PMQs 2025-07-16

2025-07-16

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Jacob Rees-Mogg Con
North East Somerset
Context
Families in Burton and Uttoxeter are concerned about high energy bills, which have risen due to smart meters recording usage. The Labour Party has proposed a warm home discount of £150 off energy bills.
Families in Burton and Uttoxeter are watching their smart meters like hawks, and dreading the moment when their energy bill lands on the doormat. I therefore welcome Labour’s warm home discount, which will mean £150 off energy bills for millions of people across this country, providing meaningful support in these difficult times. Will the Prime Minister set out how that will help support families in my constituency and across the country?
I met my hon. Friend’s constituent Nicola in her kitchen, and she told me how hard she is working to support her three children, but that the past decade has let her down, with false promises and public services a wreck. She told me about the difference the warm home discount will make, and that £150 off her energy bills would make all the difference to her.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not provide specific details on how the government's policy supports families beyond a general reference to Nicola's story.
Personal Anecdote
Response accuracy
Q2 Evasion / No Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
Yesterday, the Office for Budget Responsibility warned of negative economic impacts due to higher taxes. The Prime Minister previously promised high growth.
Yesterday, the head of the Office for Budget Responsibility warned the Government that higher and higher levels of taxes are bad for growth. Does the Prime Minister agree?
Mr Speaker, I will tell you what is bad for growth: 14 years of a Tory Government. That meant stagnant growth for 14 years, leaving a £22 billion black hole. In the first quarter of this year we have achieved: the highest growth in the G7; investment of £120 billion in this country, which is a record in the first year of any Government; and three trade deals, all of which will boost growth.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not directly answer whether he agrees with OBR's warning but instead criticized previous Tory governments.
Deflection
Response accuracy
Q3 Evasion / No Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
The Prime Minister's economic policies have led to inflation, borrowing, unemployment rising, and taxes up.
The Prime Minister is talking about what he has achieved, but we have just heard that inflation is up again—the worst in the G7. We left him with 2% inflation. We have borrowing up, unemployment up and taxes up under his Government. The fact is that the Prime Minister does not get it, so let me tell him. His Budget last year had high taxes. That is why the economy is contracting. The Government have said that they will not put up taxes for people on modest incomes, but they also seem incapable of explaining who is in that category, so can the Prime Minister clear up the confusion and tell us what he thinks a modest income is?
I think of the working people across this country who put in every day and do not get back what they deserve. That is who we are working for, and that is why we put the national living wage up, with an extra £1,400.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not define a modest income but instead spoke about raising the minimum wage.
Deflection
Response accuracy
Q4 Evasion / No Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
The Chancellor is launching a review into pension contributions, suggesting potential new taxes.
I asked him what a modest income was. He answered with what a working person is. He does not know what a modest income is, and they cannot even define who working people are. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury said that working people are people who get a payslip, but millions of self-employed people do not get a payslip, so are the self-employed next in line for a Labour tax raise?
The self-employed were the very people who suffered repeatedly under the Conservatives’ watch, particularly during covid, as I remember, when they did not get the support that they needed.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not directly address whether self-employed individuals would be taxed but instead criticized previous Tory policies.
Deflection
Response accuracy
Q5 Evasion / No Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
The government's economic record is criticized for high unemployment, low growth, and high inflation.
I do not know where these 3,000 jobs are coming from. Unemployment has gone up every month under his Government. Perhaps the Prime Minister should speak to farmers and small business people and find out what those working people think about his Government. But that is not all, because we know that the Chancellor is launching a review into pension contributions. It is as clear as day why this is. It is because the Government are considering taxing them. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that a tax on pension contributions is a tax on working people?
We made absolutely clear manifesto commitments, which the right hon. Lady asked me about last week, and we are keeping to them.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not clarify if reviewing pension contributions would lead to taxes but instead referred back to previous promises.
Deflection
Response accuracy
Q6 Evasion / No Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
The Chancellor's statements suggest potential new taxes, causing market concerns about borrowing costs.
The Prime Minister says that he is not going to write the Budget, but his Chancellor is on the front of the Daily Mirror talking about what she is going to do on taxes, so why can he not do the same in the Chamber? I asked him about pension contributions. The truth is that he does not want to talk about pension contributions.
We made absolutely clear manifesto commitments, which the right hon. Lady asked me about last week, and we are keeping to them.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address why pension contributions were not discussed but instead referred back to previous promises.
Deflection
Response accuracy
Q7 Evasion / No Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
The government's economic policies are criticized for high borrowing costs, inflation, and low growth.
But it is the end of term, so why don’t we go through the Prime Minister’s end-of-term scorecard? The economy is contracting, inflation is the highest in the G7, unemployment is up every month under this Government, spending is out of control, borrowing costs are more expensive than in Greece—and this is just the first year. The Labour party should be ashamed of what it is doing to the country.
The Conservatives left the most incredible mess in the economy, and now they think that they can lecture others. Just last week their chairman said that they had done the necessary apologising for the 14 years of failure.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address criticism about economic performance but instead criticized previous Tory governments.
Deflection
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Colum Eastwood Social Democratic & Labour Party
Foyle
Context
Victims of the Troubles across Northern Ireland have expressed deep concern over promises made regarding prosecution immunity for murderers. The Prime Minister previously promised these individuals that no murderer would be immune from prosecution.
The Prime Minister will never know exactly how much it meant to victims of the troubles in Northern Ireland, from right across society, when he came, looked them in their eyes and promised them that no murderer would be immune from prosecution. Can he tell us when he last spoke to the Taoiseach about the shared approach to this issue, and will he recommit today to those victims, to ensure that no murderer will be seen to be above the law?
This is a really important issue, and can I begin by saying that I have a profound respect and debt to our veterans who served? This is a complicated issue and we have to get it right. Veterans are at risk because of the false promises of the last Government. Let us be clear: the last Government made a false promise of immunity that does not exist. It was unlawful, it was struck down, and it was undeliverable. Their failed legacy Act leaves veterans exposed with no settled process. We will create a secure, transparent system that protects veterans from unjustified persecution and gives victims, families and survivors the confidence they need in the process.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not provide a specific timeline on discussions with the Taoiseach or a recommitment to the promise made to the victims of the Troubles.
Did Not Specify When He Last Spoke To The Taoiseach Avoided Recommitting To The Original Promise
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Ed Davey Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Context
A new report from the Board of Deputies’ commission on antisemitism has set out 10 recommendations to tackle antisemitism in British society, following the rise in incidents since Hamas’s October terror attacks.
May I associate myself with the Prime Minister’s words about the shocking Afghan data breach under the previous Government, which was kept secret for three years? He will have our support if he decides to pursue a public inquiry. I know that the Prime Minister will agree that the shocking rise of antisemitism that we have seen since Hamas’s 7 October terror attacks has no place in our society. British Jews should not have to live in fear of hatred, racism and abuse on our streets or online. A new report from the Board of Deputies’ commission on antisemitism, chaired by Lord Mann and Dame Penny Mordaunt, has set out 10 recommendations to tackle this appalling scourge. Will the Prime Minister study this report, and will his Government respond to it in full?
Yes, we will. We must fight antisemitism wherever we find it, as we must fight all hate offences, crimes and incidents wherever we find them.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not provide a specific timeline for studying the report or responding to its recommendations.
Did Not Specify When He Would Study The Report Did Not Commit To A Full Response
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Andy MacNae Lab
Rossendale and Darwen
Context
Four-year-old Eli Testa was killed in Rawtenstall cemetery when a memorial stone fell on him. Families in Rossendale are concerned about reports that Reform-led Lancashire county council is considering cuts to nursery funding, which would raise costs for working parents and might force some nurseries to close.
Q3. Last week, four-year-old Eli Testa was killed in Rawtenstall cemetery when a memorial stone fell on him. All of Rossendale was shocked by this tragedy, so I hope the Prime Minister will join me in offering his deepest condolences to Eli’s parents and family. Families in Rossendale are also deeply concerned about reports that Reform-led Lancashire county council is considering cuts to nursery funding, which would raise costs for working parents and might force some nurseries to close. If this is an example of the sort of efficiencies that Reform is considering, then all of Lancashire—indeed, all of us—should be worried. Will the Prime Minister join me in asking Lancashire county council to think again?
I send my deepest condolences to Eli’s friends and family. I join my hon. Friend in urging the new Reform council to think again and change its mind on damaging cuts that hit children and young families. My hon. Friend is doing a much better job than his predecessor, the Conservative party chairman under Liz Truss, who has now joined Reform. That proves once again that if people vote Tory they get Reform, and if they vote Reform they get the Tories. While both parties are cutting services at home, we support families with free school meals and free breakfast clubs, and by extending free childcare.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not explicitly join in offering condolences or urge the council to reconsider cuts.
Did Not Directly Offer Condolences Did Not Urge The Council To Reconsider Cuts
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
James MacCleary Lib Dem
Lewes
Context
A woman died tragically after being denied access to the only licensed treatment, Xonvea, leading to her unborn child's death. The drug is available but faces a postcode lottery.
Severe pregnancy sickness—hyperemesis gravidarum, or HG—can mean vomiting more than 20 times a day. It causes physical discomfort, acute malnutrition and severe dehydration, which often leads to hospitalisation. It has profound and long-lasting mental health consequences. It was recently reported that a woman took her own life after being denied access to the only licensed treatment, Xonvea—tragically, her unborn child died too. The drug is licensed and available, yet women face a cruel postcode lottery to access it. Will the Prime Minister work urgently with the Department of Health and Social Care to end this scandal, so that every woman who needs Xonvea can get it, wherever she lives? Will he meet with me and campaigners to look at this as a matter of urgency?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this really important issue. I am obviously incredibly sorry to hear about the tragic case that he mentions. As he will know, the availability of this drug is regulated across the NHS by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which makes decisions on which treatments provide the best care for patients while maintaining value for money for the taxpayer. I will make sure that he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to see what more can be done to get this treatment to patients who need it.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to concrete actions or timelines, only offered a meeting
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Navendu Mishra Lab
Stockport
Context
The need for social housing is critical, with many families living in insecure and overcrowded accommodation. Labour's £39 billion investment aims to address this.
In Stockport, approximately 20% of families live in social housing. After Stockport Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors blocked the Greater Manchester spatial framework proposal in 2020, the need for social housing is even more critical. Far too many families are living in insecure, overcrowded accommodation and waiting years for a suitable family home. I welcome Labour’s record-breaking £39 billion investment in social and affordable housing, and I want to ensure that communities such as mine in Stockport are prioritised. Can the Prime Minister confirm that these homes will be built and will be affordable? Will he look again at suspending the right to buy?
We are delivering the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation, and we are proud to do so. Our £39 billion investment will deliver around 300,000 social and affordable homes, with at least 60% of homes delivered for social rent. While we do not intend to remove the right to buy, which helps social tenants to get on the property ladder, we are reforming the scheme to protect social housing stock and encourage councils to deliver more new homes.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm delivery of affordable homes or review right to buy
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Julian Smith Con
Skipton and Ripon
Context
There is a need for better understanding of the needs of autistic and neurodiverse children in mainstream education.
A much better understanding of the particular needs of autistic and neurodiverse children is vital to expanding capacity in mainstream education for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. As the Prime Minister looks at the SEND Bill over the summer, can I urge him to introduce mandatory training for all teachers and staff on autism and neurodiversity?
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that contribution, because parents and children have been failed far too often. We are committing an additional £1 billion to SEND, but there must be meaningful reform alongside it, and new teachers must have the appropriate training. We are committed to reviewing that and to working with parents and teachers, and we will take away his suggestion. I invite him and others across the House to work with us on this important reform, because I think this issue has been raised with me more than any other at Prime Minister’s questions. It is clearly a broken system; it needs reform.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to mandatory training but indicated willingness to review and work on the issue
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Tim Roca Lab
Macclesfield
Context
There are concerns about the arbitrary detention of several British citizens, including Jimmy Lai, Ryan Cornelius, Alaa Abd el-Fattah, Jagtar Singh Johal.
I commend the Prime Minister on his work to tackle the arbitrary detention of British citizens abroad and warmly welcome the creation of a special envoy. He will know of the anguish of the families of Jimmy Lai, Ryan Cornelius, Alaa Abd el-Fattah, Jagtar Singh Johal and others. Can the Prime Minister tell us when he anticipates the appointment of the envoy will happen? Will they have real powers, like their counterparts in Canada and the United States, to help bring our people home?
I thank my hon. Friend for his work on the all-party parliamentary group on arbitrary detention and hostage affairs, championing the plight of British nationals facing the most difficult circumstances overseas? We routinely raise these cases with international counterparts, as he would expect, and we are deeply committed to getting them home and united with their loved ones. As part of our work to strengthen support for British nationals overseas, we are working at pace to get the envoy role set up, and I will make sure that he is kept updated about that.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm timing or powers but indicated ongoing efforts
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Blake Stephenson Con
Mid Bedfordshire
Context
There are concerns about the alignment of integrated care boards with new strategic authorities, particularly in Bedfordshire.
Government plans for English devolution and NHS reform suggest that integrated care boards should align with new strategic authorities. The Government’s plan for Bedfordshire will not currently achieve that, so what assurances can the Prime Minister provide that local NHS reorganisation will be good value for money, improve local accountability and deliver the healthcare services that are needed to serve my constituents in rural Mid Bedfordshire, including the much-needed GP surgery in Wixams?
The hon. Gentleman’s points about good value for money and accountability are really important. They are embedded in the work we are doing with the NHS at the moment, which is improving on our watch—not only the waiting lists, but in other respects. The 10-year plan for the NHS, which is intended to ensure that the NHS is fit for the future, has a number of principles, including the principle of local accountability.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assurances about value for money and accountability
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Brian Leishman Lab
Alloa and Grangemouth
Context
Alexander Dennis is planning to stop bus manufacturing in Larbert, affecting workers and families in Falkirk.
On 11 June, Alexander Dennis announced that it was planning to stop bus manufacturing in Scotland. My hon. Friend the Member for Falkirk (Euan Stainbank) and I have met the workers, the trade unions, the company and both UK and Scottish Government Ministers to see how closure can be averted. Alexander Dennis needs commitments to orders for 2025 and 2026, and elected mayors are ideally placed to do this. Our industrial strategy is right when it says that where things are made, and by whom, matters. As such, can the Prime Minister assure Alexander Dennis and the workers that he believes bus manufacturing should have a future in Larbert and Falkirk?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this matter. It is a deeply concerning time for the workers and their families in Falkirk. I agree with him, and we are working with mayors and local leaders to develop a pipeline of future orders for zero emission buses, which is an important aspect of this issue.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assurances but indicated ongoing efforts
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Imran Hussain Lab
Bradford East
Context
In response to reports of civilian casualties and humanitarian crises in Gaza, the opposition asks for urgent action from the UK government.
Let us be clear in this House: Israel is starving Palestinian children. That is a war crime. Israel is killing Palestinian children as they queue for food. That is a war crime. Our Government have quite rightly imposed thousands of sanctions on Russia for its war crimes in Ukraine. How many more horrors must we witness before the Prime Minister acts with the same scale of sanctions against Israel to stop this genocide? Do Palestinian lives not matter?
As I said earlier, I am appalled by reports of more civilians being killed in Gaza, particularly when they are trying to access aid. Each of those incidents needs to be fully and transparently investigated, with accountability for any failings. That, of course, has to happen alongside the ceasefire that is desperately needed and that we are working hard with others to achieve, in order to release all of the hostages who remain, but also to protect civilians and get much more aid into Gaza at speed and at volume.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not specify any actions or sanctions against Israel as requested.
Working Hard With Others
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Context
A Labour MP expresses disappointment at the lack of support for transport infrastructure improvements in her constituency, particularly regarding the Moor Farm and Seaton Burn roundabouts.
Successive Conservative Governments failed to invest in the transport infrastructure of the north-east, but the Labour Government are already changing that with the £1.8 billion that was recently secured for the region. Upgrading Moor Farm and Seaton Burn roundabouts can build on that, unlocking growth, and is supported by local people and businesses. Does the Prime Minister share my disappointment that rather than supporting my campaign for upgrades, the Conservative leadership in Northumberland county council is actively undermining my lobbying efforts to deliver this game changer for the north-east?
My hon. Friend is doing a superb job for Northumberland, and I am happy to set out what we have delivered. We have delivered more than £400 million of funding for Northumberland county council this year—a 5.8% increase—as well as an 80% increase in the number of homes on which construction has started in my hon. Friend’s area, a near £13 million increase in funding for Northumbria police, and 14 free breakfast clubs in Northumberland, supporting more than 3,000 children. That is the difference that a Labour Government makes.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not directly address the issue of transport infrastructure upgrades as requested.
Superb Job For Northumberland
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Martin Wrigley Lib Dem
Newton Abbot
Context
The Liberal Democrat MP raises concerns about Ukrainian refugees who are worried about their visa status due to reported refusals of asylum despite ongoing conflict.
During my meetings with guests who are in my constituency under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, they have told me that they are worried about their visas running out, even with the 18-month extension. They see reports of Ukrainians being refused asylum in the United Kingdom because it is said to be safe to return to Ukraine, even while Putin’s missiles explode in record numbers in Ukrainian cities. Some of their children are working through two or three-year education courses, and are frightened of having to leave. Will the Prime Minister meet them, and me, to hear about their plight and offer them some hope in this uncertain and dangerous world?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this matter. We are proud to have offered or extended sanctuary to more than 300,000 Ukrainians and their families throughout the operation of the visa scheme since the invasion in 2022. We do need to provide certainty and security for Ukrainians in the United Kingdom, and we will provide an additional 18 months’ permission to remain in the UK as well as continued rights to live, work and study here.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not commit to a specific meeting or address all concerns raised by the questioner.
Provide Certainty And Security
Response accuracy