Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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The West Hertfordshire teaching hospitals NHS trust has made significant achievements in eliminating long wait times and meeting national cancer standards, but operates in crumbling buildings.
I associate myself with the Prime Minister's remarks. West Hertfordshire teaching hospitals NHS trust has eliminated 65-week waits and has now met all three national cancer standards. Those remarkable achievements by the staff are happening despite their working in terrible buildings that are life-expired and crumbling. If the Government are looking for a project that is high-performing and shovel-ready, that is it. Will the Prime Minister give our trust the green light to build a new hospital without further delay?
I thank the hon. Lady for raising that issue, which is of importance to her constituents and beyond. The new hospital programme we inherited was a failure of the previous Government. We are committed to delivering, and we are reviewing to ensure that we can deliver. The Health Secretary will set out further details, but I am very happy for her to have a meeting with the relevant Minister if she wants to follow up on the specifics.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or timeline for delivering the green light to build the hospital was not provided
We Are Committed To Delivering
We Are Reviewing
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Residents in Redhouse Park, Milton Keynes, face soaring management fees and poor service due to the outdated and feudal leasehold system. Previous government promises have not been fulfilled.
Residents in Redhouse Park in my constituency are suffering from soaring management fees and poor service from their fleeceholder management company. Recent BBC reporting has once again demonstrated the consequences of the outdated and feudal leasehold system. All of them are frustrated by the broken promises of the previous Government. Will the Prime Minister reassure them that this Government will introduce legislation as soon as possible to resolve the fleeceholder and leaseholder crisis?
Yes, we will do so. I agree that the last Government totally failed to tackle the unfairness of the leasehold system. We will provide homeowners with more powers, protection and data rights by bringing that legislation forward.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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The Chancellor made a pledge at the CBI conference not to return with more borrowing or taxes, but the Prime Minister is hesitant to repeat it.
At the CBI conference on Monday, the Chancellor said: 'I'm clear…I'm not coming back with more borrowing or more taxes'. I know that telling the truth to the House is important to the Prime Minister, so will he repeat his Chancellor's pledge now?
We set out our position at the Budget that was just set out. We are fixing the foundations. We are dealing with the £22 billion black hole that the Conservatives left. I am not going to write the next five years of Budgets at the Dispatch Box. We said that we would not hit the payslips of working people. We passed the Budget, we invested in the future and we kept that promise.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not confirm or repeat the Chancellor's pledge directly
We Set Out Our Position At The Budget
Not Going To Write The Next Five Years Of Budgets
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Q4
Partial Answer
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The Prime Minister's economic policies have allegedly led to a crash in business confidence as shown by the PMI index.
The Prime Minister is not fixing any foundations; he is making everything worse. The whole House will have heard him refuse to repeat the Chancellor's pledge, a pledge as worthless as the manifesto promises that he is talking about. If he is fixing foundations, why is it that the PMI index shows that business confidence has crashed since the Budget?
We are fixing the foundations. We got record investment into this country. The right hon. Lady talks about tax rises. Two weeks ago, she stood there and said that she wanted all the investment and all the benefits of the Budget, but she did not know how she was going to pay for it. I notice that, having come here criticising the national insurance rises over and over again, on Monday she admitted that she would not reverse the position. Meanwhile, her shadow science Minister was saying energetically that he would do the opposite.
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Assessment & feedback
Business confidence issues were not addressed directly
We Are Fixing Foundations
Record Investment Into This Country
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Q5
Partial Answer
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The Conservative party's leadership is under criticism for not providing clear policy direction.
If the right hon. and learned Gentleman wants to know what Conservatives would do, he should resign and find out. [Hon. Members: “More!”]
On Monday the right hon. Lady said that she would not reverse the increase in national insurance. Yesterday, on their predecessor legacy legislation, the Opposition could not decide what their position was. Today, they have launched a policy commission asking other people to give them some ideas for government.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific clarification of policies or positions given
They Have Launched A Policy Commission
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Q6
Partial Answer
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The Conservative government's recent Budget has allegedly had negative impacts on business confidence, investment decisions, and economic growth.
What a load of nonsense. We had a Budget in March this year, and tractors were not blockading the streets of Whitehall afterwards. Let me give the Prime Minister another example of a real business. Following his Budget, the head of McVitie's said that it was “harder to understand” what the case for investment in the UK was. While the Prime Minister has been “hobnobbing” in Brazil, businesses have been struggling to “digest” his Budget. Is it not the case that the Employment Rights Bill shows that it is not only the “ginger nut” that is causing him problems?
I was attending the G20 summit. I suspect that, on their current trajectory, the Opposition do not know whether they would attend the G20. Perhaps the policy commission will come up with an answer on that one.
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Assessment & feedback
Negative impacts of the Budget were not acknowledged or addressed
I Was Attending The G20 Summit
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Q7
Partial Answer
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The Prime Minister's Budget has allegedly led to job losses, such as at Vauxhall's plant in Luton.
The investment for which the Prime Minister is taking the credit was our work. When I was the Business Secretary, we negotiated those deals that he announced. The bottom line, however, is that in all that he has said, he does not seem to care about the young people who will lose their jobs as a result of his Budget. Perhaps he can show concern for the 1,100 people who found out yesterday that they could lose their jobs at Vauxhall's plant in Luton. While he flies around making unilateral commitments, back at home the real-world effects are businesses closing in Bedfordshire and Basildon. Does he stand by his promise to ban the sale of petrol cars by 2030, even if more jobs will be lost?
I would not normally invite a heckle, but that one was accurate. The question of the position of jobs in Luton is a very serious one—families and workers will be very worried, and we are engaging with them—but I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the electric vehicle mandates that are an issue in this particular case were introduced by the last Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Job losses due to the Budget were acknowledged but not fully addressed
Electric Vehicle Mandates Were Introduced By The Last Government
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Q8
Partial Answer
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The question arises from dissatisfaction with the government's approach to policy changes and its impact on various sectors.
The Prime Minister did not read his briefing about the EV mandate. We changed the date, making it easier for people. The Budget attacked farmers, workers, pensioners, young people, charities, and businesses. Everything is broken, and the Prime Minister is making things worse. Is it a good thing that the Chancellor is an expert on customer complaints?
I think the right hon. Lady has just read out the charge sheet against the last Government. Everything is broken, but the Opposition come here every week with nothing to offer except complaints; no new ideas. They do not know what they are doing from one day to the next. The country is fed up with fantasies and has got rid of them. We will take hard decisions and move forward.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner's specific concerns about policy changes and complaints were not addressed directly, focusing instead on criticizing the opposition.
Attack
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Q9
Partial Answer
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The question arises from Islamophobia Awareness Month, highlighting reports of emboldened and normalized Islamophobia leading to race riots.
As we enter the last week of Islamophobia Awareness Month, this year has been difficult for British Muslims with attacks on mosques and visibly Muslim individuals. Will the Prime Minister condemn those in public office promoting Islamophobia? Will he adopt a definition today and outline concrete steps to eradicate Islamophobia?
My hon. Friend is right; there has been a concerning rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism over recent months. We are committed to tackling all forms of hatred and will work with others on an ongoing basis to ensure this happens.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for adopting a definition was not addressed, focusing instead on commitment without specifics.
Commitment Without Specifics
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Q10
Partial Answer
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The question arises from the case of Christine's father, who was denied end-of-life care due to funding cuts.
I associate myself with the Prime Minister's remarks on Storm Bert and flooding. Christine's father was denied end-of-life care after a few days due to funding cuts; he died in excruciating pain weeks later. Does the PM agree that urgent improvements are needed for access to high-quality end-of-life care, focusing on hospices? Will he commit to protecting hospices from national insurance rise?
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for raising that case; thoughts are with the family involved. We must invest properly in care across our health service, including end-of-life care. That is why we are putting forward a 10-year plan to ensure NHS can give everyone expected care.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for protecting hospices from national insurance rise was not addressed directly, focusing on commitment without specifics.
Commitment Without Specifics
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Q11
Partial Answer
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The question arises from Ofgem's announcement of increased energy bills, affecting pensioners who are in poverty but above the pension credit limit.
I thank PM for his reply. I hope to hear more on hospices and national insurance soon. On Friday, Ofgem said that energy bills will rise again after last month's 10% increase; millions are worried about how they will make ends meet this winter. With bills going up, will the Prime Minister reconsider restoring winter fuel payments?
Obviously concerned about energy bills; they are actually lower this year than last. Long-term way is clean power by 2030, driving down energy bills permanently. On the winter fuel allowance, knows very well Government's position and has rehearsed it many times.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about restoring winter fuel payments was not addressed directly; instead, focused on long-term clean power initiatives without addressing immediate concerns.
Deflect To Long-Term Plans
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Q12
Direct Answer
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The question arises from the issue of antisocial behaviour caused by off-road bikes, affecting communities significantly.
Antisocial behaviour involving modified and off-road bikes is a menace with huge impacts on communities. Although I welcome work done in partnership with police, they need stronger powers and more resources. Can the Prime Minister outline how he will back the police to tackle this issue?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising; antisocial behaviour affects many people. That is why we are implementing tough new respect orders, giving powers to the police including seizure of off-road bikes and a power of arrest for breach of orders.
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Q13
Partial Answer
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The question arises from BBC's scam awareness week, highlighting the issue of false promises made by the government.
During BBC's scam awareness week, advice is to report scams. Can the PM advise if he knows anyone who promised to reduce energy bills but increased them; promised to back business but taxed it; or promised to protect pensioners but took their winter fuel allowance?
It is very—[Interruption.] The answer was cut off due to interruption; no further details were provided.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about broken promises regarding energy bills, business taxes, and pensioners' winter fuel allowances was not addressed.
Interrupt
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Q14
Partial Answer
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November marks Islamophobia Awareness Month. The UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution last year condemning the desecration of religious texts, including the Koran.
November marks Islamophobia Awareness Month and the UN has condemned the desecration of religious texts. Will the Prime Minister commit to introducing measures to prohibit such acts?
I agree that desecration is awful and should be condemned. We are committed to tackling all forms of hatred, including Islamophobia.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific measures or policies were mentioned
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Q15
Partial Answer
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Sarah's family has farmed beef cattle for over 70 years, but changes to agricultural property relief have affected them after the death of Sarah's mother.
Changes in agricultural property relief affect Sarah's family farm. What would the Prime Minister say to Sarah and her family during a difficult year?
I am grateful for raising this case and the bereavement. £5 billion was set aside in Budget over next two years for farming investment. I will look at the specific case of inheritance issues.
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Assessment & feedback
No direct response to Sarah's family tax situation
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Q16
Direct Answer
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Southwark has a serious antisocial behaviour problem, but fewer police today than in 2010 due to Tory cuts.
Southwark faces significant antisocial behaviour challenges. Will the PM consider Southwark as a pilot test area for respect orders?
We will recruit 13,000 more police into neighbourhood policing and introduce tough new respect orders to drive up public confidence in the police.
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Q17
Partial Answer
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The feasibility of developing suitable official statistics was being examined in response to a written question.
Will the Prime Minister commit to using his good offices to publish data on foreign nationals receiving universal credit transparently?
I am grateful for raising this. As soon as I have an update, I will provide it.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment to publish the data was given
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Q18
Partial Answer
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The Labour Government delivered justice for mineworkers in weeks after general election. An inquiry into policing during the miners' strike is sought.
Is it time to seek truth on policing during the miners' strike? Will PM commit to an early and full inquiry?
We are carefully considering next steps to deliver truth for Orgreave campaigners.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment to early and full inquiry was given
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Q19
Partial Answer
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Cody Fisher, a young man from Stratford-on-Avon constituency, was tragically stabbed in a Birmingham nightclub. His mother campaigned for bleed kits and metal detectors.
Will the PM meet Tracey to discuss proposals for bleed kits and metal detectors to better protect young people from knife crime?
I will look at bleed kits and arrange a meeting with the relevant Minister.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment was given for an immediate meeting
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Q20
Direct Answer
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The proposed closure of Luton's Vauxhall van plant by Stellantis threatens over 1,000 jobs and the town's future prosperity.
Can PM assure that there will be a cross-departmental response to support the automotive sector in Luton?
Yes, I will. We are working with industry and there will be a statement later today.
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Q21
Partial Answer
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Tenbury Wells was flooded for the second time this year during Storm Bert. A fully developed flood defence plan is partly funded and requires £2.4 billion to proceed.
Last weekend, Tenbury Wells faced severe flooding from Storm Bert. With a fully developed flood defence plan in place that needs £2.4 billion to be implemented, will the Prime Minister commit to funding this scheme and addressing the town's infrastructure issues?
I am grateful to raise this awful situation. We are committed to tackling it, which is why we set aside money in the Budget. I will arrange a meeting with the relevant Minister for further discussion.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to funding the scheme and addressing infrastructure issues was not provided
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Q22
Partial Answer
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Extreme weather events caused a landslip in Cwmtillery last weekend, leading to slurry and boulders on streets. The Chancellor committed £25 million for coal tip maintenance.
Given the recent extreme weather events causing significant damage in Cwmtillery, will the Prime Minister continue prioritising coal tip maintenance funding to keep communities safe?
Yes, we have committed £25 million for coal tip maintenance. I will ensure that hon. Members get support in raising issues about their constituents.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to continue prioritising funding was not explicitly stated
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Q23
Direct Answer
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Arrest warrants have been issued for Netanyahu and Gallant allies of the Israeli regime accused of war crimes. The UK currently licenses F-35 components to Israel.
With arrest warrants against Netanyahu and his allies now in place, will the Prime Minister end UK's complicity in atrocities by ending licensing of F-35 components to a regime led by a wanted man?
We have set out our position under current law and will continue supporting Israel's defence against attacks, like those from Iran.
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Q24
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Derby city centre is revitalising with new venues and business initiatives, but high streets face challenges. The Budget allocates money to support local businesses.
With empty shops and quiet high streets across the country, will the Prime Minister commit to supporting and protecting small businesses that are crucial to our high streets?
We are supporting small businesses and rebuilding the country. We oppose Conservative scaremongering about support for local businesses.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to protecting and supporting small businesses was not provided
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Q25
Partial Answer
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HS2 construction at Old Oak Common will cause rail disruption in the south-west for seven years, prompting concerns over economic damage.
Will the Prime Minister commit to producing a full mitigation plan to address the issues caused by HS2 construction and ensure that the south-west does not lose out?
We have committed £30 million for mitigation at Old Oak Common. Local services will be unaffected, and plans are in place to maintain Euston-Exeter rail service.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to producing a full mitigation plan was not provided
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Q26
Direct Answer
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Only 4.4% of domestic assault cases result in a conviction, highlighting the criminal justice system's failures towards women and girls.
Will the Prime Minister tell us what will be done to ensure that the criminal justice system works effectively for women and girls facing violence?
We are committed to halving violence against women and girls, piloting domestic abuse protection orders, and introducing a stand-alone offence of spiking.
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Q27
Direct Answer
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Ukraine faces severe winter challenges with over 80% of its energy infrastructure damaged or destroyed, requiring urgent provision of power generators and equipment.
Will the Prime Minister agree to meet me to discuss providing energy aid to support Ukraine through a harsh winter?
We have provided £370 million of support to the Ukrainian energy sector. I will ensure that my hon. Friend gets a meeting with the relevant Minister.
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Q28
Partial Answer
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GP surgeries in North East Hampshire are facing huge bills for increased employer's national insurance contributions, impacting patient services. Hart Health Partnership estimates the cost will be three nursing salaries and has already reduced staff hours.
After years of neglect under the previous Conservative Government, GP surgeries are at breaking point and across North East Hampshire they are preparing now for huge bills to pay increased employer's national insurance contributions. Hart Health Partnership in Fleet estimates that this will cost it three nursing salaries and it has already reduced staff hours by 50 per week, with more cuts due in January. Can the Prime Minister please tell GPs in my constituency which patient services they should cut in order to pay the bills?
The hon. Lady is absolutely right that the NHS was broken by the last Administration, and the Darzi report makes that absolutely clear. We are providing in the Budget £22 billion of additional funding this year for our NHS. That is a huge investment that is much welcomed and much needed across the NHS. We will work with GPs and consult the sector on the services they provide and the money they are entitled to in return.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not specify which patient services should be cut as requested.
Hang Their Heads In Shame
Work With Gps
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Q29
Partial Answer
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The Liberal Democrats recognise that Labour supports the previous Conservative policies on customs union and single market, but question whether it aligns with economic interests to maintain EU standards.
We recognise that Labour is determined to defend the economically disastrous Conservative policies of being outside the customs union and single market. However, does the Prime Minister agree with the principle that where it is in our country's interest to maintain alignment with EU standards so that we can better sell our products internationally, we align; and where it is in our interest to diverge, we diverge?
I certainly agree that the deal we got under the last Government is not the best deal that we can get. That is why we are determined to reset the relationship and we have already begun that. Obviously, there will be no return to freedom of movement, the customs union or the single market, but beyond that we can increase and improve the situation, whether on trading, security or other co-operation, and we are actively working on that.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not explicitly state agreement with the flexible approach as asked.
Reset The Relationship
No Return To Freedom Of Movement
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Q30
Direct Answer
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A major fire at the Tradebe depot in Coatbridge and Bellshill forced Scotland's clinical waste to be transported to England due to poor planning. The Spanish company was bailed out with £5.4 million of taxpayers' money.
Following a major fire at the Tradebe depot in my constituency in 2021, Scotland's clinical waste was forced to be transported to England due to a complete lack of forward planning. Tradebe was only appointed after the previous contract had collapsed, leaving human remains languishing in a warehouse. It has now been revealed that the Spanish company was bailed out with £5.4 million of taxpayers' money. Does the Prime Minister agree that the SNP Government have consistently failed to get a grip of clinical waste disposal and must act appropriately to protect the public purse and ensure public safety?
I do agree with that, and it is the rule rather than the exception when it comes to the SNP Government. The challenge for them now is that they have the powers to act and they have now been given the money to act. They have run out of excuses.
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