Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Concerns have been raised that procedural tactics might prevent Parliament from deciding on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. The Government's neutrality on the bill has sparked worry about the democratic process.
Many of us are becoming concerned that technical or procedural manoeuvres outside this House may be used to prevent Parliament from reaching a decision on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. I presume the government is not neutral on the issue of democracy or the primacy of this Chamber. Will the Prime Minister reassure the House that the decision of elected Members—and, indeed, the wishes and hopes of the vast majority of the people we serve—will not be frustrated in this way?
I know the right hon. Gentleman feels strongly about this issue. As he says, the Government are neutral on the passage of the Bill. It is a matter of conscience; there are different and respected views across Parliament, and it is for Parliament to decide in the end on any changes in this Chamber. Scrutiny of the Bill in the Lords is a matter for the Lords, but the Government have a responsibility to ensure that any legislation that passes through Parliament is workable, effective and enforceable.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not provide a direct reassurance about procedural tactics hindering parliamentary decisions.
Scrutiny Of The Bill In The Lords Is A Matter For The Lords
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Q2
Partial Answer
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The Conservative government's economic policies have left mining communities with lower wages compared to more affluent areas. The questioner is seeking a commitment from the Prime Minister to address this economic injustice.
When the Conservatives were in government, they said that they would level up the country, but in fact they left the country divided. Austerity, de-industrialisation and stagnant wages all ripped the heart out of mining communities like the ones I represent. Everywhere we can see the legacy that the Conservatives left. How can it be right that the hard-working, loyal people in my constituency earn £400 a week, or £20,000 a year, less than people who live in Kensington? Will the Prime Minister declare that it is the Government’s moral purpose to eliminate economic injustice—starting, in the Budget next week, with an announcement of massive investment in the north, and wherever else poverty and low pay raise their heads?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue. Conservative Members laugh, but working people paid a very heavy price for 14 years of economic failure. Austerity damaged the economy and decimated public services; the botched Brexit deal stifled growth; and the reckless borrowing of the mini-Budget saw mortgages and the cost of living soar. My hon. Friend is right to raise this issue. We are determined to tackle inequality; he will be pleased to know that under this Government, wages are up, but we need to do more. We have had a pay increase for the 3.5 million lowest-paid, and the Chancellor will deliver a Budget based on Labour values.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not provide a specific commitment to massive investment in regions suffering from poverty and low wages.
Austerity Damaged The Economy
We Are Determined To Tackle Inequality
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Q3
Partial Answer
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The Chancellor's announcement of income tax rate changes has led to speculation about a potential budget u-turn. The Leader of the Opposition is seeking clarity on whether the Government will freeze income tax thresholds as previously promised.
Can the Prime Minister tell us why his Government are the first Government in history to float an increase in income tax rates, only to then U-turn on it—all after the actual Budget?
I can inform the Leader of the Opposition that the Budget is actually next week. She only has one week to go, but I can tell her that it will be a Labour Budget with Labour values. That means that we will concentrate on cutting NHS waiting lists, cutting debt, and cutting the cost of living.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not provide a direct confirmation about freezing income tax thresholds.
We Will Deliver A Labour Budget With Labour Values
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Q4
Direct Answer
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The Rectory is an iconic but vacant building in Weymouth, which previously served as a theatre, cinema and pub. It has been empty for over ten years.
Standing in the heart of Weymouth, the Rectory is an iconic building. Formerly a theatre, once a bustling cinema and then a popular pub, it has stood empty for more than a decade. We want to turn the building into a thriving centre for arts and culture, hosting exhibitions and celebrating everything that makes Weymouth unique. Will the Prime Minister work with me and all the key players on the ground to revitalise the Rectory and reopen this fantastic building for our town?
My hon. Friend is a brilliant champion for South Dorset, and he is right to champion the revitalisation of our high streets. The Heritage Minister will be delighted to discuss how we can get this iconic building reopened, as he wants. I am pleased that Weymouth secured £20 million in Pride in Place funding, giving his community the power and resources to make a real difference to people’s lives.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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A field next to the River Cherwell in Oxfordshire is now covered with an enormous mound of rubbish, posing a significant environmental hazard.
Next to the River Cherwell in Oxfordshire, a field is now covered in an enormous mound of rubbish, 150 metres long and up to 12 metres high. The water is now lapping against the waste and carrying it into the river. It is just one of many sites where organised criminal gangs are illegally dumping their waste on our countryside and getting away with it. This is a shocking environmental emergency, so will the Prime Minister instruct the Environment Agency to clean it up now?
These are utterly appalling scenes. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, a criminal investigation is under way and specialist officers are tracking down those responsible. The Environment Agency will use all available powers to ensure that the perpetrators cover the cost of the clean-up that must now follow. We have boosted the agency’s budget for tackling waste crime by 50% and given councils new powers to seize and crush fly-tippers’ vehicles, and lawbreakers can now face up to five years in jail.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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Immigration is a critical issue for Bristol North East constituents, who want a firm yet fair approach to border control.
Immigration is the No. 1 issue on the doorsteps of Bristol North East: most people will ask me about it. They want a firm but also fair approach, but they have been let down over many years. Controlling our borders and knowing who comes here is essential, not least to integration. What can the Prime Minister say to my constituents that will give them an assurance that the reforms that he and the Home Secretary are proposing—which I support—will be firm, but also fair?
I am proud to lead an open, tolerant, generous country. To maintain that principle, we must restore order and control, fix the utterly broken system left by the Conservatives, and end the division that others seek to exploit. That includes creating safe and legal routes and recognising those who contribute, integrate and strengthen our society, while at the same time reducing the number of illegal arrivals and removing those with no right to be here. That is a fair, progressive system which meets modern challenges.
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Q7
Direct Answer
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The UK citizens who suffered due to the importation of arms, especially Semtex supplied by Gaddafi to the IRA, have not received compensation from Libya as seen in other countries such as France, Germany and the United States.
Why has no compensation been extracted from Libya for British citizens affected by Gaddafi-led terrorism when other nations successfully obtained compensation? Will the Prime Minister meet representatives of those families affected to discuss this issue?
So many suffered from Gaddafi’s actions, and the hon. and learned Member is absolutely right to raise this really serious issue. We are working hard on it, and I will absolutely make sure that the meeting he asks for is set up with the relevant Minister, so that we can give the full position and take onboard what the families have to say.
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Q8
Direct Answer
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On International Men's Day, the MP shares his personal experience with mental health challenges during a traumatic birth to encourage other men to seek support.
Will the Prime Minister agree that strength as a man means being open about one's emotions and that challenges should not be faced alone? Will he also recognize the importance of initiatives like Menfulness which provides a place for men to talk?
I thank my hon. Friend for his honesty. It is never easy to stand up and say what he has, and I hope he understands just how important that is for others who are suffering. The Prime Minister also announces the publication of the first-ever men’s health strategy which will tackle challenges disproportionately affecting men.
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Q9
Direct Answer
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A complete ban on smartphones in schools has had transformative effects such as improved behaviour, increased focus and reduced safeguarding issues.
Why is the Government not backing headteachers who are calling for a full ban on smartphones in schools despite its benefits? Why does this issue remain ignored?
I thank the hon. Member for her important question. The reality is that most schools already ban smartphones during schooltime and lessons. Of course we will always keep this under review, but we need to deal with it effectively.
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Q10
Direct Answer
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There has been an increase in the number of illegal cigarettes being seized from shops, yet many reopen shortly after.
Does the Prime Minister agree that it should be easier to permanently shut down these illegal cigarette shops? Will he support measures to make this happen?
There has been a surge in response, with more than 900 arrests, almost £11 million of criminal profits seized and almost £3 million-worth of illegal gear destroyed. We need to go further to protect our high streets by giving councils powers to deal with unwanted shops and through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
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Q11
Partial Answer
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An error by Barclays bank led to a constituent receiving only £125 instead of the intended £125,000, with the bank offering only £250 in compensation. The MP also seeks a commitment for imposing a windfall tax on excess profits from banks.
Eastbourne resident Pam was given a cheque for £125,000 by her terminally ill partner, which she went on to cash in. However, an error by the bank, Barclays, meant that only £125 was deposited. Barclays admitted the error, and then said it would compensate her with £250 for the inconvenience caused. Will the Prime Minister work with me to ensure that Barclays bank pays Pam the compensation she needs and deserves? While we are here, will he commit to imposing a windfall tax on the excess profits of banks like Barclays to bring bills down for struggling residents?
The case of the hon. Gentleman’s constituent Pam is staggeringly bad—absolutely terrible. If he could provide me with the full details, I will make sure that the Government join him in doing whatever we can in his constituent’s case.
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windfall tax on banks
Change Of Subject
Avoiding Commitment
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Q12
Partial Answer
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The MP is working on ambitious plans for the redevelopment of Crewe railway station, which has an annual footfall of 4.5 million people.
Crewe railway station is the gateway to the north, and indeed the shop window for my constituency, with an average annual footfall of 4.5 million people. I am working with Cheshire East council on ambitious plans for Crewe360 to deliver much-needed investment into the station and the land around it. We want to adopt the Railway Industry Association’s station investment zone proposals, which could deliver much-needed improvements in transport, housing, regeneration and economic growth. Does the Prime Minister agree that Crewe would make a perfect pilot for those proposals, and will he work with me to bring Departments round the table to make these plans a reality?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. Because of our actions, house building near stations like Crewe will now be a default yes. That means tens of thousands of homes delivered far sooner for families, with great transport links as standard. I will make sure that he meets the relevant Ministers to drive forward growth.
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Change Of Subject
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Q13
Partial Answer
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The MP is concerned about the low enforcement levels regarding illegal workers in the gig economy.
It is an open secret that the gig economy is a magnet for organised crime and illegal workers. As Christmas approaches and demand increases, so do the associated risks. Will the Prime Minister please explain why enforcement in this area is so low and what he will do to restore order?
We are delivering a record crackdown on illegal working in the gig economy, and expanding right-to-work and facial recognition checks, which are really important. We are also introducing a new criminal offence of trespassing with intent to commit a crime through the Crime and Policing Bill.
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Change Of Subject
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Q14
Partial Answer
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The MP is seeking transparency regarding the Prime Minister's appointment of David Kogan as Independent Football Regulator.
The Prime Minister has expressed “sincere regret” for appointing David Kogan as Independent Football Regulator. Will he now put on record the full amount that Mr Kogan has donated to his leadership campaign and his party, any hospitality he has received, and whether he declared these interests before appointing him?
They were all declared properly.
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Brevity
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Q15
Partial Answer
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The MP is concerned about the lack of bank branches in his constituency and seeks legislation to ensure access to face-to-face banking.
Mr Speaker, you and the Chamber will be well aware that I represent the biggest and most remote constituency in the UK, and I am bound to say that bank branches there are becoming rarer than sightings of the Loch Ness monster. We have no banks at all in the huge county of Sutherland. We have legislation that provides for access to cash, but what we do not have is legislation that provides for face-to-face banking services. I would be deeply grateful if the Prime Minister asked Treasury Ministers to meet me to discuss how we might update the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 to include some form of access-to-cash provision that will preserve face-to-face banking for my constituents and those in other remote areas.
I know how important face-to-face banking is to local communities. As the hon. Gentleman knows, we are rolling out banking hubs. Decisions over locations are taken independently, but they should be rolled out wherever there is a need for one, and of course there is more to come. In answer to his question, I will make sure that he gets the meeting that he requests, so that we can have a look at his proposal.
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Change Of Subject
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Q16
Partial Answer
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The MP referenced the Prime Minister's statement from March recognizing Cornish national minority status but expressed disappointment over the lack of progress on devolution for Cornwall.
Since then, I have repeatedly asked Ministers for Cornwall’s unique place on this island to be recognised through devolution. When the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill comes back to the House next week, will the Prime Minister help me explicitly enshrine Cornish devolution and Cornish national minority status in that Bill?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. Of course, he has raised this issue with me on a number of occasions already. He is a great champion for Cornwall. We will ensure that Cornwall’s national minority status is safeguarded in any future devolution arrangements. We have provided half a million pounds to support distinctive Cornish culture, including the Cornish language.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to explicitly enshrining Cornish devolution and national minority status within the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill as asked.
Safeguarding
Providing Funding
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Q17
Direct Answer
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The MP cited a letter from nine four-star generals expressing concern over the impact of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill on the recruitment, retention, morale, and operational effectiveness of the Special Air Service. This is unprecedented in British Army history.
Will he involve himself personally to ensure that 60, 70 and 80-year-old soldiers, who have carried out actions that most of us would view as heroic, are not persecuted in the coming years, because now it is a matter not of national security, but of national honour?
May I thank the right hon. Member for his question and reassure him on the protections that he seeks for veterans? It is a very important issue, and he has continually and rightly raised it. There will be protection from repeat investigations, so the commission does not go over old ground without compelling reasons. There will be protection from cold calling, and protection in old age, so that elderly veterans are respected. Those who do contribute to the legacy process will have a right to anonymity, a right to stay at home to give evidence remotely and a right to be heard through the commission.
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Q18
Partial Answer
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The MP referenced Scotland’s recent victory in rugby and asked about whisky exports to the United States.
When the Prime Minister next meets the President of the United States, will he ask him if he knows any reasonably priced hotels near the MetLife stadium in New Jersey, where the world cup final is to be held, and, as we are to provide the biggest boost to whisky exports since our trade deal was signed, will he gently ask the Chancellor to consider excise duties next week so that we Scots can continue celebrating at reasonable prices?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. It is important that we do everything we can to support whisky. I am really pleased with the progress we are making with the United States, and of course with India under that trade deal, and I will continue to discuss what more we can do with my hon. Friend.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to discussing whisky export duties specifically with the US President or Chancellor as requested.
Supporting Whisky
Discussing Progress
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