Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Russia has been accused of abducting Ukrainian children and transferring them to Russian territory, where they are told their parents do not love them. The International Criminal Court issued six arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and his associates.
Russia has abducted at least 19,000 Ukrainian children and transferred them to Russia. They have been told that their parents do not love them, placed in Russian homes and been re-educated. For that despicable crime and others, the International Criminal Court has issued six arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and his gang. I note the Prime Minister’s previous fulsome support for the ICC and his comments just last night about the support that the UK will offer to Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace. Will the Prime Minister confirm to the House that British peacekeeping troops will be deployed to Ukraine only if the peacekeeping deal includes both the return of Ukraine’s children and Putin’s prosecution?
I thank the hon. Member for raising that issue, because it is an absolutely terrible case of abduction and kidnapping. When we say a lasting, just settlement for peace in Ukraine, it must of course involve dealing with that issue. As he would expect, we are raising it continually with our allies.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not confirm the conditions under which British troops would be deployed to Ukraine regarding child return and prosecution
Raising It Continually With Our Allies
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservative government attempted to revive the Rwanda asylum seeker relocation programme, which had previously cost British taxpayers £700 million and resulted in only four refugees being relocated.
Q2. Telford and Britain voted for change in July, yet this week we saw the bizarre spectacle of the Conservatives attempting to bring back the Rwanda policy, clinging on to a gimmick that cost British taxpayers £700 million yet sent only four volunteers to Rwanda. As Labour works to secure our borders through our plan for change, does the Prime Minister agree with me that it is quite clear that the Conservative party has learned absolutely nothing?
My hon. Friend is quite right. The Conservatives ran an open borders experiment that saw numbers go up to almost 1 million, and the Leader of the Opposition was the cheerleader, thanking herself for the lobbying that she did. The Rwanda scheme cost £700 million of taxpayers’ money to remove four volunteers. What a contrast: we have got the flights off and removed 19,000 people who should not be here. As with the NHS, prisons, the economy and everything else, we are clearing up the mess that they left.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not agree or disagree but rather focused on past failures of Labour's immigration policy.
Running An Open Borders Experiment
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Chancellor announced a series of tax measures that have led to concerns about job security and economic growth.
Later today, the Prime Minister is meeting the family of Sir David Amess. Sir David gave this House and our country 40 years of service. I hope the Prime Minister will agree that getting the response to his murder right is vital not just to his family but to our democracy. Every week, I speak to businesses that are letting go of staff or closing. Has the Prime Minister been given an estimate of how many people will lose their jobs because of his Budget?
On the question of Sir David, he was a deeply loved and respected colleague—behind me is his plaque, and there is the plaque in front of me for Jo Cox. I know that this was deeply felt by the House, but particularly, as I acknowledged at the time, by the Conservative party, which lost a colleague and a friend in the most awful of circumstances. I am meeting the Amess family later on today, and I will make sure that they get answers to the questions that they ask. In relation to businesses, I am really pleased to say that we have thousands of new jobs in the economy. We have got more investment in than in the last 20 years—an absolute record. Wages are up higher than prices, and there have been three interest rate cuts—the best boost for the cost of living for a very long time.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address job loss estimates but instead highlighted positive economic indicators.
Highlighting Positive Economic Indicators
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references high unemployment among young people and concerns about disabled individuals not receiving adequate support to enter the workforce. He cites statistics on youth NEETs (not in education, employment or training) rates.
With one in eight young people across the country not in education, employment or training, people in Rugby are worried about a wasted generation. Too many people with disabilities and health conditions are not getting the help they need to get into work, so will the Prime Minister set out how this Government will give everyone who is able to work the support they need, provide compassion to those who cannot work, and fix the broken welfare system left behind by—the Conservatives?
We will support those who need support but help those who can work into work. We inherited a system that is broken, economically and morally, and we must and will reform it with clear principles to protect those who need protecting and support those who can work back to work.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on how the government plans to provide support for disabled individuals into work were not provided.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about US military support for Ukraine, the impact of Trump's metal tariffs on British industry, and the need for stronger diplomatic relations with Canada.
Turning to international issues, can I congratulate the Prime Minister on helping to secure the restoration of US military and intelligence support for Ukraine? Can I press him on progress to persuade President Trump against the damaging metal tariffs that are already hitting British industry? The Prime Minister knows that we on the Lib Dem Benches believe that we must be more robust with President Trump, like the Europeans and the Canadians. Will the Prime Minister fly out to Canada as soon as possible to show its new Prime Minister and the Canadian people that Britain stands with its Commonwealth allies against Trump’s threats and Trump’s tariffs?
We are negotiating an economic deal which could cover and include tariffs, but we will take a pragmatic approach. I have spoken with our allies on many occasions about the situation in Canada.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on persuading President Trump against metal tariffs were not provided.
Pragmatic Approach
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP celebrates St Patrick’s Day and invites the Prime Minister to Belfast in 2027 for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
It is an increasingly turbulent world, and relationships and norms have been turned upside-down over recent weeks. Will the Prime Minister join me in wishing a happy St Patrick’s day to all who value our shared bonds? May I take this opportunity to invite him, in August 2027, to Belfast, which was announced this week as the host of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for the first time?
I would be happy to go to Belfast in 2027, but I want to go much sooner than that. We need a strong and settled relationship between the UK and Ireland, and the need for that has never been greater.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific mention of attending Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was given.
Stronger Relationships
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about upcoming sentencing guidance that may lead to different treatment based on skin colour or religion, impacting public confidence in the judiciary.
In just 20 days’ time, new sentencing guidance will come into effect that the Justice Secretary has already conceded will be two-tier in its nature. It will mean that the colour of a person’s skin or their religion can mean that they are viewed with leniency in the eyes of the law. Will the Prime Minister overrule his Justice Secretary, and confirm here and now that he will back that Bill, or will he simply step aside and prove that he has been two-tier Keir all along?
Everyone should be equal before the law, and the Lord Chancellor has taken up the issue with the Sentencing Council. The proposal was drafted in 2024 when the last Government were consulted and welcomed it. I understand that the shadow Justice Secretary is taking the Sentencing Council to court.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment to supporting a bill against sentencing guidance on skin colour and religion was given.
Lord Chancellor'S Review
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Reports of rising antisemitism on NHS wards were alarming. A Jewish NHS staff member was reportedly called a 'baby killer' by a colleague, highlighting a concerning issue.
I am proud to represent a constituency with eight synagogues, a thriving Jewish population and the United Kingdom’s largest Jewish cultural centre, JW3, but this week, I was horrified to read reports of rising antisemitism on NHS wards. The NHS that I know and love is open to everyone, regardless of background. What is the Prime Minister doing to ensure that my Jewish constituents can safely use our beloved national health service?
It is completely unacceptable for anyone to experience racism, discrimination or prejudice in the health service. The Health Secretary takes such reports extremely seriously as it is a fundamental principle that the NHS provides care and treatment for everyone regardless of race, faith or background.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not provide any specific actions being taken to address rising antisemitism in the NHS.
The Issue Is Serious
Health Secretary Takes It Seriously
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Disabled individuals fear cuts to their benefits due to the rhetoric of 'tough choices'. They have experienced such consequences in the past, leading to an increase in the financial burden on vulnerable populations.
Disabled people in my constituency are frightened because they are again hearing politicians use the language of “tough choices”. They know from bitter experience that when politicians talk about tough choices, it means the easy option of making the poor and vulnerable pay. Instead of cutting benefits for disabled people, would not the moral thing—the courageous thing—to do be to make a real tough choice, and introduce a wealth tax on the very wealthiest people in our society?
We have raised money through various means, such as the energy profits levy, taxing non-doms and air passenger duty on private jets. However, this is not a bottomless pit and we must kick-start growth to secure economic stability.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not address introducing a wealth tax or specifically addressing benefits for disabled people.
The Conservative Party Left A Broken Welfare System
Economic Imperatives
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
In North Cotswolds, there is a proposal for thousands of houses but without the necessary infrastructure upgrades, such as £250 million for upgrading junction 12 of the M5.
Most people would accept that we need more housing in this country, yet so often it is not accompanied by the necessary infrastructure. In my constituency, thousands of houses are proposed, yet without £250 million to upgrade junction 12 of the M5, the inspector is likely to rule our plan unsound. Will the Prime Minister use his upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill to see how developer and landowner contributions can more effectively build this vital infrastructure, which would benefit communities up and down the country?
We have introduced an infrastructure Bill which will get Britain building, so that we can deliver on 1.5 million new homes through our plan for change. The relevant Minister is available to meet with him to discuss the issue further.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not directly address using the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to effectively build necessary infrastructure.
The Conservative Party Failed
A Meeting Will Be Arranged
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Local residents are concerned about the lack of access to essential services, such as roads, GP surgeries, and dentists, for those living in newly constructed homes.
May I commend this Labour Government’s landmark reforms to get Britain building through our plan for change? I look forward to working with Ministers to ensure that developers deliver what they promise to local residents so that those in new homes have access to roads, GP surgeries and dentists, and do not create an extra burden for hospitals such as the William Harvey hospital in my Ashford constituency. What is the Prime Minister’s message to the blockers who are standing in the way of our building the homes and vital infrastructure that our country needs?
Only last month, the Leader of the Opposition wrote in her newsletter that she will keep working with Conservative colleagues to block a vital energy infrastructure project. She is not alone; other shadow ministers are also at it and they should stop blocking development.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not provide any specific actions against those obstructing developments.
The Conservatives Have Been Standing In The Way
Blaming Opposition For Obstruction
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
Special constables, who play a vital role in community safety, do not have the right to take unpaid leave for their duties.
The Employment Rights Bill will grant union equality representatives the right to paid time off work. Will the Prime Minister grant special constables the right to take unpaid leave to perform their duties?
We support existing schemes such as the employer-supported policing scheme. The number of special constables dropped under the last Government and we will ensure our special constables are supported.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not confirm or deny granting special constables the right to take unpaid leave for their duties.
Supporting Schemes Already In Place
Blaming Previous Government
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The James Cook University hospital has only 18 rehabilitation beds to serve a population of some 1.4 million people, whereas the guidelines suggest they need 80 beds.
I recently visited Middlesbrough’s James Cook university hospital and learned of the brilliant work in the neurosciences department for the survivors of stroke, brain and spinal injuries, and many other conditions. It has only 18 rehabilitation beds to serve a population of some 1.4 million people, whereas the guidelines say it needs 80 beds, meaning that patients in the Tees valley do not get the rehabilitation they need. Will the Government remedy the position by ensuring that resources are allocated for meeting the ambition of developing a world-class neuro-rehabilitation centre serving the Tees valley and beyond?
We are investing £350,000 in research on interventions that support people with functional neurological disorders and have invested £25 billion to cut waiting lists. I will make sure he gets a meeting with the Minister for further discussion.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not explicitly state resources would be allocated towards increasing rehabilitation beds.
Current Investments
Arranging A Meeting
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Mr and Mrs Adrian Fenton discovered an illegal immigrant concealed in their motorhome upon returning from France. They reported the matter to police but were fined £1,500 by Border Force.
Will the Prime Minister look at the case of my constituents Mr and Mrs Adrian Fenton who returned home from visiting France in their motorhome to discover an illegal immigrant concealed in the bike rack? They reported the matter immediately to the police, only to receive a fine of £1,500 from Border Force. Does he agree that my constituents ought to be thanked rather than punished and does he accept that this action will deter anybody from acting responsibly in the future?
I am concerned about the case. I do think it is important that the Home Office looks into it, and we will ensure he is updated in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
No clear commitment to investigate the appropriateness of fines given for reporting illegal immigrants was provided.
Concern Expressed
Will Look Into Case
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
Veterans in Sefton have stated that the statistics only partly measure the price paid by servicemen and women, including unquantified incidents of broken marriages, suicides, alcoholism, depression, and homelessness among veterans.
Statistics can only partly measure the price paid by…servicemen and women. Incidences of broken marriages, suicides, alcoholism, deep depression, and homelessness among veterans remain largely unquantified. Given that, will my right hon. Friend restate Labour’s commitment to providing our veterans with the holistic support they need and deserve?
We owe an extraordinary debt to our veterans. We are committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who have served, and that includes the guarantees of homes for heroes for those who have served, dedicated mental and physical healthcare pathways in the NHS and dedicated support to help those leaving service using their skills to find new and fulfilling careers.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
South Dorset has green investment opportunities such as Portwind, Morwind and a hydrogen storage hub coming down the track. There are many untapped opportunities on the doorstep after 14 years of Conservative failure.
South Dorset is ready to play its part in making Britain a clean energy superpower, but after 14 years of Conservative failure, there are many untapped opportunities on our doorstep. Green investment opportunities such as Portwind, Morwind and a hydrogen storage hub are all coming down the track, so can the Prime Minister reassure my constituents that the Government will work with the Crown court on these projects, invest in key infrastructure and ensure that South Dorset’s green energy potential is hardwired into our plan for change?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about making Britain a clean energy superpower. We are committing £2.3 billion to support hydrogen projects, and I recognise the huge potential of South Dorset to become home to a storage hub. We are ensuring that public and private investment work together, which is exactly what the Crown Estate Act 2025 does, unlocking significant investment, boosting offshore wind and kickstarting economic growth.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q17
Direct Answer
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Context
Tomorrow marks the 29th anniversary of the Dunblane school massacre. Constituents have raised concerns about ads for handguns appearing on platforms like Google and YouTube.
Does the Prime Minister agree that technology companies have an obligation to proactively prevent illegal firearm advertisements from appearing on their platforms, rather than relying on reactive measures?
The thoughts of the whole House are with the victims of the Dunblane massacre, 29 years after the tragic event. The Online Safety Act 2023 will require online services to proactively remove such content from their platforms and prevent it appearing there in the first place. Those duties fully take effect from Monday and then we will ensure that all companies meet their obligations.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy