Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents in Southampton Itchen expressed concerns about the closure of the Bitterne NHS walk-in centre a decade ago under Conservative rule.
At a recent coffee morning, residents in Southampton Itchen told me how much they still miss the Bitterne NHS walk-in centre, which was shut down a decade ago under the Conservatives. May I begin by welcoming this Government’s 10-year plan and its commitment to neighbourhood health services? Does the Prime Minister agree that, as we put this plan for change into action for my local residents, Bitterne is an excellent location for the first new neighbourhood health centre?
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for making the case for his constituents. I know the Health Secretary will give it every consideration. The 10-year plan will establish neighbourhood health centres in every community and will make a massive difference, starting in the places where the need is greatest and life expectancy is at its lowest.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly state whether Bitterne was an excellent location for the first new neighbourhood health centre but promised it would be considered.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The Conservative Party's Leader of the Opposition questions the Prime Minister's commitment to tax thresholds promised in their manifesto.
In its manifesto last year, Labour promised not to increase income tax, national insurance and VAT. Does the Prime Minister still stand by his promises?
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Assessment & feedback
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservative Party questions the Prime Minister's adherence to fiscal rules and manifesto commitments regarding tax thresholds.
Does the Prime Minister stand by his promises made at the Budget, particularly on lifting the freeze on income tax and national insurance thresholds?
No Prime Minister or Chancellor is going to write a Budget in advance. We are absolutely fixed on our fiscal rules; we remain committed to them. We remain committed to our manifesto commitments—I realise that sticking to fiscal rules and manifesto commitments is a bit unfamiliar to the Conservatives.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly state whether they would lift the freeze on income tax and national insurance thresholds but reiterated their commitment to fiscal rules and manifesto promises.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservative Party criticizes the increase in unemployment under Labour and questions the Prime Minister's adherence to manifesto promises.
What does the issue of tax thresholds mean? It means that under Labour, millions of our poorest pensioners face being dragged into income tax for the first time ever. Does the Prime Minister think it is right that struggling pensioners should face a retirement tax?
For a Prime Minister or a Chancellor to say we are not going to write a Budget in advance is not a Labour thing or a Tory thing—every single Prime Minister and Chancellor says that they will not do that. We will stick to our manifesto commitments; we will stick to our fiscal rules.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address whether it is fair to impose taxes on pensioners who have never paid them before but reiterated their commitment to fiscal and manifesto rules.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The Conservative Party questions the Prime Minister's adherence to manifesto promises regarding council tax.
Before the election, the Prime Minister promised not a penny more on your council tax. The Institute for Fiscal Studies says that council tax bills will now rise at their fastest rate in 20 years. Will the Prime Minister admit that under him council tax is set to soar?
No, of course it is not. It soared under the last Government.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister recently stated he had stabilised the economy. Mrs Badenoch criticises this claim, pointing out rising inflation, unemployment, and tax rates under his leadership.
Has the Prime Minister spoken to any farmers lately? He is in office for a year and congratulates himself on what a great job he has done but nobody believes it; taxes are up, unemployment is up, inflation is up. Is not this weak Prime Minister dragging us back to the 1970s?
We are responsible for 4 million extra appointments in the NHS; a 10-year plan on the future of the NHS after the Conservatives broke it; free school meals being rolled out, breakfast clubs, family hubs across the country, and migration coming down. We take responsibility and we are proud of that.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address the economic issues raised by Mrs Badenoch.
Changed Subject To Nhs And Social Policies
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Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Eden Project in Cornwall is a successful economic development project. A new Eden Project in Lancashire is under construction, and Lloyd Hatton proposes an Eden Portland project to transform the South Dorset economy.
Will the Prime Minister back this exciting project—Eden Portland—and work with me and all relevant Ministers to secure funding through the growth mission fund?
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting that exciting proposal. He is a fantastic advocate for Portland and South Dorset. Eden Portland is a hugely exciting project. I cannot confirm funding allocations yet, but our £240 million growth mission fund should support transformative projects.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to specific funding allocations.
Hedging Language
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The SEND system is in need of repair due to years of Conservative neglect. Ed Davey offers support for a cross-party effort to fix the issue.
Will the Prime Minister look at the five tests for SEND reform that we have published today and work with us to make it happen?
We are focused on getting our money back. We will continue to go after the fraudsters, grifters and con artists, no matter who they are or where we find them.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address the SEND reform proposal.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister recently confirmed that the commissioner is now investigating fraud involving bounce back and business support loans. John Slinger asks for an update on this work.
Will the Prime Minister update the House on the work of the covid corruption commissioner? Does he agree with constituents in Rugby, Bulkington and surrounding villages that there should be no place in public life for people who exploited the pandemic?
We are focused on getting our money back. I can confirm that the commissioner is now investigating fraud involving bounce back and business support loans, and we will continue to go after the fraudsters.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not provide a detailed update on the work of the commissioner.
Limited Information
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references the Conservative government's dismantling of Sure Start and welcomes the Government's efforts to rebuild it. He questions the specific impact on local services.
Why has the government's programme failed to recognise the impact on organisations across Bristol South? Will the Prime Minister set out what difference that will make to family services in Exeter?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend. We have discussed this before; he is a brilliant champion for Exeter. Every child should have support to realise their potential. The Conservative party tore up Sure Start and took it out of our communities—an act of vandalism that abandoned families and deepened inequalities. We are delivering 1,000 Best Start family hubs across the country. That is in addition to free childcare being rolled out, and expanding free school meals. That is the change that a Labour Government make.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not provide specific details about how Exeter's services will be impacted or any timeline for implementation.
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references calls for a wealth tax and former Labour leader Lord Kinnock's support for such a policy. He asks the Prime Minister to clarify his stance on taxing the ultra-wealthy.
Growing numbers of people are joining the call for a wealth tax on the super-rich, including former Labour leader Lord Kinnock. Will the Prime Minister stand by his promise that those with the broadest shoulders will carry the largest burden? Will he clarify that that means the ultra-wealthy, not disabled people, the poorest and children with special educational needs?
I am really not going to take advice from a party that put forward £80 billion of unfunded commitments at the last election; that is the sort of thing that got us into the problem in the first place. We cannot just tax our way to growth; we need to ensure that we put in place the necessary measures. We are putting in place planning reforms to drive growth. The hon. Member voted against that, and the Opposition voted against that.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not directly address the question about a wealth tax or clarify his stance on taxing the ultra-wealthy.
Shifting To Criticism Of The Green Party
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Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references Labour's policies on fire and rehire, zero-hours contracts, and workplace protections. He criticizes the Conservatives for voting against these measures.
I am proud that the Labour Government are banning fire and rehire. I am proud that we are addressing the abusive use of zero-hours contracts and improving protections at work, particularly against unfair dismissal. Reform and its Tory friends voted against Labour’s workplace protections. Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that it is only this Labour Government who will ensure that people have fairness at work?
I am proud that we will give 15 million workers—half of all workers—stronger rights at work. We are ensuring sick pay for up to 1.3 million of the lowest paid, tackling sexual harassment, and providing bereavement leave for families who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. Compare that to the Leader of the Opposition, who thinks that maternity pay is “excessive”, and the leader of Reform, who wants working people to pay tax so that there can be tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires. Both of them vote against reform and better protection of workers at every turn.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not directly address whether his government's policies are superior but instead criticized the opposition.
Criticizing The Opposition
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Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about potential legal persecution of veterans for crimes committed during the Northern Ireland conflict. He asks whether the Government will protect these veterans.
With permission, Mr Speaker, before I ask my question, may I tell the House that there are a number of veterans of Northern Ireland in the Public Gallery? Given what the Prime Minister said about 7/7, I would like to publicly thank them for their courage in defending our country and our democracy against the first scourge of terrorism. The Prime Minister knows that every time a paramilitary was killed in Northern Ireland by a British soldier, it triggered a thorough investigation. No bullet went unscrutinised. Our soldiers were held to the highest standards of law. The IRA were not; they tortured, shot men in the back, forced families to watch their menfolk being murdered, and killed women and children with bombs, yet we are willing to prosecute our own men, who were forced to make life-and-death decisions in split seconds. If the Government get the legacy legislation wrong, at least 50 innocent retired veterans will be exposed to legal persecution for crimes they did not commit. I have raised this matter six times since February. I ask again: on Monday, when we debate this matter in Westminster Hall, will the Government protect our veterans, or will they sacrifice them to politically motivated lawyers who are trying to rewrite history with a pack of lies?
May I join the right hon. Gentleman in thanking the veterans here today, and all veterans? He knows that this is a serious issue, and the end of his question did not really reflect that seriousness. The scheme set up by the Conservative party was found to be unlawful in the courts, and he knows it. It was not supported by communities. It would have meant, as he knows, immunity from prosecution for those who committed the most appalling terrorist crimes, and that is why it did not have support in the communities or from any political party in Northern Ireland. That was among the reasons it was found to be unlawful.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM discusses past policies but does not provide clear commitment to protecting veterans now.
Defending Previous Policy
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP published a report revealing long waiting times for mental health services in Basingstoke. He welcomes the publication of the 10-year NHS plan and asks how local gaps will be addressed.
Last week, I published a report that revealed the terrible legacy that the Conservative party left the NHS locally. Kids in Basingstoke wait 210 days following a referral for access to mental health services. That is three times the national average. I welcome the publication of the 10-year plan last week. It was led by the Prime Minister, will be delivered by a Labour Health Secretary, and was made possible by a Labour Chancellor. What more can the Government do to close the gap in mental health services locally, and ensure that every kid in Basingstoke has access to the very best mental health services?
I am pleased that the hon. Gentleman welcomes the publication of the 10-year plan for the NHS, which is a significant and comprehensive strategy to address many of the issues that the Government have inherited from previous administrations. The 10-year plan sets out how we will invest in mental health services and ensure better access to care across the country. We are committed to closing the gap in mental health services and ensuring that every child has access to high-quality support.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not provide specific actions or timelines for Basingstoke's improvements.
General Statement About Nhs Plan
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Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
The Liberal Democrats are calling for the introduction of a national body to address issues within the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) system, which is described as broken by headteachers and SEND coordinators. Parents and students face adversarial processes, lack of specialist school spaces, and long waiting times.
I met headteachers and SEND co-ordinators in my constituency last week who all told me the same thing: the SEND system is broken, with adversarial processes, parents at breaking point, insufficient specialist school places, and a lengthy, often degrading education, health, and care plan process. The Government are exploring options but will they take on board the Liberal Democrats’ calls to introduce a national body for SEND?
I thank the hon. Lady for raising this issue; the system is broken and requires reform. I have set out steps being taken but cannot confirm specific plans yet. We will consider recommendations from various sources to get the greatest support possible for necessary reforms.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to establishing a national body for SEND or addressing the postcode lottery specifically, despite calls by Liberal Democrats.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a proposal to build a new railway station at Magor and Undy in Wales, which could reduce congestion on the M4 motorway and provide better access for local residents.
I am delighted at the spending review commitment of £445 million for Welsh rail. A new station at Magor and Undy will take cars off the congested M4, offer greener journeys, and open doors for local residents without a vehicle to get jobs. It is also great value for money due to existing track and infrastructure. Does the Prime Minister agree that Magor and Undy is an excellent candidate to be the first Burns station to be built?
I am delighted that a strong Labour MP is standing up for Wales. The plans cannot be confirmed yet, but we will consider recommendations from the Burns commission which includes a proposal for a new station in her constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to building the Magor and Undy railway station immediately or give it priority over other proposals.
Consideration Pending
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
People in North Devon are unable to find NHS dentists, leading some to remove their own teeth. There is a need for urgent action to address the dentistry crisis.
In the past few weeks, I have spoken to five people from my rural North Devon constituency who have been forced to remove their own teeth with pliers or amateur surgical kits because they are unable to find an NHS dentist. What would the Prime Minister say to those people, and when will the Government banish this dentistry crisis to the history books?
This is a legacy of the Conservative party with one in four adults struggling for NHS care and tooth decay being the most common reason for hospital admissions among children aged 5-9. We are fixing this by rolling out 700,000 urgent and emergency appointments, reforming the dental contract, and recruiting more dentists.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not provide a specific timeline for ending the crisis or addressing immediate needs of those in North Devon.
Legacy Issue
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
The high street is facing issues such as tax evasion, money laundering, illicit goods sales, illegal working, and the proliferation of vape shops, fake barbershops, Harry Potter shops, and American candy stores.
Tax evasion, money laundering, illicit goods, and illegal working all undermine our high streets. In my constituency of Freeman Street, this challenges local business confidence and community cohesion. Will the Prime Minister commit to working with his Cabinet to bring in a national strategy to tackle these scourges and restore high street confidence?
My hon. Friend is right to highlight this issue. We have seen major crackdowns against criminals using high street businesses for money laundering, securing freezing orders over bank accounts totalling more than £1 million and arresting 35 individuals.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to developing a national strategy or addressing specific issues in detail.
Recent Actions
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
Mr Brian Buckle, a constituent in Ceredigion, was wrongfully imprisoned for over five years and has been denied compensation due to legal changes that require proof of innocence beyond all reasonable doubt.
My constituent Mr Brian Buckle is a victim of miscarriage of justice. He was wrongly imprisoned for over five years before being exonerated at retrial. Despite finding him not guilty, his application for compensation was denied because he cannot prove his innocence under the 2014 change to the law. Will the Prime Minister consider meeting Mr Buckle to discuss his case and lend support to APPEAL’s campaign for fair compensation?
I am grateful for raising this matter. Meeting Mr Buckle will be considered, and I appreciate his campaign for fair compensation.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to meeting with Mr Buckle or providing direct support for the campaign without further consideration.
Consideration Pending
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government launched a review into parental leave and rebuilt the legacy of Sure Start by launching Best Start family hubs. The MP references these initiatives in her constituency.
I am delighted that in the past week, the Government have launched a review into parental leave and started to rebuild the legacy of Sure Start by launching our Best Start family hubs. Both of those will make a huge difference to my constituents in Ribble Valley. Can he commit to the parental leave review creating some truly ambitious outcomes, so that we can make the UK not only a world-leading place to live and do business, but the best place in the world to live a rewarding family life?
The first full review of parental leave and pay is a landmark moment. The current system is simply out of date and too complicated. One in three dads do not take paternity leave, often because they cannot afford to do so. That is a great loss to them and their children. I want parents to be able to give their child the best care, and I want to make the system work better for employers.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister Did Not Provide Specific Details On Ambitious Outcomes.
Response accuracy