister, highlighting the lower death rates in the UK due to early vaccine deployment and the successful defence of Kyiv against Russian aggression.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Mr Corbyn criticised the government for high poverty levels, increased food bank usage, mental health crises, and economic inequality. He accused the PM of enriching the wealthy while impoverishing the poor and creating job insecurity.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Cardiff West
Mr Brennan questioned the Prime Minister's unconventional approach to putting down a confidence motion in his own Government, suggesting that despite the Prime Minister’s fantasy achievements, there is widespread dissatisfaction with government policies and leadership.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Mr Starmer argued that unlike previous Prime Ministers who were forced out due to policy disagreements or defeats, this PM was deemed unfit for office by his own party. He accused the PM of promoting a sexual predator and lying about it.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Worthing West
In June 2016, the then leader of the Labour party lost a no confidence vote. The current Government came in with an 80-seat majority after the 2019 general election. People do not trust the Labour party to become the next government. By voting confidence in the Government, we are saying that we prefer us over them.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
The Government have spent the past week trying to delay this debate but today we finally get a chance to cast our verdict on a failed Prime Minister. The Conservative party is collapsing before our eyes. The Prime Minister deserves no dignity in his departure.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
The motion is about confidence in the Government. When this Prime Minister took power, Parliament's reputation was in tatters. He got Brexit done, rolled out vaccines effectively during the pandemic, and supported Ukraine against Russia. His record on these issues is commendable. However, there are economic challenges ahead that need to be addressed responsibly.
Margaret Hodge
Lab
Barking
The Government's incompetence, waste and culture of corruption make it unfit for office. There is a growing body of evidence showing the misuse of taxpayers' money, undermining democratic institutions like Parliament and the judiciary, and an erosion of press freedom. This debate is essential to halt the dangerous assault on British democracy.
Bill Wiggin
Con
North Herefordshire
Despite challenges, this Government has delivered historic achievements such as leaving the EU and a successful vaccine roll-out during the pandemic. The Prime Minister's leadership has resulted in positive changes like allowing motorcyclists to use bus lanes in London.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The motion is an attempt to improve governance, and it is important for all Members to conduct themselves with kindness and respect during the debate.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
The Liberal Democrats argue that the Conservative Government has failed to address critical crises affecting millions of British families. The cost of living is soaring, with energy bills increasing by £700 in April alone. Healthcare services are deteriorating, with record numbers on hospital waiting lists and long delays in ambulance response times. Additionally, there is a political crisis due to the Prime Minister's involvement in various scandals.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
The Conservative Government deserves confidence from the House because it has generally made the correct decisions despite challenges. The decision to respect Brexit was crucial, and the Government's vaccine procurement strategy was effective. During the pandemic, they implemented robust job and business protection schemes that helped millions of workers and businesses. Furthermore, the Prime Minister led strong diplomatic support for Ukraine following Russian aggression.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
The current Government, led by a disgraced Prime Minister, is causing chaos and should be held accountable. The Tory party has failed to address the cost of living crisis, child poverty, NHS issues, passport office problems, and more. They are also shredding our constitution and ignoring real problems facing the country.
I have confidence in this Government, which has successfully handled Brexit, supported Ukraine against Putin's aggression, and managed the covid pandemic. The Prime Minister led on these issues with courage and resilience, securing a democratic victory for leaving the EU and establishing stable economic foundations compared to other member states.
Stewart McDonald
SNP
Aberdeen South
The debate is about a lack of confidence in the current government, particularly focusing on the Prime Minister's conduct and the chaos within the party. The speaker criticises the Prime Minister for his actions as Foreign Secretary, such as visiting an Italian palazzo linked to a former KGB agent without proper security measures. He also mentions that the Prime Minister received a fixed penalty notice while in office, which is unprecedented. Additionally, he notes that there are no MPs or ministers from the leadership candidates present to defend the Prime Minister.
Gareth Bacon
Con
Orpington
The speaker argues for confidence in Her Majesty’s Government, highlighting three key achievements: delivering on Brexit with a trade deal, providing comprehensive support during the pandemic including the furlough scheme, and leading international efforts to vaccinate the population swiftly. He also emphasises the government's handling of reopening the economy and its leadership in rallying global support for Ukraine.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
I criticise the Conservative party's handling of sexual harassment and violence within their ranks, mentioning two Members who went to prison for sexual crimes despite interventions from me being ignored. I also point out that a candidate was cleared by the party’s processes but later went to prison for sexual crimes. The current Justice Secretary is criticised for overseeing an increase in rape statistics.
Eleanor Laing
Con
She urges the debate to move away from matters that may be sub judice, suggesting a more constructive direction for the discussion.
Chris Clarkson
Con
Supports the Government's confidence motion, criticising Labour’s attempt to table a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister. He emphasises the importance of upholding constitutional precedent and highlights the Government's efforts towards levelling-up initiatives and pandemic response.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
He expresses lack of confidence in the Government, citing failures in managing various issues such as fraudulent covid loans, PPE misuse, the Passport Office, care home protection during the pandemic, Brexit mismanagement, inflation predictions, personnel shortages, Magnitsky sanctions, NHS backlogs, and issues with gender identity.
Rosie Winterton
Lab
Nuneaton
Asked whether Chris Clarkson tried to intervene earlier.
Chris Clarkson
Con
Ealing Central and Acton
Responded that he did not try to intervene earlier.
Rosie Winterton
Lab
Nuneaton
Clarified that Chris Clarkson's behaviour was not in accordance with the rules set by the Chair for temperate language and called on Chris Bryant to speak next.
Shaun Bailey
Con
Bromley and Chislehurst
Asked for clarification from the Deputy Speaker about whether it is temperate language for Chris Clarkson, an LGBT man, to defend the Government and suggested that he should not feel ashamed of doing so.
Sally-Ann Hart
Con
Hastings and Rye
Defended the Prime Minister's dedication to the UK, highlighted the Conservative Government’s achievements over two and a half years including Brexit, handling of the pandemic and war in Ukraine, railway reforms, free trade agreements, COP26 hosting, climate change actions, legislation passing, investment in education and levelling up initiatives. She also defended the Prime Minister's position despite personal confidence issues among some MPs.
Tommy Sheppard
SNP
Edinburgh East
Expressed concern over the Prime Minister remaining in office after various scandals, criticised the selection process for the next Conservative leader as reactionary and right-wing with no regard to climate emergency or cost of living crisis. Warned about undemocratic changes to public policy without consulting electorate and expressed worry that this could lead to Scottish independence.
Andy Carter
Con
Warrington South
This Government have delivered significant investments in Warrington, including £42 million for transport improvements, new electric buses, and educational and healthcare facilities. The school rebuild programme at Penketh High School has received £6 million and a new scan centre at Warrington Hospital was funded with £5 million.
Lyn Brown
Lab
West Ham
Child poverty has increased by 300,000 since 2010. Ambulance waits are increasing dangerously due to staffing shortages and hospital backlog issues. The Prime Minister's record shows a lack of accountability and poor management of the economy post-Brexit.
Tom Randall
Con
Gedling
The Conservative Government’s achievements include the successful Brexit process, creation of east midlands freeport for job creation, vaccine rollout success, increased police presence and hospital renovations. The Labour party's policy and leadership are deemed unfit to govern.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
I do not have confidence in this cobbled-together Government. The Prime Minister has lost control of the economy, with sovereign debt nearly tripling in 12 years. Scotland never took this Prime Minister seriously, and they vote SNP for values that reflect their own. The NHS is being gaslighted by the Prime Minister, while he exploits the UK armed forces and denies democracy in Scotland.
I have full confidence in this Government because of a strong team on the Government side, delivering for the country as a whole, and impacting my constituents' lives positively. The new Royal Papworth Hospital and Heart and Lung Research Institute are significant healthcare achievements in South Cambridgeshire. Additionally, the Government have delivered for transport, environment, education, businesses during the pandemic, research funding, and record numbers of police officers.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
A young mum in Newcastle is struggling with the cost of living crisis to a point where she can barely afford to get her kids to school. The Government are not supporting working families, leading to gallows humour and jokes about selling kidneys.
Hannah Bardell
SNP
Livingston
The Prime Minister and some Conservatives are insulated from reality due to their privileged backgrounds. The Government's actions have damaged people’s trust, making it understandable for citizens not to feel confident in this government or the political system.
Rosie Winterton
Independent Labour
Stocksbridge Penistone
Responding to criticisms of private schooling, Rosie Winterton defended parents who choose to send their children to private schools as a means to give them better opportunities despite personal hardships.
James Daly
Con
Lincoln
Critiqued the Scottish National Party's performance in Scotland, highlighting negative impacts on various sectors including economy, education and health.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Introduced a private Member’s Bill to criminalize deliberate lying by politicians. Emphasised lack of confidence in the current UK Government due to economic issues, geographical inequalities and devolution constraints in Wales.
Paul Bristow
Con
Peterborough
I have confidence in this Government, who managed to deliver Brexit and support millions of people through the furlough scheme. The current government is addressing an agenda that was detrimental to places like Peterborough by providing hope for a high-wage, high-skill economy and levelling up initiatives. In my constituency, we have seen investments such as building a new university, receiving £23 million for towns fund regeneration, hiring new police officers, funding theatres and schools. The Prime Minister is still very popular among ordinary people.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
The Conservative leadership candidates have supported the Government through numerous crises such as Partygate and the Owen Paterson crisis, resulting in record NHS waiting lists, delays in various services, and neglect of industries. The Government's engagement with Muslim communities is inadequate; they boycotted a mainstream Muslim organisation backed by British mosques, leading to an increase in attacks on Muslim women. This record shows no progress, and endorsing such actions is irresponsible.
Marco Longhi
Con
South Basildon and East Thurrock
The Opposition wasted valuable parliamentary time with a motion of confidence that was poorly prepared. The Government responded effectively to the pandemic by procuring vaccines faster than other countries, saving lives. Labour opposed procurement efforts and would have prolonged lockdowns beyond Christmas. On Ukraine, this Prime Minister is revered for standing up against Putin's aggression. Labour's stance on defence includes defunding it, potentially leading to the loss of our nuclear arsenal under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.
I am proud to stand up on behalf of the people of Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke, expressing confidence in this Conservative Government. The reason is not just because of the Brexit mandate or the furlough scheme during the pandemic. It's also about local regeneration and investment, such as £56 million from the levelling-up fund for Tunstall library and baths, a £17.6 million Kidsgrove town deal bringing 1,700 new jobs, and investments in schools, family hubs, bus fares reduction, and reopening heritage buildings like the sports centre which was previously closed due to neglect by previous administrations.
I do not have confidence in this Government because the percentage of people living in poverty in the Tees Valley has soared to more than 40% over the past 12 years, which is the highest level in the country. Too many children go to school hungry and face uncertain futures during extended holidays. Despite acknowledging that reducing child poverty is essential for levelling up, the Government’s flagship policy ignored this issue entirely. With two in five babies, children, and young people across our region growing up poor due to government neglect, it's clear they are wasting talent and potential.
Anna Firth
Con
Southend West
On behalf of the city of Southend, I have full confidence in Her Majesty’s Government. The Conservative party won the election three years ago because of their commitment to democracy, freedom, security and opportunity, opposing socialism, antisemitism, losing our nuclear deterrent and returning to the European Union. We have not squandered the 80-seat majority given by the British people; we dealt with difficult times like covid, a global energy crisis, and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine while keeping our manifesto promises. The Conservative Government got Brexit done, which allowed us to develop the world's first approved vaccine followed by the fastest roll-out in Europe. This would not have been possible under Labour who opposed Brexit and would have delayed vaccine roll-outs. NHS funding has increased significantly under 12 years of Conservative rule and will continue to do so. Britain is healthier, wealthier and safer because of this Government.
Steven Bonnar
SNP
Glasgow East
I have no confidence in the current Prime Minister or his Government due to their shaming of office, alleged lying and misleading behaviour, criminality during the pandemic, scandals, lack of respect for Scotland’s representatives, promotion of individuals involved in scandal, and continued leadership despite these issues. The next Prime Minister will be seen as equally problematic by most Scots who have consistently voted for the SNP since 2007.
Shaun Bailey
Con
Hastings and Rye
I live in Sandwell, a Labour-controlled council known for corruption such as special educational needs contracts given to mates, dodgy land deals, backhanders, lack of scrutiny, denial of commissioner intervention when needed. The reality is that this alternative terrifies me and worries me even more that Opposition Members go along with it despite its corruption.
Geraint Davies
Lab
Swansea West
Pointed out an abuse of privilege by Mr Bailey who accused Opposition Members of being involved in corruption when they have no connection to the council he is talking about. This is completely out of order.
Mark Eastwood
Con
Dewsbury
I have heard a lot of speeches today from the Opposition. Some have been reasonable and some have been bad... I am looking forward to seeing the town being transformed in future.
It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mark Eastwood) even though I am not quite sure what his argument really was... I think she put it very well.
Ian Levy
Con
Blyth Valley
One of our first tasks as a Government was to deliver Brexit, which we did, and then to support the country through the pandemic... That is why I have confidence in Her Majesty’s Government.
Gill Furniss
Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
The Prime Minister's promise to level up Britain has failed, with local authority budgets cut by more than £3 billion in real terms since 2010. Child poverty rates continue to rise year on year in my constituency, reaching 45%. The Conservative party is out of touch and unfit to govern, with leadership candidates focusing on culture wars rather than addressing serious issues such as climate change.
The Government has a strong record on the Indo-Pacific pivot and levelling up in small cities like Gloucester. However, there are areas for improvement, such as providing insulation for poorer families to help them through winter's energy increase. The current Government is delivering despite criticisms from opposition parties.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
The decline in standards in public life, particularly under the Prime Minister, has led to a loss of confidence in the Government. Partygate and Owen Paterson's resignation highlight corruption in politics. The Privileges Committee must continue its investigation regardless of changes in leadership.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
The Prime Minister repeatedly claimed that more people were in work than before the pandemic, despite figures showing a reduction of 366,000 jobs. This lack of truthfulness undermines confidence in the Government and democracy.
Tony Lloyd
Lab
Manchester Central
Morality and probity in public life matter. The current Prime Minister has broken the code, making the country a laughing stock for lawbreaking. He failed to deliver on Brexit and betrayed Conservative MPs who supported him. Poverty rates are high in my constituency; nearly 40% of children live in poverty. Climate change is barely mentioned by the Government despite its importance. Cabinet Ministers only acted when their futures were at stake, not because they cared about the Prime Minister's leadership failures.
Gerald Jones
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
The motion tabled by the Government shows how out of touch they are. Many Government Members wrote open letters expressing no confidence in the Prime Minister, yet now they support him. The country needs honest leadership; the Prime Minister offers none. Taxes are rising, energy bills are spiralling, and crime is increasing under his rule. Constituents struggle to put food on the table, while the government's economic policies cause a cost of living crisis. Important legislation has been dropped due to the chaos engulfing the Government.
Geraint Davies
Lab
Swansea West
The Prime Minister’s actions during the pandemic led to 200,000 deaths in the UK, which is a disaster. Procurement issues lost billions; Wales spent only half of its allocated £1 billion for test and trace. The economy recovery has been slowest in G7 with high inflation. Brexit management has failed; fruit picking rates are down, and meat butchery capacity reduced due to pig culling. Trade deals have declined, passports and driving licences face delays due to civil servant redistribution. Northern Ireland protocol undermines peace process. Windfall tax is being returned to oil producers while democracy and human rights suffer.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Three minutes is not enough to sum up or express the misery, suffering and hardship caused to people in my constituency and across this country by this rotten Government. Of course I have no confidence in the Government... They merely want to find somebody who has the political capital to push forward that abhorrent policy, and that is why we need a general election.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
In Scotland, 2022 is the Year of Stories... It is the right of the people to decide how they want to be governed, and the people of Scotland will have that right again.
Blackpool North and Cleveleys
This is a Government in whom I can have absolutely no confidence. This morning, I attended a meeting with members of the Criminal Bar Association... This Government are allowing crucial institutions to fall into chaos, are planning to slash funding from overstretched Departments and are propping up a discredited Prime Minister who is unfit for public office.
Mary Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Today, MPs have the chance to rid ourselves of this zombie Government as they desperately try to survive, stumbling forward with no purpose and no thought for the people. This weekend we saw that the Prime Minister was more committed to partying than attending Cobra meetings. The Home Secretary will not even show up at the Home Affairs Committee to answer crucial questions about passports. Constituents worry about child poverty, free school meals, sewage dumping, windfall tax policies and leadership issues. The public no longer has confidence in this shambolic Government due to their repeated U-turns.
Taiwo Owatemi
Lab
Coventry North West
Last night’s Tory leadership debate only further undermined my confidence in this Conservative Government and their ability to deliver for the country. My constituents are concerned about rising energy bills, high petrol costs, food prices and inflation. A recent survey suggested that 95% of my constituents think the Government should do much more to help people deal with the cost of living crisis. The mud-slinging within the Conservative party is completely detached from reality. We desperately need a Government rooted in this reality but I do not believe we will ever get that from the Conservative party, which is why I have no confidence in this Government.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Lord Hague was right to say Boris Johnson was unfit for the role of Prime Minister. The Government still claim they got big calls right but are rewriting history with their actions, such as changing rules over Owen Paterson, disposing of PPE ahead of the pandemic, losing £4 billion to fraud and bungling Brexit deal leading to a 4% hit on UK economy. Now we have one in 15 suffering from COVID, ambulance services and social care in crisis, worst inflation in G7 and worst growth anywhere in G20 except Russia. The public will not forgive this after recent events such as Wakefield, Chesham and Amersham, North Shropshire, Tiverton and Honiton where the public feel misled by this Government losing trust.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Conservative Members are accusing each other of incompetence, and after removing their party leader, they have left the current Prime Minister in place without confidence. The public has no faith in them due to the NHS waiting list, crime rise, tax levels, inflation, debt, passport chaos, refugees' fears, women's rights issues, Grenfell Tower tragedy aftermath, food bank dependency, wage stagnation, and corruption allegations. The Prime Minister is seen as a reckless narcissist unfit for leadership.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberafan Maesteg
The current Conservative leadership contest will result in the fourth Prime Minister since 2016, turning government into chaos and lacking moral purpose. The winner will be complicit in the failures, making a general election with Labour's new start necessary. Tax cuts are offered without funding while ignoring family needs this autumn. Backlog Britain is due to Tory incompetence since 2010, impacting national finances, workers' pay packets, public services, and private sector vulnerabilities. Authoritarian states exploit our weaknesses; Labour plans for manufacturing renaissance and resilience.
The Prime Minister's performance was surreal with no mention of breaching party rules or Marcus Rashford's campaign success. Conservative Members boast about Brexit despite warnings of its impact (£1,400 loss per family annually and GDP fall). The Prime Minister disregarded international law on Northern Ireland protocol and illegally prorogued Parliament. Scotland respects people differently compared to Westminster, valuing self-determination more.
Angela Rayner
Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Critiqued the Prime Minister's leadership, stating it is delusional and dangerous to democracy. She highlighted criticisms from other Conservative MPs regarding economic strategy and public services. Emphasised that the current government is in chaos and has failed on multiple fronts including low growth and broken promises over 12 years of Tory rule. Pointed out the lack of answers on key issues such as cost of living crisis, climate change, and backlog Britain.
Lichfield
Intervenes to suggest that the motion will unite the Conservative party more than anything else.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Asks whether the Conservative party has successfully handled cases of sexual harassment and violence within its ranks.
Sally-Ann Hart
Con
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
Clarifies that the Labour party has received £68 million from unions since 2015, including a donation from a Chinese spy for their son's employment.
Shadow Response
Keir Starmer
Shadow Response
The shadow minister criticised the Prime Minister for promoting a sexual predator, lying about it, and making decisions that have led to significant financial losses. He also highlighted internal disagreements within the Conservative party regarding the PM's economic policy.
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