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Prime Minister
14 July 2021
Lead MP
Andrew Slaughter
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TransportNorthern IrelandForeign AffairsBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 17
At a Glance
Andrew Slaughter 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Seconded the Prime Minister's support for our outstanding England team but criticised the government’s plan to remove all barriers to infection transmission in January, urging to keep mask-wearing regulations and fight the virus until it is beaten.
Welcomed the Prime Minister's words regarding inclusivity in the Cabinet. Criticised the sudden increase from 0.5% to 0.7% for official development assistance, proposing a gradual approach instead.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Expressed pride in the England team but criticised the Prime Minister's initial reluctance to condemn racism and booing of anti-racism gestures. Highlighted previous statements by Government Ministers and MPs that condoned such behavior, questioning their integrity.
Bell expressed concerns about noxious gas emissions at Walleys Quarry landfill and asked the Prime Minister for assurances that the issue would be resolved quickly.
Blackford addressed the Prime Minister regarding racist abuse during Euro 2020, questioning whether the Government recognises systemic racism in the UK and demanding stronger sanctions against those who publish such content.
Marson called for support from the Prime Minister to ensure that venture funding is accessible to innovative businesses, particularly for scaling up.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Saville-Roberts argued that Wales should receive a fair share of funding from HS2 since the project does not extend into Wales, despite Welsh taxpayers contributing to it.
Offord requested the release of documents related to British soil concentration camps established during World War II on Alderney to uncover what happened to internees there.
Peter Kyle
Lab
Hove and Portslade
There are currently 800,000 students self-isolating. The Government’s failure to control the delta variant means schools will be severely affected in autumn. Calls for a promise from the Prime Minister that every adolescent will receive the vaccine over summer with full information provided.
With the economy rebounding and many job vacancies, there is an opportunity to build a stronger British labour market post-Brexit and post-covid. Emphasises creating jobs with better pay, more security, and career progression opportunities.
Communities in his constituency are losing or have lost their post offices since 2019 due to temporary closures, relocations, or permanent closure. Asks the Prime Minister to admit that the current trading model for Post Office is not working.
Calls for investment in major road infrastructure solutions as part of levelling-up agenda post-pandemic, particularly for tunneling under Guildford on the A3 to address congestion and productivity issues.
Concerned about trashing English covid regulations. Requests clarity from the Prime Minister that those visiting Wales must adhere to Welsh laws regarding a cautious approach.
Asks for the Prime Minister’s support for recommendations from his and another report on better regulation regime post-Brexit, suggesting a one-in-two-out system without loopholes or exceptions.
Criticises recent vote by 333 Conservative MPs to cut overseas aid spending affecting poor children’s clean water access and education programmes. Asks if the Prime Minister feels any shame for these decisions.
Requests support from the Prime Minister for the Green Man festival in her constituency, as Welsh Government refuses to give it the green light despite covid-secure measures.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Concerned about Jacqui Davies who is at risk due to lifting of restrictions. Questions Prime Minister’s decision on Monday regarding mask-wearing requirements and other safety measures in light of the delta variant.
Encourages children across the nation to participate in the summer reading challenge to catch up with education post-covid. Highlights support from the Government for such initiatives.
Government Response
Defended his support for the England team while criticising Keir Starmer's attack on the Home Secretary’s record in advancing black and minority ethnic groups. Announced plans to legislate against online hate speech through a fine mechanism. Johnson defended his government's stance on Northern Ireland amnesty, environmental issues at Walleys Quarry, online hate speech regulations, HS2 funding for Wales and the release of Alderney concentration camp documents. Responds to each speaker addressing concerns regarding self-isolation rules, vaccinations for adolescents, job market opportunities, post office closures, road infrastructure, covid regulations, better regulation regime, overseas aid spending, music festival support, and mask-wearing requirements.
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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.