PMQs 2025-03-05

2025-03-05

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Satvir Kaur Lab
Southampton Test
Context
The Employment Rights Bill is under review, aiming to improve workers' rights across the country.
I am concerned about how our Employment Rights Bill will deliver improvements for constituents in Southampton Test and put more money in their pockets as part of our plan for change.
The Employment Rights Bill is the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, set to benefit more than 10 million workers across the country. It will tackle low pay, poor working conditions, and job insecurity. The bill aims to be pro-worker, pro-business, and supportive of economic growth.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on how constituents in Southampton Test would benefit or how it would put more money directly into their pockets
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
There are concerns about divisions between Ukraine and the US, which could impact peace efforts. The Prime Minister visited Washington to secure a security guarantee for Ukraine.
I thank the Prime Minister for his previous answers regarding the need for unity in addressing the Ukrainian conflict. However, there are reports that the United States has instructed Britain to suspend intelligence sharing with Ukraine and concerns about the future of Five Eyes cooperation. Can the Prime Minister update us on steps he is taking to persuade America to provide a security guarantee?
I am pleased to inform the House that on Thursday of last week, President Trump and I discussed security guarantees. The President reaffirmed his commitment to NATO's article 5 and agreed that our teams would sit down together to discuss security guarantees. Since then, we have spoken three times via telephone.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific intelligence matters or concerns about the future of Five Eyes cooperation directly
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
There are concerns about trade wars, tariffs, and economic stability in the UK. The Prime Minister visited Washington to discuss a potential UK-US trade deal.
I am glad that talks on a UK-US trade deal have begun following the Prime Minister's trip to Washington. However, people across our country are worried about national security, military readiness, the possibility of deploying troops in Ukraine, and economic stability. Can the Prime Minister now change course to provide the economic security needed for our national security?
We have turned around a £22 billion black hole in the economy. We are seeing higher investment, wages above inflation, and interest rates cut three times. This is different from instability under Labour.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address changing economic course or addressing concerns about tariffs and trade wars
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Kevin Bonavia Lab
Stevenage
Context
The Prime Minister announced a £13.4 billion increase in defence spending, which has been welcomed in Stevenage.
I commend the Prime Minister for his leadership on national security both at home and abroad. Will he outline how this increased defence spending will boost jobs and growth in places such as Stevenage?
Our plan for change is built on national security, including economic security. We are returning to a 2.5% investment in defence, and this must mean UK skills, jobs, and apprenticeships. On Monday we announced a new hub and spending targets to help 12,000 SMEs access the supply chain, which will boost economic growth.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on how it would benefit Stevenage directly
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Ed Davey Lib Dem
Kingston upon Thames
Context
Four British women have accused Andrew Tate of rape and human trafficking. British police issued arrest warrants for the Tates, who fled to Romania and then to the United States.
Given that four British women have accused Andrew Tate of rape and human trafficking, and British police have issued arrest warrants, does the Prime Minister agree that people wanted by British police for such crimes should stand trial in our country? Given his assessment that President Trump is a reliable ally, will his Government request an urgent extradition of the Tate brothers?
Justice must be done in all cases, including this case. However, because it is a live issue, I tread carefully and will not go into details. The principle is clear: justice must be served. We are working closely with the United States to address these matters.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide any specifics about extradition request
Tread Carefully
Response accuracy
Q6 Direct Answer
Steve Race Lab
Exeter
Context
Parents in Exeter are struggling to get support for their children with special educational needs. One child underwent major surgery and needed additional support to return to a mainstream school, but due to the disarray of the SEND system, this is not possible.
Will the Prime Minister provide an update on Government work that will reform the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, to ensure every child in Exeter has the best start in life?
We are investing £1 billion in SEND and £740 million for councils to improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools. We have deployed SEND advisers to offer support to local authorities, including Devon county council, to deliver an accelerated progress plan.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Chris Law SNP
Dundee Central
Context
President Trump has ended military aid to Ukraine, banned the UK from sharing US intelligence with Ukraine, and is seeking to lift sanctions on Russia.
Will the Prime Minister provide leadership by urgently making a decision to be the first leader to release seized Russian state assets to Ukraine under international law?
We are using interest from the seized assets to help fund Ukraine and are looking with others at whether it is possible to go further. I will update the House if progress can be made. The SNP's position on nuclear deterrents must be explained in historical context.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a clear yes or no on releasing seized Russian assets
Historical Context
Response accuracy
Q8 Direct Answer
Paul Davies Lab
Colne Valley
Context
Labour is rolling out free breakfast clubs, starting with 750 schools including Scapegoat Hill junior and infant school in the constituency.
Will the Prime Minister update the House on how Labour's plan for change will ensure every child has a fair start regardless of background?
Labour promised free breakfast clubs in every primary school, with the first 750 opening in April. Two will open in the constituency of the Leader of the Opposition in April, and up to £450 a year back in pockets of working families.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Ian Sollom Lib Dem
St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire
Context
The question follows the Prime Minister's statement about creating defence jobs. The MP raises concerns over the need for a detailed skills strategy within the Department of Education.
On Monday, the Prime Minister talked about creating defence jobs across the country as we rebuild our defence industrial capacity. Will he and the Government bring forward an urgent plan for skills in the defence sector, and does he agree with his Education Secretary that the strategy for defence skills should sit purely under the Department for Education, and not an under-powered Executive agency?
I thank the hon. Member for raising this issue, because it is a duty to increase our spending on defence and security, but it also provides an opportunity for jobs across the country—good jobs, well-paid jobs, skilled jobs, as he rightly identifies, and jobs with a real sense of pride, and we are working on that.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not directly address whether there will be an urgent plan for skills in the defence sector or if it should sit under the Department of Education as suggested by his Education Secretary.
Working On
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Emma Lewell-Buck Lab
South Shields
Context
The MP discusses a high death rate from asbestos exposure in South Shields and requests for action on the national digital register of asbestos locations.
My lovely grandad John Henry Richardson passed away in 1998 from work-related asbestos exposure. Today, in South Shields, we have one of the highest death rates from this silent killer in the United Kingdom. Will the Prime Minister look at introducing a national digital register so that we know where the asbestos is, and commit to a phased removal of it from public buildings?
I am sure that I speak for the whole House when I say that I am very sorry to hear what happened to my hon. Friend’s grandfather. These are just awful cases, and the deaths are terrible. I have no doubt that he was a wonderful man, and he would have been very proud to have seen her in her place today. I will ensure that she gets a meeting with the relevant Minister.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not directly commit to introducing a national digital register or phased removal of asbestos from public buildings.
Will Arrange A Meeting
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Oliver Dowden Con
Hertsmere
Context
The MP raises concerns about the impact of Labour's VAT increase on private schools, leading to a loss in education options for students and increased strain on state schools.
St Hilda’s girls school looks set to join Immanuel Jewish prep as the second school in Bushey alone forced to close because of Labour’s VAT hike. That is a double hit to aspirations—first, to those of the parents, many of whom are not wealthy and who have described the significant sacrifices they have made to send their children to these schools; and secondly, it affects the excellent local state schools, including the one that I attended, which simply do not have the places, meaning that this policy will not even save money. May I therefore urge the Prime Minister, even at this late stage, to look again at the failures of this policy?
I do not doubt the aspirations of all parents for their children. What we have been able to do is ensure that we release the funding to ensure that our state secondary schools have the teachers they need. There is no point the Conservatives pretending that they are interested in state education when they left them without the teachers they needed.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address any issues related to reconsidering VAT increase on private schools.
Blaming The Opposition
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Richard Foord Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Context
The MP raises concerns about a US politician's comment that dismisses the UK’s war efforts, suggesting it should be reminded of its historical friendship with the USA.
Daniel Coffey from Cullompton lost his life while serving in Iraq. His grandfather said yesterday that Vice-President J.D. Vance“should have a lot more respect for those who lost their lives”in response to Vance’s comment about“some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years”.Will the PM gently remind the US Government that the UK was there for the US following the 9/11 attacks when Lord Robertson invoked article 5, we were there for the US for the intervention in Iraq, and that they might remember our long-standing friendship when we think about security guarantees for Ukraine?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising that—I know that he speaks for the whole House. We remember the role that we have played historically with our allies, and we remember in particular those who made the ultimate sacrifice in that duty for their country and for our allies. That is why it is so important that we make that point today.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not directly mention reminding the US of historical friendship with UK.
Emphasizing Shared History
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
David Davis Con
Goole and Pocklington
Context
The MP discusses an accusation by a Northern Ireland coroner against British soldiers for unlawful killings, suggesting that such rulings are partisan and unfair to the soldiers.
Four weeks ago, the Northern Ireland coroner accused British soldiers of unlawful killing after they engaged with IRA would-be murderers. After careful reading, as far as I can see, that judgment was based on no evidence whatsoever. More than 100 special forces soldiers have been summoned before those inquiries; not one IRA leader has been summoned in the same way. Soldiers who serve our country with honour, heroism and skill are being punished in their declining years for doing nothing but carrying out their patriotic duty in the face of enormous risks. Given how the Prime Minister opened his comments, with which I associate myself, does he not think that he and his Government have a duty to protect those soldiers from such partisan parodies of justice in their declining years?
On the coroner’s ruling, I have not seen the details, I am afraid, so I cannot comment. On the broader point, it is right that we should protect those who serve our country, wherever they serve our country—getting the balance right is critical. I did not think that the legislation put forward by the Conservative Government achieved that, but I believe none the less that, in the interests of everybody in Northern Ireland, of all those who served and all those who are victims, we need to renew our efforts to find a way forward on this important issue.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not directly address whether there is a duty to protect soldiers from partisan inquiries.
Lack Of Details
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Wendy Morton Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Context
The war in Ukraine has highlighted the need for greater food security. The Government's family farm tax policy may force farmers to sell their land, potentially undermining food security.
I pay tribute to the Prime Minister for his efforts to bring Europe together to ensure that we work to restore peace in Ukraine. The war in Ukraine has also demonstrated the need for greater food security and stronger supply chains, but if the Government force our farmers to sell their land because of the divisive family farm tax, they will undermine that. Ahead of the spring statement, will he think that policy through again and seek to end it? National security needs food security, farming and farmers.
We put a record amount into farming in the Budget—£5 billion. We have set out our road map for farming, which has been welcomed by the National Farmers Union. As the right hon. Lady knows, the vast majority of farms will not be affected by the provisions that we are putting in place.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister acknowledged the need for food security but did not directly address whether he would reconsider or end the family farm tax policy.
Put A Record Amount Into Farming Road Map For Farming Welcomed
Response accuracy
Q15 Direct Answer
Lee Pitcher Lab
Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
Context
Patients in Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme are frustrated with difficulties in getting GP appointments due to an 8 am scramble.
For months, my constituents in Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme have been telling me how fed up they are with not being able to get an appointment because of the 8 am scramble. The last thing they need when they are ill is to have to pick up the phone and wait, and fight again to be first. It is great news that the Government’s new GP contract will start to resolve that, but can the Prime Minister reassure my constituents who cannot use technology that they will still be able to book an appointment?
Last week, for the first time in four years, the British Medical Association agreed the GP contract with the Government, worth an extra £889 million. Patients will be able to request appointments online from October, but I absolutely reassure my hon. Friend and others that that will free up the phones for those who need them most, and help end the 8 am scramble.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Rosie Duffield Ind
Canterbury
Context
The UK's estimated 3 million millionaires have been questioned on their contributions to national security, alongside the end of international aid programmes affecting the poorest.
Under his Labour Government, does the Prime Minister believe that the UK’s estimated 3 million millionaires should contribute more to our vital national security, or is it just the world’s poorest, by no longer benefiting from our international aid programmes, or the shameful almost 6 million children living in poverty in this country who should pay for it? What happened to the wealth tax, Prime Minister?
I think all should, and all do, make a contribution at this vital time.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address the question about wealth tax or whether it would be reintroduced.
All Should Contribute
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Naushabah Khan Lab
Gillingham and Rainham
Context
Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham and Rainham has received a concerning Care Quality Commission report, highlighting significant issues such as patients waiting up to 50 hours for care.
Medway Maritime hospital in my constituency of Gillingham and Rainham has today received a concerning Care Quality Commission report, following an inspection of the emergency department in February last year. Testimonies include patients having to wait up to 50 hours to be seen, and others being told to soil themselves because staff were not available to take them to the bathroom. Will the Prime Minister please outline what this Government will do urgently to tackle the crisis in our NHS, after 14 years of Tory mismanagement?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this case. Her constituents deserve the highest standard of care. The Conservatives left the NHS in dire straits. We are investing £26 billion and our reform plan will cut waiting lists. I am really pleased to say that waiting lists are down and we have delivered over 2 million extra appointments to get the NHS back on its feet.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister acknowledged the crisis but did not provide specific urgent measures for Medway Maritime Hospital.
Investing £26 Billion Reform Plan
Response accuracy