Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Following concerns about the decline of Kirkcaldy's high street over almost two decades, Melanie Ward seeks to address the issue with government support.
After almost two decades of the SNP and 14 years of the Tories, Kirkcaldy High Street has been in a state of decline. That is why the Chancellor was right to prioritise Kirkcaldy for multimillion-pound regeneration funding from the new growth mission fund, to build on the enormous potential of our town and its beautiful sea front. Does the Prime Minister agree that investment over decline is key for this Labour Government, and will he ask the new Business Secretary to meet me to discuss the funding?
My hon. Friend has been a tireless campaigner for investment in her high street. I can give her good news: thanks to funding committed by the Chancellor and this Labour Government, I can confirm today that subject to business case approval, we will approve millions to transform Kirkaldy’s high street and sea front. I will make sure that my hon. Friend gets the meeting she wants with the Business Secretary. The SNP has squandered the potential of high streets for two decades. Next year, people can vote for positive change with a Scottish Labour Government.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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There are 20,000 fewer patients on waiting lists at Tom Rutland's local trust since the election. However, more needs to be done regarding GP access.
I am pleased that we have made progress on the NHS. We promised 2 million extra appointments in the first year of a Labour Government, and there are now fewer patients on waiting lists at my local trust. But there is still more to do, including making it easier for constituents to see their GP. Will the Prime Minister set out how the Government will give my constituents access to the healthcare they deserve?
I am pleased that we have made progress on the NHS. We promised 2 million extra appointments in the first year of a Labour Government, and we have delivered over 4 million extra appointments with 2,000 extra GPs. We are also clearing up dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in hospitals, publishing national league tables to ensure investment goes where it is needed most, and implementing our 10-year health plan which will see neighbourhood health centres in every community treating patients closer to home.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not specify how his government would make it easier for constituents to see a GP.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Connor Edwards, a constituent of Josh Newbury, suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and craniocervical instability. He is crowdfunding for treatment in Spain due to the NHS's inability to provide necessary help.
My constituent Connor Edwards lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and craniocervical instability which means his head is slowly falling off his body. Once enjoying fishing and mountain biking, at 30 he is now largely bed-bound and says his condition has destroyed his quality of life. He is crowdfunding for treatment in Spain because the NHS cannot give him help. Will the Prime Minister ensure I, Connor and EDS charities have a meeting with the Minister to discuss what more we can do to give thousands of people like Connor their freedom back?
I have read through the details of Connor’s case which has just been summarised. It is heartbreaking. I thank my hon. Friend for consistently campaigning and championing all those affected. I will make sure that he gets the meetings he needs so that we can hear from Connor and others and learn from their experience.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not specify what measures would be taken to improve treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome patients within the NHS.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns about fracking's impact on water contamination, air pollution, and seismic activities.
Let’s talk about fracking. It contaminates the water table, it causes air pollution and the test drilling in Lancashire led to earthquakes. Will the Prime Minister stand up to climate deniers? Will he ban fracking once and for all? Does he agree that those who are backing it are supporting fracking stupid reform?
We will ban fracking for good, and let us be absolutely clear that the biggest risk to energy prices is staying hooked on volatile international fossil fuel markets. In stark contrast, Reform is ignoring local communities, putting green jobs and investment at risk and committing to higher bills by warning renewable companies not to invest.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address the specific questions regarding standing up to climate deniers and agreeing with those backing fracking being in support of 'fracking stupid reform'.
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Q5
Partial Answer
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A constituent of the MP died in a tragic fire at Lady Bailey residential park in Winterborne Whitechurch. There were over 900 grassland, woodland and crop fires this summer alone, equaling the busiest year on record for Dorset and Wiltshire fire service.
I am concerned about the funding issues affecting rural areas and their ability to deliver services effectively. The government's programme has not recognised the impact on organisations in North Dorset, leading to tragic events like the recent death of a constituent in a fire attended by 50 firefighters. Will he arrange for the relevant Minister at the Home Office to meet me and senior officials in that fire service to discuss the needs of our rural area?
I am very sorry to hear about the case that the hon. Gentleman raises, and I am sure that the thoughts of the whole House will be with the friends and family of the constituent that he referenced. We have provided Dorset and Wiltshire fire and rescue authority with an increased budget of almost £75 million, but I will ensure that he gets the meeting he has asked for to ensure that we can properly support our firefighters and protect our farmland.
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Vaccinations were invented in Berkeley, Stroud, 230 years ago. The MP is a GP who has vaccinated thousands of patients.
I have jabbed literally thousands of children and adults as a GP. Will the Prime Minister update the House about our new roll-out of chickenpox vaccinations, which will further protect our children? Will he also join me in condemning other political parties that give a platform to people who spread false rumours about vaccination?
My hon. Friend speaks with great authority, and I am proud that Labour is protecting 500,000 children by rolling out chickenpox vaccines. In stark contrast, the man who wrote Reform’s health policy has made shocking and baseless claims that vaccines are linked to cancer, and that has been endorsed by the Reform leader.
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Q7
Partial Answer
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HM Prison Stoke Heath in Shropshire has seen six deaths in custody in less than two years, above the national average.
Will the Prime Minister join me in calling on the Ministry of Justice to ensure that there are enough resources and that the right governance is in place at Stoke Heath?
The Secretary of State for Justice will look into the matter and take up the suggestion, and I will arrange for a meeting as soon as possible.
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Q8
Partial Answer
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The Sunnica solar farm runs through the constituency, and there are more applications in progress without a land use framework to balance demands effectively.
My constituents are concerned that these applications are being made without a land use framework. Will the Prime Minister commit to giving the land use framework statutory weight to ensure that land is used strategically for new clean renewable energy that genuinely benefits communities, farmers, nature, water and housing?
It is important that we move to renewables in order to have energy independence and keep bills down. This will benefit lots of communities, including the hon. Member’s constituency. I want to reassure her constituents that we will follow process and they will always have a say in any decisions.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to statutory weight for land use framework
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Q9
Direct Answer
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Thousands of leaseholders in Hendon are facing ever-rising service charges for poor services, highlighting the need to end the feudal leasehold system.
Will the Prime Minister share with the House what actions the Government are taking to help leaseholders and bring in a system of commonhold?
We are reforming the outdated system so that leaseholders receive stronger rights, powers, and protections. We will bring an end to the feudal leasehold system, reinvigorate commonhold, and deliver the biggest boost to social affordable housing in a generation.
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Q10
Direct Answer
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The Ukrainian community in Acton recalls a visit with the Prime Minister. They want reassurance on efforts to find a just peace and ensure security guarantees.
Will the Prime Minister use his unique role—with influence in the US and the coalition of the willing in Europe—to redouble all efforts to find a just peace, with security guarantees for Ukraine and war crimes punished, so that we can end this war?
Our support for Ukraine remains unwavering. We are working with the coalition of the willing to ensure there are security guarantees as we go forward, making real progress in recent weeks.
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Q11
Partial Answer
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Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, highlighting the importance of discussing suicide prevention.
Will the Prime Minister reaffirm the Government’s commitment to preventing deaths by suicide and say how they are tackling this vital issue?
I will reaffirm our commitment and work across the House with all Members to deal with suicide prevention. Thanking my hon. Friend for her tireless work as Parliamentary Private Secretary over 14 months.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions or details on tackling suicide prevention
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