PMQs 2024-11-06

2024-11-06

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
A constituent named Suzanne is concerned about losing out on winter fuel allowance due to being £10 above the pension credit threshold. This affects eligibility for additional benefits including warm home discount, free TV licences, and NHS prescriptions.
My constituent Suzanne is going to miss out on her winter fuel allowance this winter because she is just £10 above the pension credit threshold. As well as losing out on that vital money to keep her house warm, she does not get the £150 warm home discount, the £169 free TV licence or free NHS prescriptions. For the sake of a tenner, is this fair?
We introduced a Budget to fix the foundations of this country and to rebuild our country. One of the issues we had to confront was the £22 billion black hole left by the last Government. We have taken the tough decisions that will stabilise our economy. This means we can commit to the triple lock, which means that pensioners will be better off, seeing an increase in their pension, than they would have been under the Conservative party.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether it is fair for Suzanne to miss out on benefits due to being £10 above the pension credit threshold
Under Review Taken Tough Decisions
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Jacob Collier Lab
Burton and Uttoxeter
Context
Concerns from constituents about the Conservative party leader's statement that maternity pay has “gone too far.” The MP asks for clarity on whether there are plans to change maternity pay or roll back working family rights.
Every week I meet hard-working families in Burton and Uttoxeter who are juggling raising their children with managing their family finances. When they hear the Conservative party and its new leader say that maternity pay has “gone too far,” they are terrified about what that means for them. To ease the worry felt by thousands of hard-working families, will the Prime Minister please confirm that he has no plans to change maternity pay or to roll back the hard-won rights of working families?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. He is a champion for families in his constituency. My answer is simple: yes. I do not agree with the Leader of the Opposition when she says that maternity pay is excessive and has gone too far.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
The question arises from the Foreign Secretary's derogatory comments about President-elect Trump and whether he apologized during their meeting.
I thank the Prime Minister for his almost warm welcome. I echo the comments he has made. It is an immense privilege and the honour of my life to lead the Conservative party. I look forward to joining him at the Cenotaph this Remembrance Sunday. As Leader of His Majesty's Opposition, I will be taking a different approach to the last Opposition, by being a constructive Opposition, so I would like to start by congratulating President-elect Trump on his impressive victory this morning. The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary met him in September. Did the Foreign Secretary take that opportunity to apologise for making derogatory and scatological references, including 'Trump is not only a woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath. He is also a profound threat to the international order'? If he did not apologise, will the Prime Minister do so now, on his behalf?
There will be many issues on which the Leader of the Opposition and I disagree, but there will be issues that unite this House, on national security and Ukraine. I look forward to working closely with her on that. I will provide her with the information that she needs to discharge her duties. That is the right thing for the country and it is far more important than party politics. The Foreign Secretary and I did meet President-elect Trump, just a few weeks ago, for dinner, for about a couple of hours. We discussed a number of issues of global significance. It was a very constructive exercise.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether the Foreign Secretary apologized during their meeting with President-elect Trump for derogatory references made
Did Meet Discussed
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
Concerns about the Prime Minister's approach to maintaining a strong relationship with the US and addressing issues like tariffs on UK exports.
The Prime Minister does not answer the questions; he just reads the lines the officials have prepared for him. It does not sound like he wants to invite President-elect Trump to Parliament. He needs to look after the special relationship. The US is our single biggest trade partner. Given the risk of increased tariffs on UK exports, which threatens our manufacturing sector, will the Prime Minister commit now to continuing the negotiations on our free trade agreement with the US, which the Biden Administration cancelled when they came into office?
Of course we will discuss issues of our economy with the President-elect, as we already have done. Economy, security and global conflict are issues of real significance that ought to unite this House. When it comes to the economy, what we have done with our Budget is to fix the foundations after 14 years, and return economic stability after the £22 billion black hole. We have protected the payslips of working people. We have made the single biggest investment in our country for a generation in the NHS, schools and homes. We have given a pay rise to the 3 million lowest paid. If the Leader of the Opposition is opposed to that investment or the pay rise for working people—she is a straight talker, as I understand it—perhaps she should say so.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly commit to continuing negotiations on a free trade agreement with the US
Discussed Protected Payslips
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
Concerns about the Prime Minister's stance on building a strong relationship with the US, including commitments to increased defence spending.
The Prime Minister does not answer the questions; he just reads the lines the officials have prepared for him. It does not sound like he wants to invite President-elect Trump to Parliament. He needs to look after the special relationship. The US is our single biggest trade partner. Given the risk of increased tariffs on UK exports, which threatens our manufacturing sector, will the Prime Minister commit now to continuing the negotiations on our free trade agreement with the US, which the Biden Administration cancelled when they came into office?
There is no more important duty than keeping the people of this country safe. It was the Labour Government who signed the NATO treaty in the first place, and we are strong supporters. We have a strategic defence review, and we are committed to 2.5%. [Interruption.] I remind Conservative Members that the last time 2.5% was met was under the last Labour Government. Fourteen years, and they never did it once. Last year, the National Audit Office identified a £17 billion black hole in the Ministry of Defence finances. The former Defence Secretary said that the previous Government “hollowed out” the armed forces. The plan that the Conservatives put forward at the election was pure fantasy.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly commit to raising defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030
Strategic Defence Review Committed
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
Concerns about the Prime Minister's approach to maintaining a strong relationship with the US, particularly in light of increased tariffs on UK exports.
Discuss, discuss, discuss; chat, chat, chat—the Prime Minister has no plans whatsoever for building on the special relationship. He needs to realise that we in this country rely on our single biggest trade partner. President Trump is also right to argue that Europe needs to increase its defence spending. The last Conservative Government committed to raising defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030. Will the Prime Minister finally match that commitment?
There is no more important duty than keeping the people of this country safe. It was the Labour Government who signed the NATO treaty in the first place, and we are strong supporters. We have a strategic defence review, and we are committed to 2.5%. [Interruption.] I remind Conservative Members that the last time 2.5% was met was under the last Labour Government. Fourteen years, and they never did it once. Last year, the National Audit Office identified a £17 billion black hole in the Ministry of Defence finances. The former Defence Secretary said that the previous Government “hollowed out” the armed forces. The plan that the Conservatives put forward at the election was pure fantasy.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address plans for building on the special relationship or matching commitments to raise defence spending
Strategic Defence Review Committed
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
The Prime Minister's previous statements did not include commitments to defence spending, despite Keir Starmer claiming otherwise.
I am concerned about the lack of commitment from the government regarding defence spending. All I've heard is rhetoric without substance. Can you provide a clear and direct statement on how the Budget will support our national defence?
The Prime Minister's scripted lines show that he has not even listened to the Budget himself. The Budget last week put £5 billion over the next two years into farming. That is the single biggest increase, unlike the £300 million underspend under the last Government.
Assessment & feedback
Defence funding was not directly addressed; instead, focus on agricultural investment and underspending from previous government.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
The Prime Minister's previous statements did not include commitments to balancing the books, despite Keir Starmer claiming otherwise.
I was the one who raised the minimum wage last year. We need to balance the books responsibly. The Prime Minister's lines are scripted and lack substance. Can you give an unscripted response on how the Budget addresses this issue?
The Budget was about fixing the foundations, fixing the £22 billion hole that the Conservatives left and investing in the future of our country—investing in our NHS, our schools, our hospitals and our homes. We are proud that we are making that investment.
Assessment & feedback
Balancing the books was not directly addressed; instead focus on investments made in various sectors.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
Matthew Patrick Lab
Wirral West
Context
Survivors of economic abuse face significant challenges such as damaged credit scores and inability to access essential services.
Emily left her ex, but the abuse continued. Her abuser cancelled mortgage contributions and destroyed her credit score. Will you work with me to introduce new provisions that can restore credit files for survivors of economic abuse?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this really important issue. Economic abuse has a devastating impact, and we are committed to ending it. We have £200,000 this year for the charity Surviving Economic Abuse.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Edward Davey Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Context
President-elect Trump has made comments that are concerning for global security, particularly regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Donald Trump praised Putin's actions in Ukraine. He also said he would encourage Russia to do whatever it wants against NATO allies. What action is the Prime Minister taking to change this stance?
I am very proud that in this House we are united on the question of Ukraine, and clear about Russian aggression. Our relationship with the US is strong and we will continue to work together as it has been historically.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions not addressed; focus on historical relationship strength.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Edward Davey Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Context
US President-elect Trump has made statements suggesting potential for damaging trade wars.
Donald Trump's comments about 'trade wars' worry people. His 'Tariff Man' stance could harm our economy and cost of living. Does the Prime Minister recognize that it is urgent to remove European trade barriers?
We made the economy the centrepiece of our Budget, ensuring economic growth and living standards increase for working people across the country.
Assessment & feedback
Specific recognition not addressed; focus on domestic budget priorities.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Alex Baker Lab
Aldershot
Context
Children with special educational needs and disabilities face challenges in receiving proper support.
Families across Aldershot struggle to get their children with special needs the help they need. The Leader of the Opposition made misguided claims about autism, causing concern among families. Will the Prime Minister stand with these families?
The NAO report exposed that children with special educational needs were being failed by the system under the previous Government. We will focus on ensuring every child receives the right support to succeed in their education.
Assessment & feedback
Distance from comments not addressed; focus on addressing systemic failures.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q13 Direct Answer
Sorcha Eastwood Alliance
Lagan Valley
Context
Northern Ireland has seen a high number of femicides, with 24 women killed in the last four years. The issue extends to online abuse and safety.
I am concerned about misogyny and abuse both online and offline causing horrendous harm to women and girls across the UK. What are the Government doing to keep women and girls safe online?
The hon. Member is right to draw attention to that issue. Misogyny and abuse, both online and offline, cause horrendous harm to women and girls across the UK. We must create a safer world online for women and girls through the Online Safety Act 7123, mitigating the risk of illegal content and activity that is abusive or incites hatred.
Assessment & feedback
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Q14 Partial Answer
Neil Coyle Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Context
The new Conservative leader has suggested scrapping the minimum wage, which was implemented by Labour.
Everyone in Southwark will benefit from positive measures like the Budget increase to help minimum-wage workers. Will the Prime Minister pledge to protect and raise the minimum wage as finances allow?
The previous Labour Government transformed the labour market with the national minimum wage. That was opposed by the Conservatives at the time, and sadly they do not seem to have changed. I disagree with the comments of the Leader of the Opposition regarding the minimum wage being something legislators pass to make themselves feel good. We have raised wages for 3 million low-paid workers.
Assessment & feedback
The specific pledge to protect and increase the minimum wage was not directly addressed.
Disagreed With Opposition Praised Previous Government
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
George Freeman Con
Mid Norfolk
Context
UK pension funds are not investing enough in UK equities, only 3%.
To build the industries of tomorrow here, we need to unlock some of the hundreds of billions of pounds in UK pension funds. Will the new Government commit to seeing through reforms to unlock British capital for R&D growth?
The Budget sees record R&D investment, with over £20 billion next year, including over £2 billion to support our world-leading life sciences sector. Through the British Growth Partnership, we will crowd in pension fund investment to support innovative business.
Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to see through reforms was not directly addressed.
Praised Previous Government Highlighted R&D Investments
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Catherine Fookes Lab
Monmouthshire
Context
The river was polluted by waste and is in need of special measures.
Will the Prime Minister put the River Wye into special measures by designating it a water protection zone, and will he meet me and the excellent cross-border Wye Catchment Partnership to deliver its plan to clean up the Wye?
The River Wye is one of our most important and iconic rivers, and we are working closely with the Welsh Government on that pressing issue. We have launched a water commission to attract investment and speed up infrastructure delivery.
Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to designate as a protection zone was not addressed.
Praised Previous Government Highlighted Initiatives
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Edward Leigh Con
Gainsborough
Context
Experts and organisations like the NFU are concerned that tax changes will impact smaller family farms.
If evidence mounts from experts and organizations such as the National Farmers Union that smaller family farms will be severely impacted by tax changes, will he listen to that evidence, keep an open mind, and perhaps raise the threshold?
We are listening to farmers. The Environment Secretary and Treasury Ministers met with the NFU on Monday. We have taken a fair and balanced approach: the vast majority of farms will not be affected.
Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to raise the threshold was not addressed.
Praised Previous Government Highlighted Meetings
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Mary Glindon Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Context
The Leader of the Opposition described public outrage over Downing Street's breaches during lockdown as 'overblown'.
For people who followed covid rules at great personal cost, will the Prime Minister join me in ensuring we learn lessons from the pandemic and that Conservatives learn the lessons about their behaviour?
Across the country, people made enormous sacrifices during covid. They missed weddings, births and deaths—really important moments in their lives. People saved lives of others they will probably never meet. Unfortunately, the party opposite set rules but did not follow them themselves.
Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to learning lessons was not directly addressed.
Praised Previous Government Highlighted Sacrifices
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Llinos Medi PC
Ynys Môn
Context
Representatives of Glan Rhos nursing home in Ynys Môn have reported a 10% increase in costs due to Budget changes, amounting to an additional £127,500.
Diolch, Llefarydd. Representatives of Glan Rhos nursing home in my constituency tell me that the Budget changes mean a 10% increase in their in-year costs—a staggering £127,500 extra. Will the Prime Minister reconsider the rise in employer national insurance?
What we did in last week's Budget was ensure that no one would face tax rises in their payslip. We had to deal with the £22 billion black hole, but when we did so, we protected the smallest businesses and charities. We doubled the employment allowance to £10,500, meaning that 40% of employers will not pay employer national insurance contributions. Companies with four employees or fewer on the minimum wage will pay no employer NICs at all, and half of businesses that pay NICs will see no change or pay less after the Budget.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address reconsidering the rise in employer national insurance.
Response accuracy
Q20 Direct Answer
Phil Brickell Lab
Bolton West
Context
The Prime Minister's Budget prioritized investment in public infrastructure, including the electrification of the Wigan to Bolton railway line.
My constituents were pleased to hear last week's Budget prioritise investment in public infrastructure, including important projects such as the electrification of the Wigan to Bolton railway line, which will deliver more reliable and greener journeys. Does the Prime Minister agree that investment in the key infrastructure of towns such as Horwich, Westhoughton, Blackrod and Bolton is the only way to deliver economic growth and prosperity for all?
My hon. Friend is a champion for the north-west, and the Budget secured investment for vital transport projects to transform connectivity across the north of England and drive economic growth. That includes completing the Wigan to Bolton electrification—a really important moment on Northern Powerhouse Rail. Over £5 billion has been allocated to support everyday journeys for working people.
Assessment & feedback
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Q21 Partial Answer
Victoria Collins Lib Dem
Harpenden and Berkhamsted
Context
The Swan Youth Project in Berkhamsted is facing funding depletion amid concerns about a tough winter. The manager, Parul, has requested support to address these issues.
The Swan Youth Project in Berkhamsted is an incredible drop-in centre that intervenes to bring hope and a better future to teenagers such as Lex and Megan, who have been facing anxiety, depression and long mental health waiting lists, as well as families coping with special educational needs and disability. Its representatives have already written to the Treasury saying that they are worried about getting the funds they need, as our communities face a tough winter and grants are depleting. Parul, the manager, also assures me that she makes a mean curry and would welcome the Prime Minister, so will he join me to discuss their concerns and ensure that the Swan Youth Project and similar organisations in the third sector get the support they need as they work tirelessly for our communities?
The hon. Lady will be pleased to know that I have been to Berkhamsted a number of times, as we have very good friends who live there. I pay tribute to the work of the Swan Youth Project; too many young people—she cited some of them—are struggling with mental health and not receiving the support they need. That is why we will recruit an additional 8,500 mental health workers and are introducing long-overdue reforms to the Mental Health Act 1983.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address joining the MP to discuss concerns or ensuring support for specific organisations.
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Clive Lewis Lab
Norwich South
Context
Universities are facing severe financial challenges after 14 years of ideological hostility and cuts, leading to redundancies at institutions like the University of East Anglia.
My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will know that after 14 years of Tory ideological hostility and cuts, our universities are in financial meltdown. The University of East Anglia, in my constituency, is having to make redundancies, as are many others. Our right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education has started to address the problem, but we need a long-term solution that does not simply saddle our young people with more debt. Can my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister say how we can move to fix the foundations of higher education as we go forward?
My hon. Friend is right to raise higher education. We inherited a sector facing severe financial challenges. Universities have suffered a real-terms decline in their income and the gap between disadvantaged students and their peers is the highest on record. We have had to take tough decisions to put that on a secure footing, but we are also taking the step of easing living pressures by increasing maintenance loans, which is worth an extra £414 per year.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address long-term structural solutions or avoiding increased student debt.
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Alex Brewer Lib Dem
North East Hampshire
Context
Jo Hamilton, a former sub-postmistress affected by the Horizon Post Office scandal, has been campaigning for compensation alongside Alan Bates.
Jo Hamilton, my constituent and a former sub-postmistress, has long campaigned with Alan Bates for compensation following the Horizon Post Office scandal. Can the Prime Minister give an exact timeframe in which those who have been waiting more than a decade might finally be compensated?
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for raising this important issue. A commitment was made to properly compensate the victims of this scandal. Unfortunately, the Conservative Government, having made that commitment, regrettably did not allocate any money. Her constituents will be pleased to know that we have changed the approach. We have set out the compensation within the Budget—a transparent, accountable Budget—and we will make the payments as soon as we can.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not provide an exact timeframe for compensations.
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Torcuil Crichton Lab
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Context
The Scottish Government received a record settlement in the Budget, but the SNP's handling of ferry procurement has led to delays and cancellations in Na h-Eileanan an Iar.
I echo the Prime Minister's sentiments towards that other son of Lewis—although I wish that I had woken up today in the Isle of Harris. My constituents there face long delays, cancellations and loss of service because of the SNP's incompetent handling of ferry procurement. In last week's Budget the Scottish Government received a record settlement. May I urge the Prime Minister to tell Scottish Ministers to use that to improve public services in Scotland, to invest in the NHS in Na h-Eileanan an Iar, to build schools in places such as Barra and finally to fix the ferry fiasco?
Last week in the Budget we delivered the largest settlement for the Scottish Government in real terms since devolution. That includes £3.4 billion through the Barnett formula, a fuel duty freeze and an increase to the national living wage, benefiting my hon. Friend's constituents and all those across Scotland. The result of the Budget is now clear. The SNP in power in Scotland have the powers and they now have the money, so they have no more excuses.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not specifically urge Scottish Ministers to address ferry procurement issues or improve public services like NHS and education directly.
Response accuracy
Q25 Direct Answer
Ben Obese-Jecty Con
Huntingdon
Context
A Back-Bench MP suggested that the Leader of the Opposition represents “white supremacy in blackface” and is part of “the most prominent member of white supremacy's black collaborator class”. This raises questions about the appropriateness of such language.
Does the Prime Minister think it is acceptable for a Back-Bench MP to suggest that the Leader of the Opposition represents “white supremacy in blackface” and is the most prominent member of white supremacy's black collaborator class, with all the race traitor innuendo that that carries? If he does not, why has he not removed the Whip?
No, I do not.
Assessment & feedback
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Q26 Partial Answer
John Slinger Lab
Rugby
Context
John Slinger, a semi-retired violinist and rock musician, emphasized the importance of music education in his constituency.
As a semi-retired violinist and rock musician asking a semi-retired multi-instrumentalist, I feel confident that the Prime Minister shares my belief in the importance of music education. Does he agree that, as we unleash the potential of our country, we must invest in the educational infrastructure of creative arts subjects so that they are accessible to all?
I am not sure about the description “semi-retired”, although that may be the wish of the Conservative party. What I know from personal experience is that music, the creative subjects and art are really important not only for the pleasure and knowledge that they give to children and young people but for the experience of working in groups and leadership. That is why we are determined to ensure that they are counted as subjects again in the curriculum, which will encourage many more schools to provide them in the curriculum and enrich the futures of children and young people across the country.
Assessment & feedback
The visit request was not addressed specifically.
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
James Cleverly Con
Braintree
Context
James Cleverly questioned the Prime Minister's consistency regarding national insurance contributions, tuition fees, and tax policies on family farms.
Before the election, the Prime Minister claimed that he would not put up national insurance contributions; he put them up. Before the election, he claimed that he would scrap tuition fees; he put them up. Before the election, he said that he would not tax family farms; he is taxing them. Will he address his party's growing reputation for dishonesty by making good on his commitment to close the Wethersfield asylum accommodation centre in my constituency?
We are keeping the promises that we made in our manifesto. The right hon. Gentleman's problem is that he cannot add up; if he could, he might be down on the Front Bench rather than up on the Back Benches. We will take up the issue in his constituency.
Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to close the Wethersfield asylum accommodation centre was not addressed directly.
We Are Keeping The Promises That We Made In Our Manifesto.
Response accuracy
Q28 Direct Answer
Douglas McAllister Lab
West Dunbartonshire
Context
Monday marked seven years since Douglas McAllister's constituent, Jagtar Singh Johal, was arbitrarily detained in India.
Monday marked the seven-year anniversary of my constituent Jagtar Singh Johal's arbitrary detention in India. Can the Prime Minister assure me that he and his Government will do all they can to secure Jagtar's immediate release and bring him home?
Yes. We are committed to pushing the Government of India on this important case. The Foreign Secretary has raised it and will continue to do so, and we will ensure that we speak to my hon. Friend as we do so.
Assessment & feedback
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