Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
In the 1990s, Conservatives claimed that introducing a minimum wage would cost one million jobs. Instead, low earners have seen significant pay rises each year without an adverse effect on employment.
Back in the 1990s, the Conservatives claimed that the minimum wage would cost 1 million jobs. Instead, low earners have seen the fastest pay rises year after year, with no effect on employment—[Interruption.] They opposed it. Today, and on their watch, 1 million workers are on zero-hours contracts and more than 1 million people have no sick pay whatsoever, facing risks that nobody in this House would bear.
Economic growth is our No. 1 mission, and that is why we forged a new, positive relationship with business, but too many people are insecure at work, and that holds them back and holds our economy back.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific claims about the impact of minimum wage policies were not addressed directly.
Economic Growth Is Our No. 1 Mission
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Labour MPs voted to remove winter fuel payments for over 10 million pensioners, including those with an income of £13,000.
Yesterday, Labour MPs voted to remove the winter fuel payment from more than 10 million British pensioners, including those with just £13,000 of income. With that decision debated and made, it is now important that the House understands the full consequences of the Government's choice. May I specifically ask the Prime Minister this: will he now publish the impact assessment before the House rises?
The fact of the matter is this: the Conservatives left a £22 billion black hole, and they hid it from the Office for Budget Responsibility. Richard Hughes is absolutely clear that it is the “largest year-ahead” overspend outside the pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about publishing an impact assessment was not addressed.
Conservatives Left A £22 Billion Black Hole
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Labour MPs voted to remove the winter fuel payment, which could result in 3,850 deaths according to Labour's analysis.
They are shouting now, but those arguments did not even convince 50 of the Prime Minister's own MPs, who suddenly found yesterday that they had urgent business elsewhere. We know why the Prime Minister is hiding the impact assessment: the Labour party's own previous analysis claimed that this policy could cause 3,850 deaths. Are the numbers in his impact assessment higher or lower than that?
We are taking this decision to stabilise the economy. That means that we can commit to the triple lock. By committing to the triple lock, we can make sure that payments of state pension are higher, and therefore there is more money in the pockets of pensioners, notwithstanding the tough action that we need to take.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about impact assessment numbers was not addressed.
Stabilising The Economy
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Labour MPs voted to remove winter fuel payments, causing concern among pensioners.
Pensioners watching today will have seen that the Prime Minister has repeatedly refused to admit or to publish the consequences of his decision. We will continue holding him to account for that.
Food security is really important; I am glad that the right hon. Gentleman raised that. We have talked to the NFU about it. Rural issues are really important—that is what we fought the election on and why we have a lot of rural constituency Members sitting behind me now.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about holding the government accountable was not addressed.
Food Security Is Really Important
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Today is Back British Farming Day, highlighting the importance of British farmers for food quality, welfare standards, environmental standards, and national security.
Changing topics, today is Back British Farming Day, when we recognise that British farmers produce food that is of higher quality and has higher welfare standards and higher environmental standards than imported food. At a time of increasing global volatility, it is also crucial for our food security and national security. Will the Prime Minister therefore confirm whether he will be adopting the National Farmers Union's recent proposal to enshrine a national food security target in law?
Rural communities were neglected under the last Government. Confidence was at an all-time low, and thousands of food and farming businesses are being forced out of business. Of course, we will work with them and get the balance right but, again, we are picking up and clearing up the mess, and rebuilding our country.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about adopting a national food security target was not addressed.
Rural Communities Were Neglected
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Developers grade the quality of farmland themselves, leading to concerns about land use for food production.
I am not sure I heard a specific answer, but farmers also do great work to preserve the beauty of the British countryside—something I am sure the Prime Minister will appreciate, given his new-found preference for landscapes over political portraiture. When it comes to land use, protections are currently in place to ensure that the most productive farmland is used for food production rather than alternatives like solar. Does he agree that it is not appropriate or right that developers with a vested interest grade the quality of that farmland themselves? Will he look at making that process independent?
Rural communities were neglected under the last Government. Confidence was at an all-time low, and thousands of food and farming businesses are being forced out of business. Of course, we will work with them and get the balance right but, again, we are picking up and clearing up the mess, and rebuilding our country.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about land use grading was not addressed.
Rural Communities Were Neglected
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour Government in Wales has implemented eco-targets that have been assessed to lead to thousands of job losses, less food security, and damage rural incomes. Farmers describe these policies as bleak.
Why has the government's programme failed to recognise the impact on organisations across Bristol South? Will the Prime Minister reassure English farmers that he will not threaten their livelihoods, and will he rule out imposing those same top-down targets here?
We will work with farmers across the whole of the United Kingdom, as we have made clear. While the Opposition try to rewrite history, we are getting on with building a better country for the future.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address specific concerns about top-down targets threatening livelihoods in England
Changing Subject
Criticising Opposition
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Housing in Portsmouth is in dire straits, with concerns around population density, infrastructure, and the environment. The Government are working on delivering affordable housing.
I am sure the whole House will join me in paying our respects to Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon, who tragically passed away last week. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and with the HMS Queen Elizabeth crew during this very difficult time. Housing in Portsmouth is in dire straits, but local residents have concerns around population density, infrastructure, and the environment. Will the Prime Minister ensure that the infrastructure is properly considered, and that communities are involved in the planning process for any new developments?
Let me start by saying that I am sure that the whole House will join me in sending condolences to the family of Lieutenant Leyshon. The Government will deliver the biggest social and affordable housing uplift in a generation, aiming for 1.5 million houses.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address specific concerns about infrastructure and community involvement
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
In the last year of the last Government, over 100,000 patients waited more than two months just to start their urgent cancer treatment—the worst on record.
When it comes to fighting cancer, we know all too well that every day counts. In the last year of the last Government, over 100,000 patients waited more than two months just to start their urgent cancer treatment—the worst on record. Will the Prime Minister help boost cancer survival rates by guaranteeing that every patient can start their cancer treatment within 62 days?
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question on a really important issue. A report by Lord Darzi will be out tomorrow, which will set out in stark terms the failure in cancer treatment under the last Government. We are taking steps straight away to ensure that we comply with this timeline because lives depend on it.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not provide a specific commitment about 62-day guarantee
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The Liberal Democrats voted against withdrawing winter fuel payments. The Conservative Government prioritised tax cuts for the big banks, costing £4 billion a year.
Last night, Liberal Democrats voted against withdrawing winter fuel payments. We believe it is just wrong to balance the books by removing this support from pensioners. Will the Prime Minister instead reverse those cuts so we can afford to support millions of struggling pensioners through this very hard winter?
I will resist the temptation to get ahead of the Budget. What is important is that we recognise there is a £22 billion black hole left by the previous Government. We are taking tough decisions because I am absolutely convinced that this is the only way we can start rebuilding our country.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address reversing tax cuts for banks or support pensioners through winter
Resisting Getting Ahead Of Budget
General Statement
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Q11
Direct Answer
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Context
The constituency experienced a tragic summer with the loss of three lives in an attack. The Prime Minister and Home Secretary visited to find ways to support the community.
My Southport constituency has experienced a difficult summer. First, I want to reiterate that our thoughts are with the families of Alice, Bebe and Elsie, who tragically lost their lives in the attack in July. May I ask the Prime Minister to take this opportunity to recommit to the Government's support for our town, for those grieving and affected by the tragic attack?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. We stand with those who tragically lost their loved ones in this heinous attack and will work tirelessly to support constituents grieving or affected.
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Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the release of serious criminals to make room for rioters and those expressing opinions on social media, reflecting a perceived two-tier justice system.
Yesterday saw celebratory scenes outside prisons as serious criminals were released. This is to make way for others including rioters and those who have said unpleasant things online. Is the Prime Minister aware of growing public anger about two-tier policing and justice?
I am angry to be put in the position of releasing people who should remain imprisoned due to previous government failures. The last PM was repeatedly warned about his release scheme's dangers, including increased risks for detaining suspects.
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Assessment & feedback
Public sentiment and two-tier justice system
Delaying And Increasing Risks
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
Welcoming the government's action to bring railways under public control, concern about delivering improvements for Luton station.
I welcome the Government's swift action on railway public ownership. Great British Railways will reform and serve both passengers and freight effectively. How does Labour plan to improve rail infrastructure at Luton station?
We introduced a Bill to reform railways after 14 years of chaos, uniting track and train under one leadership. For Luton and Leagrave stations in her constituency, we are considering the best approach but commit to ensuring rail service for everyone.
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Assessment & feedback
Best approach for improvements at Luton station
Carefully Considering The Best Approach
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Q14
Partial Answer
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Previous government underspent £100 million in the farming budget. Concern about plans to remove this funding.
Today is Back British Farming Day, with previous Government underspending £100 million in farming budget. Will the Prime Minister deny removing this permanently? Farmers want increased budget and environmental support.
Our rural communities were neglected by previous Government. We will protect farmers, make supply chain fairer, prevent bill rises by switching to GB Energy. No pre-empting Budget but support will be in place.
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Assessment & feedback
Removing £100 million from the farming budget permanently
Protect Farmers
Carefully Considering
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
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Context
Leaseholders battling management agents for service fees and maintenance. Constituents want leasehold reforms.
Constituents battle management agents over rip-off fees and maintenance issues. Will the Prime Minister commit to reforming the outdated leasehold system?
We will reiterate commitment to act on bringing the feudal leasehold system to an end, ensuring leaseholders benefit from more rights and protections over their homes.
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Q16
Partial Answer
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International law prohibits dropping bombs on densely populated areas. Israel uses F-35s for this. Why not suspend arms licences?
Dropping 2,000 lb bombs on civilian areas is illegal. Israel has used F-35s to do so. Why did the Government choose not to suspend arms licences?
We comply with international law and have set out our reasoning. Now we must get a ceasefire in place to ensure hostages are freed, aid goes in, and the process towards a two-state solution starts.
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Assessment & feedback
Suspended arms licences for F-35 components
Complying With International Law
Response accuracy
Q17
Direct Answer
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Fife's defence heritage continues in Rosyth dockyard building Type 31 frigates. Local supply chain is important.
Fife has a proud defence heritage, including the dockyard at Rosyth constructing Type 31 frigates. Will the Prime Minister ensure SDSR team visits such areas to engage with local supply chains?
I thank my hon. Friend for championing his constituency, including Rosyth dockyard work. The SDSR will consult widely, including devolved nations, recognising the strategic importance of constituencies like his.
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Q18
Partial Answer
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The Conservative Government previously committed to rebuilding Whipps Cross and Princess Alexandra hospitals in Harlow.
The previous Conservative Government committed themselves to rebuilding Whipps Cross hospital and Princess Alexandra hospital in Harlow, and to the establishment of a new community. What is being done now?
The hon. Gentleman is right to champion the hospitals in his constituency. The problem with what the last Government promised was this: they promised 40 new hospitals, but there were not 40, they were not new, and many of them were not hospitals. We need to review what we can do and put it on a sustainable, deliverable basis.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm or deny the specific commitments or actions regarding the two hospitals mentioned.
Response accuracy
Q19
Direct Answer
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Context
Cheryl Korbel is campaigning for Olivia's law, which would compel convicted criminals to attend court to face the judge and receive their sentence.
Last week, I met my constituent Cheryl Korbel, the mother of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, the nine-year-old who was tragically murdered in 2022. Cheryl is campaigning for Olivia's law, which would compel convicted criminals to attend court to face the judge and receive their sentence. Will my right hon. and learned Friend commit himself to supporting Olivia's law, and will he meet Cheryl to discuss how we can move this forward without delay?
In the King's Speech, we confirmed that we intended to introduce legislation in this Session so that courts would have the power to order the most serious offenders to attend their sentencing hearings. This is really important, and I know that that is felt across the House, because to deprive victims and their families of seeing the sentencing exercise is to deprive them of justice. I will meet Cheryl; indeed, I have already met Cheryl, and I gave her a commitment last August that we would do this.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q20
Partial Answer
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The Prime Minister made a decision regarding the winter fuel payment for pensioners earning £11,350 this year.
If the Prime Minister were a pensioner earning £11,350 this year and receiving no winter fuel payment, what would he prioritise this Christmas—heating or eating?
We have to be clear about why this decision is being made: there is a £22 billion black hole. The last Government would walk past these tough decisions and pretend they were not there—they would kick them into the long grass—but we are not prepared to do that. Because we are taking tough decisions, we can commit ourselves to the triple lock, and that means that the state pension will increase by more than any loss of the winter fuel payment.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the question about prioritising heating or eating.
Response accuracy
Q21
Direct Answer
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Annabel is a five-year-old patient with high-risk neuroblastoma who urgently needs the drug DFMO, which is not yet available in the UK.
Annabel is five years old and lives in my constituency. She has high-risk neuroblastoma. Annabel has endured 15 months of chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy, stem cell harvest, proton therapy, immunotherapy, hair loss and nasal feeding. Now she urgently needs the drug DFMO, which is not yet available in the UK. It must be administered within 90 days of the end of immunotherapy; 91 days is too late. Will the Prime Minister please meet Annabel's parents to discuss the lifesaving care that she needs?
I pay tribute to Annabel for her incredible bravery. I understand how important it is that cancer patients are able to benefit from rapid access to effective new treatments. The manufacturers of this drug have applied for a UK licence through Project Orbis, which allows the rapid review and approval of new cancer treatments. We will ensure that that process is completed as quickly as possible, and I will also ensure that the Health Minister sets up the meeting that my hon. Friend has asked for.
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Q22
Partial Answer
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The decision to scrap winter fuel payments was taken by the government.
I thought that socialism was about taxing those with the broadest shoulders in order to help the most vulnerable, but it appears that Starmer socialism involves scaring those with the broadest shoulders out of the country while taking away the winter fuel allowance for frail 90-year-olds living in draughty homes. Will the Prime Minister apologise to my shivering constituents for his personal choice, and will he reverse this chilling decision?
My choice is to stabilise the economy after 14 years of failure, and I will tell the House why: when a Government lose control of the economy, it is working people who pay the price. I will not let that happen under a Labour Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address apologizing or reversing the decision on winter fuel payments.
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
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More than half of people with pancreatic cancer die within three months of diagnosis, and only seven in ten receive any form of treatment.
More than half of people with pancreatic cancer die within three months of diagnosis, and seven in 10 never even receive treatment. Every two minutes in the UK, someone is diagnosed with cancer, but for those diagnosed with the least survivable cancer, time has too often already run out. I am really proud of the Labour Government's commitment to our NHS, but will the Prime Minister now commit to reviewing the long-term cancer strategy so that we can improve diagnosis and treatment rates in this country?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue; it is the second time it has been raised in this session. I will have a lot more to say tomorrow, when I deal with Lord Darzi's report. I pay tribute to her for her tireless campaigning, particularly in relation to pancreatic cancer.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit directly to reviewing the long-term cancer strategy.
Response accuracy
Q24
Partial Answer
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Labour's decision to scrap winter fuel payments has raised concerns about future benefits for pensioners.
Following Labour's disgraceful political decision to scrap winter fuel payments, with little notice to millions of pensioners, will the Prime Minister today rule out scrapping concessionary travel fares and council tax discounts, which also help millions of pensioners across the UK—yes or no?
As the hon. Gentleman knows very well, I am not going to pre-empt the Budget. It will all be set out in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q25
Direct Answer
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The question references recent riots where police faced challenges, highlighting the gratitude of local mosques to Prime Minister's leadership. The questioner thanks PM for additional security provided for mosques.
May I pass on the heartfelt thanks of the Bolton Council of Mosques, which greatly appreciated the dedication and leadership that the Prime Minister showed during the riots over the summer? Does my right hon. Friend agree on the importance of supporting inter-faith and community groups, which play a vital role in bringing people together?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that. We owe an incredible debt of gratitude to our police for their courage in dealing with the recent disorder, and we took action to ensure they had the resources and powers that they needed to tackle violence and restore order to our streets. We also provided additional security for mosques, ensuring freedom of worship and protection from racist threats.
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Q26
Partial Answer
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The questioner notes Denmark's practice of undergrounding electricity cables since 2008 and highlights the Welsh Labour Government's policy for all new power lines to be placed underground. She questions why the UK government opposes this approach.
Diolch, Llefarydd. Denmark has been undergrounding its electricity cables since 2008, building infrastructure and maintaining responsible stewardship of the countryside. The Welsh Labour Government's policy is for all new power lines to be placed underground where possible. The UK Labour Government favour overhead pylons. Why are the Prime Minister's Government opposing Welsh colleagues in Wales?
We are absolutely committed to the transition to renewable energy, because it gives us energy dependence. It lowers bills and, of course, the next generation of jobs are tied up with it. We have to do it in a cost-effective way, but we will make those decisions in a cost-effective way.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer discusses general commitment to renewable energy without addressing why UK opposes undergrounding cables as preferred by Wales.
Under Review
Cost-Effective
Response accuracy
Q27
Partial Answer
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The questioner mentions the need for a Government who work in partnership with businesses and trade unions to secure a transition that benefits the workforce. She seeks details on how the government plans to safeguard jobs and secure the future of steelmaking communities.
The UK steel industry needs a serious Government who work in partnership with both businesses and trade unions to secure a transition that is right for the workforce and delivers economic growth in Wales. We know that deindustrialisation can be devastating for communities, so can the Prime Minister tell me how the Government are safeguarding jobs and securing the future of steelmaking communities like ours for generations to come?
We are taking every step we can in relation to the steel industry because it is vital that we give it the support that it needs. We need steel in this country. We need steel made in this country, and our plans and our missions mean that we are going to need more steel, not less.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer states general commitment but lacks specific details on how jobs will be safeguarded or future secured.
Vital Support
Plans And Missions
Response accuracy
Q28
Direct Answer
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The question references population growth in Oxfordshire without adequate infrastructure. The MP seeks investment for a new railway station on the Great Western Main Line to reduce traffic and improve access.
Oxfordshire has seen a huge amount of population growth in recent years, without the infrastructure to match. A new railway station on the great western main line between Didcot and Swindon at Grove and Wantage would help to reduce traffic and improve access to both Oxford and London. Does the Prime Minister support investment in our railways, and will he meet me to hear the case for a new railway station at Grove and Wantage?
I thank the hon. Member for raising this issue, which is important for his constituents. We are committed to putting passengers at the heart of our railways. Great British Railways will work closely with regional government mayors, operators and passenger groups to ensure that rail investment meets the needs of communities, and I will ensure that he gets the meeting he wants with the relevant Minister to discuss the issues in his constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy