PMQs 2025-05-21

2025-05-21

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
Concern over rising illegal immigration levels since the Labour Government came to power.
This Labour Government have been in power now for almost 12 months. When will the Prime Minister stop defying the will of the British people, stop dancing around the subject, and stop all illegal immigration into the United Kingdom, which has been rising on his watch?
It was the previous Government who lost control of immigration; they had record numbers for net migration, and lost control of the borders. We are bringing forward legislation to give law enforcement the greatest possible powers. What are the Conservatives doing? They are voting against it.
Assessment & feedback
The increase in illegal immigration was not directly addressed with a specific plan or timeline for action.
Blaming Previous Government Changing Subject To Legislation
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Sarah Owen Lab
Luton North
Context
Many pensioners in Luton are still impacted by the cost of living crisis despite economic improvements.
While the economy is showing signs of improving, many pensioners are still impacted by the cost of living crisis. People in Luton who have worked hard all their lives are seeing their precious savings slip away. Will the Prime Minister tell us what measures he will take to help struggling pensioners in towns like mine?
We all know that the economy was left in an absolute mess by the Tories. We had to stabilise the economy with tough decisions, but they were the right decisions. Because of them, the economy is beginning to improve: there were those growth figures last year—we had the highest growth in the G7; there were four interest rate cuts in a row; and there have been three trade deals. However, I recognise that people are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living crisis, including pensioners, and as the economy improves, we want to make sure that people feel those improvements each day as their lives go forward. That is why we want to ensure that more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payments as we go forward. As you would expect, Mr Speaker, we will make only the decisions that we can afford, and that is why we will look at that as part of a fiscal event.
Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging the issue, the Prime Minister did not provide specific measures beyond considering winter fuel payments in the future.
Emphasizing Economic Improvements Promising To Look At Eligibility Criteria
Response accuracy
Q3 Direct Answer
Louise Jones Lab
North East Derbyshire
Context
Mrs. Jones mentioned a visit to Barrow Hill Primary School, which has implemented a new free breakfast club but faces ongoing challenges.
What more can we do as a Government to support both them and local parents to give the children of Barrow Hill the start in life that they deserve?
I thank my hon. Friend; we are united by a shared focus on creating better life chances for our children, and I am delighted to hear that her constituents are already benefiting from our changes. Thanks to our plan for change, we will deliver free breakfast clubs in every primary school in England. I am determined to support parents to give every child the best start in life. That is why we are rolling out free childcare, expanding the first 300 school-based nurseries, and delivering more family hubs.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4 Direct Answer
Anneliese Midgley Lab
Knowsley
Context
Mrs. Midgley read aloud a victim impact statement from Cheryl Korbel, whose daughter was killed by Thomas Cashman, who refused to face her in court.
Will the Prime Minister commit to making sure that Olivia’s law becomes law as fast as possible?
I thank my hon. Friend for reading that victim impact statement. I know from talking to Cheryl how hard it was for her to make that victim impact statement in the first place; it took a huge amount of courage, and grief. She wanted to read that statement to the perpetrator, as she should have been able to do. I therefore thank my hon. Friend for reading that impact statement out in the Chamber, allowing it to be heard by the whole world.

Cowards who commit these heinous crimes should face the consequences of their actions, which have a huge impact on victims’ lives. That is why we will force offenders to attend their sentencing hearings, with longer sentences, unlimited fines and prison sanctions for those who seek to avoid facing justice.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Context
The question arises from concerns about the status of Northern Ireland in the UK's customs union and its implications on steel tariffs.
If Northern Ireland is still in the United Kingdom’s customs union, how is it that British steel can be sold to the United States tariff-free but the same British steel if sold into Northern Ireland is subject to EU tariffs? Why did the Prime Minister not try to take back control over trade laws governing Northern Ireland on Monday?
It is important that we reduce tariffs on steel into the US market and other markets—including the EU markets—for obvious reasons. It is also vital that we seek to ensure that we reduce any barriers in trade within the United Kingdom as a whole. Yesterday was a step towards that. There is further work to do, but we do want to get to that place where we can trade without those barriers in the United Kingdom.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or timeline for taking back control over trade laws governing Northern Ireland were not provided.
Working On
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
Concern about the uncontrolled growth of betting shops and vape stores affecting local high streets, particularly in Peterborough.
The Prime Minister will know that thriving high streets are essential to local growth. In cities such as mine, people are increasingly concerned by the uncontrolled growth of betting shops and vape stores. Will the PM ask his Departments to meet me and campaigners so we can discuss ways that local communities like Peterborough can take back control of their high streets?
My hon. Friend is an excellent champion for his constituents. We are committed to supporting our nation’s high streets to adapt and thrive. Planning applications are required for any new betting office to ensure that locals have a say on individual cases and that communities can use the planning system to allow for a change of use of their properties. I will ensure that my hon. Friend gets the meeting that he has asked for.
Assessment & feedback
No mention of specific plans or timelines for addressing concerns about betting shops and vape stores beyond meetings with MP.
Championing Constituents
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Context
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee published a report on the Government’s vision for agriculture. The committee raised concerns about inheritance tax proposals affecting family farms.
With unanimous support from cross-party members, the Select Committee and those on his own Benches want to tackle tax evasion while supporting farmers producing food for the nation's table. Will the Prime Minister listen to these requests and pause current inheritance tax reforms?
The right hon. Gentleman knows the very limited impact of the inheritance tax, only on farmers at a very high level. He will also know the record amount of money in the Budget that we put into farming and the measures taken yesterday with the EU deal, which will massively help farmers who sell their product into the EU market.
Assessment & feedback
No specific response to the request for pausing inheritance tax reforms or addressing committee concerns.
Commitment To Farming
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Julia Buckley Lab
Shrewsbury
Context
The Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway is on track to link north Wales and Shrewsbury directly to London with five daily trains. This project aims to strengthen cross-border travel and drive economic growth.
With 15 Members from constituencies along the route already on board, will the Prime Minister support this railway development and urge the Office of Rail and Road to give WSMR’s open access application the green signal?
Our plan for change will see the railways reformed to deliver more reliable and better value services for passengers right across the country. My hon. Friend has been a champion for better railways and easier journeys for her constituents. Open access operators have huge potential to offer passengers more choice. I will be delighted to ensure that she and other interested MPs meet the Rail Minister to put their case forward.
Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment or timeline for railway project approval beyond meetings with relevant ministers.
Championing Constituents
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Neil Hudson Con
Epping Forest
Context
The MP criticizes the Prime Minister's decisions affecting pensioners, businesses, rural communities, food security, and fishing waters.
When reviewing the effects of his decisions—such as cutting winter fuel payments, damaging businesses with job taxes, decimating rural communities with family farm tax, and risking food security by selling off fishing waters—will the Prime Minister throw these policies out before they do more harm?
The evidence is certainly coming in: the highest growth in the G7; four interest rate cuts in a row; and trade deals with countries across the world that want to do deals with this country because they can see the stability that this Government have brought about. Instability with the Conservatives; stability and growth with this Labour Government.
Assessment & feedback
No direct response or commitment to reviewing or changing policies.
Emphasizing Economic Performance
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Andy MacNae Lab
Rossendale and Darwen
Context
National Epilepsy Week highlights challenges faced by individuals with epilepsy, including multiple daily seizures which prevent work. Concerns about repeated PIP reassessments causing stress.
Will the Prime Minister reaffirm his commitment to protecting those such as Ben Lacey who suffer from lifelong conditions and cannot work, ensuring they are protected from damaging reassessments and given support to live with dignity?
May I begin by congratulating Tommy and everyone selected to represent the British and Irish Lions? It is an incredible achievement and we will be cheering them on. It is important that we protect those with severe disabilities or lifelong health conditions who cannot work, paying them a premium and stopping those reassessments, which is part of the reform that we are bringing about. Ultimately, we also need to get back to face-to-face assessments by trained assessors and health professionals.
Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or detailed plan for reforms beyond general commitment.
General Commitment
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Lee Anderson Reform
Reform
Context
Concern about the Prime Minister's claim of deporting over 24,000 people since coming into power, questioning whether these include failed asylum seekers.
How many of those deported are failed asylum seekers that came on small boats or lorries?
I am very proud that we have removed over 24,000 people: the highest record for nearly 10 years. We are taking other measures to get back control of our borders, including the Borders Bill, which gives our law enforcement enhanced powers, including terrorism-like powers.
Assessment & feedback
No specific breakdown or details about failed asylum seekers among deported individuals.
Highlighting Overall Deportation Numbers
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
Children in the questioner's constituency are facing long waits for neurodevelopmental assessments, which can lead to delays in receiving necessary mental health support. The Scottish National Party is criticized for cutting frontline mental health services despite promises of investment.
I welcome the Government’s investment of £680 million into mental health support. Meanwhile, in Scotland, many children are stuck on an NHS Lothian neurodevelopmental waiting list since March 2022. This delay can lead to poor mental health, with children ending up on a child and adolescent mental health services waiting list too. How will the Prime Minister work with the devolved Governments to ensure faster diagnosis and greater support so that no child across these isles grows up on a waiting list?
My hon. Friend rightly and powerfully raises the broken promises of the Scottish National party on mental health services. This is important, and we will have positive discussions with the devolved Governments to work on addressing mental health waiting times. The SNP promised to invest in frontline mental health services, then cut them by £54 million in real terms this year. With a record settlement in the Budget and two decades in power, the SNP is out of excuses and out of ideas. Scotland deserves better than that.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans or commitments to address mental health waiting times directly asked for
Blaming Snp Focusing On Scottish Government'S Record
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Kirsty Blackman SNP
Aberdeen North
Context
The UK continues to sell fighter jet parts to Israel despite concerns that these may be used in conflicts involving the Palestinian population.
If the Prime Minister agrees that the Israeli Government starving children to death is monstrous, why does he think it is okay for the UK to continue to sell Israel the equipment for the fighter jets to drop bombs on those starving children?
What we contribute into a pot is parts for fighter jets, and if we were to stop that, they could not be used by other countries in other conflicts, including those in which we are involved. The hon. Member does not know the detail at all. They are not sold directly. They go into a pot. If we were to stop that, they would not then be available to others around the world who desperately need them in the conflicts they are engaged in, and that is why we will not do it.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address ethical concerns raised about arms sales to Israel directly
Stressing Complexity Downplaying Direct Involvement
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Cat Eccles Lab
Stourbridge
Context
A dementia gateway service in Stourbridge was saved from closure following a campaign, highlighting the importance of community-based support for dementia patients.
The dementia gateway in my constituency was recently at risk of closure due to £42 million-worth of budget cuts by Dudley council. The gateway provides vital services including daytime activities and advice for dementia patients and their carers. In this Dementia Action Week, will the Prime Minister join me in congratulating Lisa and the campaigners? Does he agree that such services are essential?
I thank my hon. Friend and celebrate Lisa and all those who have saved this important source of local support. The Conservatives left local councils on the brink, unable to provide these vital services, letting down patients across the country. We are committed to improving dementia care through our plan for change, which is why we provided a £69 billion boost for local government, invested £26 billion in the NHS and made £3.7 billion available for social care, including an £880 million increase in the social care grant.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specifically acknowledge or congratulate campaigners mentioned in the question
Highlighting Government Funding And Support
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Rupert Lowe Ind
Great Yarmouth
Context
Lucy Connolly, a mother of a young child, was sentenced to prison for a single social media post that has since been deleted.
Does the Prime Minister agree that imprisoning Lucy Connolly, a young mother with a 12-year-old daughter, for one foolish social media post that was soon deleted is clearly not an efficient or fair use of prison?
Sentencing is a matter for our courts, and I celebrate the fact that we have independent courts in this country. I am strongly in favour of free speech. We have had free speech in this country for a very long time, and we protect it fiercely. But I am equally against incitement to violence against other people, and I will always support the action taken by our police and courts to keep our streets and people safe.
Assessment & feedback
Did not comment directly on the fairness or efficiency of imprisoning Lucy Connolly for her post
Stressing Independence Of Judiciary Focusing On Broader Principles
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Paul Foster Lab
South Ribble
Context
St Catherine’s hospice faces an excessive annual cost for vital medications sourced from the private sector, highlighting disparities in integrated care board policies.
I recently visited St Catherine’s hospice in Lostock Hall, which serves my constituents in South Ribble, those of Ribble Valley and some in Chorley. The hospice has to pay an excessive £350,000 a year for medication from the private sector. There is disparity between ICB funding policies, with some fully funding medications while others do not. Will the Prime Minister please speak with the Health Secretary as a matter of urgency and get free medication supplied by all ICBs to all hospices across the country?
We have put record amounts into the NHS in the Budget, and we are beginning to see the results of that. I accept the point that my hon. Friend makes, and we will look again to ensure that the money is properly used in the most efficient way.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to direct intervention or policy change regarding hospice medication costs
Stressing Overall Nhs Funding Promising Further Review
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem
Bath
Context
The questioner was denied entry into Hong Kong, raising concerns about political repression and the impact on UK-China relations.
A month ago, I was denied entry into Hong Kong on a private visit. In the absence of any explanation, this seems to hint at a hidden blacklist aimed to silence any MP from any political party who speaks up against human rights abuses by the Chinese Government. Does the Prime Minister agree that this is an attack on all of us, and will he personally seek reassurances from the Hong Kong authorities?
The hon. Lady’s experience is deeply concerning, and I know it must have affected her. Ministers, including the Foreign Secretary, have raised it on numerous occasions with their counterparts both in China and Hong Kong. Preventing UK citizens, including Members of Parliament, from entering Hong Kong without justification or for simply expressing their views is completely unacceptable. It will only undermine Hong Kong’s international reputation and the relationship we have with it, and so we will continue to raise it.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide personal commitment beyond ongoing diplomatic efforts
Acknowledging Concern Emphasizing Diplomatic Engagement
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
John McDonnell Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Context
Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a British-Egyptian human rights activist, remains imprisoned despite repeated efforts to secure his release.
I have raised on several occasions the case of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, who has been imprisoned in Egypt for years. His mother Laila went on a 100-day hunger strike. I thank the Prime Minister for fulfilling his promise to contact President Sisi of Egypt, but unfortunately, months later, Alaa remains in prison and this week Laila started her hunger strike again. Could I appeal to the Prime Minister to again speak directly to President Sisi to secure Alaa’s release?
I thank the right hon. Member for raising this case not just today, but on the many occasions that he has. It is incredibly important that we do everything we can in this case. I have met Laila and given her my commitment to do everything I possibly can. I have had a number of contacts myself, but I will not stop doing everything within my power to secure that release.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details or update on recent efforts
Acknowledging Ongoing Efforts Reiterating Commitment
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Paul Holmes Con
Hamble Valley
Context
A local campaign aims to reduce environmental impact through better recycling practices and support for small businesses.
I want to pay tribute to the efforts of a group in my constituency who are leading the way on reducing single-use plastics. They have successfully lobbied for more recyclable plastic packaging at a major retail park, which has helped several local food producers and retailers. Would you like to join me and congratulate them?
[Note: The PM's response is missing in the provided transcript.]
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Rosie Wrighting Lab
Kettering
Context
This week is National Epilepsy Week, an opportunity to raise awareness of a condition that affects up to one in 100 people in the UK, including over 100,000 children and young people.
Following on from the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Stourbridge (Cat Eccles), this week is National Epilepsy Week, an important opportunity to raise awareness of a condition that affects so many but often remains invisible. In the UK, one in 100 people live with epilepsy, which works out as up to six of us in the Chamber, including myself. Will the Prime Minister join me and the inspiring campaigners watching from the Gallery in marking National Epilepsy Week, as we continue to raise awareness of seizures?
I congratulate my hon. Friend on her tireless campaigning on this issue, alongside the campaigners who are with us today. I know the impact that epilepsy has on people across the country, including on over 100,000 children and young people. We are committed to improving care for people with neurological conditions and we are setting up the UK-wide Neuro Forum to improve treatment and care for those with such conditions.
Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly commit to joining in marking National Epilepsy Week, only congratulated efforts of campaigners.
Response accuracy