PMQs 2025-06-18

2025-06-18

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
Concern about the escalating tension between Israel and Iran.
Given the strong consensus across this House on the importance of de-escalation of the deeply worrying conflict between Israel and Iran, does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that this House’s actions must match its words? Will she therefore give a commitment that before any further military support is given to the Israeli Government, whether it be the deployment of RAF jets or armed forces, her Government will first give MPs in this House a free vote on the matter?
The situation in the middle east is fast-moving and deeply concerning, and there is clear potential for a significant and rapid worsening of the situation. In every step we take, we will always be guided by the safety of British nationals and the UK national interest. That is why we have deployed jets to the region, so that contingency support is in place for our armed forces personnel, and it is why we are asking British nationals to register their presence. We will keep all advice under review.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment for a free vote on further military support for Israel was not provided.
We Are Guided By The Safety Of British Nationals And The Uk National Interest We Will Keep All Advice Under Review
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Q2 Partial Answer
Olivia Bailey Lab
Reading West and Mid Berkshire
Context
Concern about lack of affordable homes for constituents.
Too many of my constituents are stuck in unsuitable housing, and after 14 years of inaction from the Conservatives, local families are being split up because there are not enough affordable homes. I welcome this Government’s plans to turbocharge the delivery of social and affordable housing, including through the new national housing bank. I ask the Deputy Prime Minister to confirm that this Government will finally give my constituents the security that they deserve.
My hon. Friend is right to talk about the 14 years of failure by the Conservatives. Labour is turning the tide on the housing crisis, and I am proud to announce today our commitment to establishing a new publicly owned national housing bank, backed by £16 billion of new finance. This includes £2.5 billion in low-interest loans for social housing, to help achieve the biggest uplift to social and affordable housing in a generation.
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Q3 Partial Answer
Chris Philp Con
Croydon South
Context
Survivors of the rape gang scandal demanding independent and comprehensive inquiries.
Yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition and I met survivors of the rape gang scandal and their family members. Fiona, Teresa, Lucia and Marlon told us how authorities deliberately covered up the systematic rape of young girls, and some boys, by gangs of predominantly Pakistani-heritage men. They covered it up because they cared more about so-called community relations than protecting vulnerable girls. That is disgusting. The survivors told us that they will only have confidence in an inquiry if it is independently led, has full statutory powers, and covers all 50 towns affected, including Bradford. They will also only have confidence in it if those who covered this up are prosecuted, foreign perpetrators are all deported, survivors are closely involved, and it is set up before the summer recess. Can the Deputy Prime Minister give the survivors and their families those assurances?
First, I thank the shadow Home Secretary for his tone, and for putting the survivors and victims at the heart of his question. It is absolutely right that we all look at what has happened over the last couple of decades, and at the countless reports that we have had, and look to implement them. He is right to talk about the confidence that people must have in the independent inquiry. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary spoke about that earlier this week in relation to Baroness Casey’s report, which we will take forward at speed. The inquiry will be independent, and it will have statutory powers. We will also implement the Jay report, which he will have known about, as the Minister in charge at the time. We will get on with taking action.
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Q4 Partial Answer
Chris Philp Con
Croydon South
Context
Prime Minister's comments about campaigning against rape gang scandal.
It is vital that scandals like this are never again covered up because of the racial background of perpetrators. Baroness Casey’s report said, to use her words, that people who downplay the ethnic dimension are letting victims down, so I have to raise the matter of the language that the Prime Minister used in January, when I am afraid to say he smeared campaigners as jumping on a “far-right bandwagon” simply for calling for the very inquiry that he has now been forced to set up. Standing up for rape victims is not far-right. Will the Deputy Prime Minister apologise for what the Prime Minister said?
The Prime Minister did not just raise issues; he has acted on them. He brought the first prosecutions against grooming gangs, and called for action to address ethnicity issues in 2012. The right hon. Member will know that the data that the previous Government collected was inaccurate and not complete. Baroness Casey recognised this, and it is the subject of one of the recommendations that we will take forward. The Prime Minister made those comments specifically about Tory Ministers who sat for years in Government and did absolutely nothing about this scandal.
Assessment & feedback
Apology from Deputy Prime Minister for Prime Minister's comments was not provided.
The Prime Minister Has Acted On The Issues Previous Government Data Inaccuracies
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Q5 Partial Answer
Chris Philp Con
Croydon South
Context
Criticism of Home Secretary's decision to scrap Rwanda asylum deal.
Smearing campaigners who stand up for rape victims as being “far-right” is completely unacceptable, and the Prime Minister should never have said that. I commend his predecessor, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond and Northallerton (Rishi Sunak), for the grooming gangs taskforce that he set up, which led to 550 arrests in its first year. Baroness Casey’s report also said that a significant number of rape gang perpetrators were non-UK nationals or asylum seekers, many of whom entered the country illegally. We also know that most illegal immigrants crossing the channel are young men, contrary to what the Chief Secretary to the Treasury said last week. Does the Deputy Prime Minister now accept that the small boats crisis is one of public safety, as well as a border crisis?
This is a very serious issue, and more needs to be done. Let me update the House. Working with our allies, we have carried out a series of major arrests to tackle the smuggling gangs behind this vile trade. In the past month, a ringleader who has smuggled almost 4,000 migrants has been jailed for 25 years. We can go further thanks to the law-enforcement agreements we have struck with Germany, Italy, Serbia and the Balkan states.
Assessment & feedback
Acceptance from Deputy Prime Minister that small boats crisis is related to public safety was not provided.
Series Of Major Arrests Law-Enforcement Agreements
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Q6 Partial Answer
Chris Philp Con
Croydon South
Context
Criticism of government's failure in dealing with small boats crisis.
If she wants to find out who has lost control of our borders, I suggest that she looks to her immediate right, because ever since the Home Secretary scrapped the Rwanda deterrent before it even started, illegal immigration across the channel has gone up by 30%. So far, 2025 has been the worst year in history for illegal immigrants crossing the channel. That is on her watch; that is down to her Government. The Prime Minister is planning crisis talks with President Macron, and is finally admitting that the situation is, in his words, “deteriorating”. The Government’s laughable plan to smash the gangs lies in tatters. Will the Deputy Prime Minister at last accept that we need a removals deterrent, so that every single illegal immigrant who arrives on these shores is immediately removed? Will she commit to that—yes or no?
This is a very serious issue, and more needs to be done. Let me update the House. Working with our allies, we have carried out a series of major arrests to tackle the smuggling gangs behind this vile trade. In the past month, a ringleader who has smuggled almost 4,000 migrants has been jailed for 25 years. We can go further thanks to the law-enforcement agreements we have struck with Germany, Italy, Serbia and the Balkan states.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment from Deputy Prime Minister for immediate removal of illegal immigrants was not provided.
Series Of Major Arrests Law-Enforcement Agreements
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Q7 Partial Answer
Chris Philp Con
Hamble Valley
Context
Referring to the increase in illegal immigrants crossing the Channel, Chris Philp questioned the effectiveness of the government's policies on this issue.
The number of people crossing the channel is at a record high. The Home Office’s suppliers are actively offering above-market deals to landlords for properties used by illegal immigrants. Why do this Government prioritise housing for illegal immigrants above housing for our young people?
Under the previous government's watch, immigration increased fourfold until it reached almost a million in a single year. They also created the backlog of 400 hotels which we reduced to just over 200 in our first 12 months in government. One million pounds a day was spent on the wall during their incompetent tenure.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific housing prioritisation for illegal immigrants compared to British citizens.
Changed Subject To Previous Government'S Failures
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Q8 Partial Answer
Chris Philp Con
Hamble Valley
Context
Chris Philp mentioned a case where a Zimbabwean paedophile was allowed to stay in the UK due to potential hostility in Zimbabwe, questioning the government's stance on human rights.
A Zimbabwean paedophile due for deportation was recently allowed to stay in the UK because of possible 'hostility' back in Zimbabwe. What about the rights of children here to be protected from this dangerous paedophile? Why do the Government side with foreign criminals and not the British public?
Under our government, we have deported 4,500 foreign national offenders since coming to office, which is more than they did over the same period. I will take no lectures from someone who was unable to do anything when in office.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific question about rights of British children vs foreign criminals.
Accused Opposition Of Incompetence
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Q9 Partial Answer
Anneliese Midgley Lab
Knowsley
Context
Eight years after the Grenfell tragedy, Anneliese Midgley asked about the government's commitment to bring forward legislation for victims of state cover-ups.
Last Saturday marked eight years since Grenfell—eight years fighting for justice. Can the Deputy Prime Minister confirm whether this Labour Government will bring forward the Hillsborough law without delay? Will they honour promises made to victims and deliver justice?
We remain fully committed to bringing in a Hillsborough law. Measures will be brought forward as soon as we are confident they will deliver justice that victims deserve.
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Q10 Partial Answer
Daisy Cooper Lib Dem
St Albans
Context
In light of potential US military action against Iran, Daisy Cooper asked about the government’s response to a possible war scenario.
President Trump is seriously considering joining the war between Israel and Iran. Can the Deputy Prime Minister confirm that if President Trump does take such action, today’s Labour Government will not blindly follow the US into war again?
Labour agrees with President Trump that Iran must never have nuclear weapons but we support a diplomatic approach and continue to urge Iran to engage in the diplomatic process.
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Q11 Partial Answer
Daisy Cooper Lib Dem
St Albans
Context
Liberal Democrat analysis suggests that 1.3 million disabled people are at risk of losing some support due to government plans.
The Government are set to unveil their plans to cut personal independence payments and carer’s allowance. Can the Deputy Prime Minister honestly say, hand on heart, that this is the change promised to 1 million disabled people and their carers?
Labour believes in the welfare state but aims to support those who can work into employment. Those who cannot will be protected, reflecting Labour’s commitment to fairness and social justice.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address honesty of government's stance towards cuts directly.
Referred To Principles Of Supporting Disabled People
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Q12 Partial Answer
Sarah Champion Lab
Rotherham
Context
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority denies compensation to victims and survivors of grooming gangs and children affected by online abuse on technicalities, which the MP considers a grave injustice.
I welcome the Government’s announcement on grooming gangs. I am sorry for stumbling; I have been floored by the point scoring going on around them—on all sides. Victims and survivors of grooming gangs are being denied compensation by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority on bizarre technicalities, as are all children who have been victims of online abuse. For me, that is a grave injustice. The authority thinks it is better than a judge and jury. What does the Deputy Prime Minister plan to do?
We share her determination to do what is right for the victims and the survivors. We recognise that no sum of money can ever fully compensate for the horrors they have experienced. We are committed to funding efforts to tackle child sexual abuse in the future and support survivors to rebuild their lives—that is why we will make it easier for victims to make personal injury claims through the civil courts by removing the three-year time limit—and we are redoubling funding for therapeutic support services.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific compensation issues or plans directly, instead mentioned broader support measures
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Q13 Evasion / No Answer
Nick Timothy Con
West Suffolk
Context
The number of migrants crossing the channel has increased by more than 30% under this Government, while the Home Secretary claims success will be judged by a reduction in these crossings.
The Home Secretary says that we should judge her success in smashing the gangs by whether the number of channel crossings falls, but under this Government the numbers are up by more than 30%. By which date should we judge the Home Secretary, and if she fails, will she be fired?
We are getting on with the job, working internationally to disrupt the abhorrent work of these smugglers and gangs, while the hon. Member harps on from the sidelines. He should apologise for their record in government, which was abysmal.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific dates or consequences related to reducing illegal immigration.
Harped Back At The Questioner Refused To Engage With The Substance Of The Question
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Q14 Partial Answer
Jodie Gosling Lab
Nuneaton
Context
Warwickshire county council will remove one of Nuneaton’s two fire engines on July 1st, based on data that does not account for local factors such as high deprivation. The decision could put lives at risk.
On 1 July, Warwickshire county council will permanently remove one of Nuneaton’s two fire engines. Its decision, based on dubious data that does not account for local factors such as high deprivation, does not accurately represent the current risk to residents. The cuts will put lives in Nuneaton in danger. Will the Deputy Prime Minister please look into this matter to confirm that there has been sufficient scrutiny and a thorough risk analysis to ensure safety for the good residents of Nuneaton?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue, and I know that the fire Minister—the Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham North and Kimberley (Alex Norris)—will be happy to discuss it further. The deployment of fire engines is decided locally.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly commit to an investigation or thorough risk analysis but referred the matter to a local authority.
Referral To Local Decision-Making
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Q15 Direct Answer
Edward Leigh Con
Gainsborough
Context
The question addresses concerns about Israeli settlements and their impact on peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
The Government quite rightly give full and unequivocal support to Israel in its bid to end the scourge of Iran’s nuclear weapons programme forever. Will they also work with our allies to try and convince the Israeli Government that it is not in the long-term security interests of Israel to carry on with this policy of illegal settlements in the west bank, which is simply leading to radicalisation and desperation throughout the region? Have not the overwhelming majority of Palestinian people the right to yearn for peace and security in their own homeland, as the Jews yearned for their homeland for 2,000 years?
I thank the Father of the House for his important question. Settler violence and expansion in the west bank is appalling and completely unacceptable. Alongside our allies, we have sanctioned individuals responsible for inciting this extremist action, but a two-state solution is the only way to bring the peace that the Israelis and the Palestinians deserve. That is only achievable if the hostages are released, aid is surged into Gaza and the ceasefire is restored. We will do everything we can to make that happen.
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Q16 Direct Answer
Chris Kane Lab
Stirling and Strathallan
Context
The question addresses the issue of homelessness among children in Scotland, with over 10,000 affected. It also criticizes the Scottish National Party's governance.
In Scotland, over 10,000 children are stuck in temporary accommodation, including many in my constituency. Too many families face soaring rents, long waiting lists and dwindling options. It is just one of so many policy failings—we are all losing count and losing patience—as public confidence in the SNP’s ability to govern collapses. What advice does the Deputy Prime Minister have for the SNP Government as they continue to preside over a chronic failure to invest in the social and affordable housing that Scotland desperately needs?
My hon. Friend is right. Homelessness levels are far too high, which have a devastating impact on those affected. Under the SNP, 10,000 children in Scotland—a record high—shamefully have no fixed home to call their own. Our decisions have given Scotland a record settlement—the largest since devolution. We saw in Hamilton how Scots are fed up with the SNP’s excuses. The SNP has been in power for nearly two decades and has nowhere left to hide from its failure.
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Q17 Direct Answer
Context
The question acknowledges government support for various development projects in Peterborough, including a new sports quarter and station redevelopment.
In the spending review last week, the Government backed Peterborough with support for our new pool and a sports quarter in the city. That commitment has the power to turn years of campaigning into a reality, but that is not all: the Government have also recently approved the business case for our new station and have given us new police. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that this is just the start and that places like Peterborough that were forgotten for too long by the Conservatives are now at the top of this Labour Government’s agenda?
I thank my hon. Friend for his comments. I am flanked by the two ladies—the Chancellor and the Home Secretary—who have ensured that those things happen. The Chancellor has guaranteed funding to accelerate projects like Peterborough’s new sports quarter, which will include a new Olympic-sized swimming pool. I can also confirm today that, subject to the business case approval, we will provide nearly £48 million of funding for a new city centre quarter and a refurbished eastern station building.
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Q18 Direct Answer
Paul Holmes Con
Hamble Valley
Context
The question discusses a case where a repeat offender was given a suspended sentence after burglarizing a small family business.
A small family business in my constituency was recently burgled by a prolific offender serving an eight-month suspended sentence. The man was caught, arrested, charged and appeared in court, where he was given another eight-month suspended sentence and was released. The business was offered £200 in compensation. Does the Deputy Prime Minister think that that is justice served, or is this Government now soft on crime and soft on the causes of crime?
First of all, I am sorry to hear about that. Hard-working businesspeople who spend a lot of their time building up a business should expect the full force of the law to protect their property and their interests. Also, while I have the opportunity, can I congratulate the hon. Member on running Hamble Valley’s very first pub competition this year? I hope that I will get an invite. He is absolutely right that we have to have increased police numbers and ensure that they are responsive to people’s concerns. We are doing that; his Government let people down.
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Q19 Partial Answer
Adam Thompson Lab
Erewash
Context
The MP, a trained physics teacher and former engineering lecturer, highlights the importance of maths skills improvement for adults. He cites an example of a 61-year-old man who miscalculated government spending.
As a trained physics teacher and a former engineering lecturer, may I ask what this Government are doing to help people improve their maths skills after they have left school? A 61-year-old man believed he had counted up £7 billion of Government spending, when there was really only £27 million. What can we do for people like the leader of Reform UK, the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage), who evidently cannot add up?
My hon. Friend highlights an important fact: Reform’s sums simply do not add up. He will be pleased to know that we are investing £136 million in skills bootcamps, and I will be sure to send the details to the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage).
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask about measures to improve maths skills for adults.
Sent The Details To The Hon. Member For Clacton
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