Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Damien Egan, Labour MP for Bristol North East, was prevented from visiting a school in his constituency because he is Jewish.
I was appalled to hear that the Labour Member of Parliament for Bristol North East (Damien Egan) was prevented from visiting a school in his constituency because he is Jewish. This is antisemitism and it is happening in plain sight. With all due respect to the Prime Minister, I do not want to know how he feels about this; I want to know what he is going to do about it.
Can I start by thanking the hon. Gentleman for raising this case, because it is very serious and very concerning? All Members of Parliament should be able to visit anywhere in their constituency, schools or other places, without any fear of antisemitism. We do take this seriously. We are providing more funding for security and support that we are putting in across the country, and we will be holding to account those who prevented that visit to the school.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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MI5 spent six years misleading the public and concealing information following the Manchester Arena bombing, which had no risk to national security because it was a closed hearing.
I thank the Prime Minister for his commitment to delivering the Hillsborough law, but it has been proven that MI5 spent six years misleading the public and concealing information following the Manchester Arena bombing. There was no risk to national security because it was a closed hearing, so will the Prime Minister deliver justice for those families and confirm that the Government will bring forward an amendment that will make robust the duties and responsibilities of candour for all parts of the state, including individuals in the security services, so we can finally say, “Never again”?
I thank my hon. Friend. The Hillsborough law will right wrongs of the past, changing the balance of power to ensure the state can never hide from the people it should serve. I think some of the families are with us in the Gallery here today, and I will be meeting them later on this afternoon. I have always been clear that the duty of candour applies to the intelligence services. I made a commitment that we would not water down the Bill, and the amendments we have put forward strengthen it. It is right that there are essential safeguards in place to protect national security, and we have got that balance right.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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The Prime Minister made a policy reversal on mandatory digital ID.
I agree with the Prime Minister’s comments on Iran. Today, Erfan Soltani faces execution for protesting in Iran. I am sure the whole House will be united in condemning that; our thoughts are with him and his family and the brave protesters fighting for their freedom against an evil regime.
I welcome the Prime Minister’s latest U-turn—I feel like I say that every week. Mandatory digital ID was a rubbish policy, and the Opposition are glad to see the back of it. Yesterday, the Health Secretary said that the Prime Minister’s new year’s resolution should be to try to get it right first—
“try to get it right first time”. My question to the Prime Minister is: does he agree?
I welcome the Prime Minister’s latest U-turn—I feel like I say that every week. Mandatory digital ID was a rubbish policy, and the Opposition are glad to see the back of it. Yesterday, the Health Secretary said that the Prime Minister’s new year’s resolution should be to try to get it right first—
“try to get it right first time”. My question to the Prime Minister is: does he agree?
I am determined to make it harder for people to work illegally in this country, and that is why there will be checks, which will be digital and mandatory. I will tell the Leader of the Opposition what this Government are doing: whether it is on planning, child poverty, employment rights or investing in our NHS, we are taking the right choices for Britain, but the Opposition oppose every single one.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address the question about getting things right the first time and instead discussed other government policies.
Changed Subject
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Q4
Partial Answer
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The Prime Minister changed the family farm tax policy.
Let us look at some of the other things the Prime Minister did not get right the first time, starting with the family farm tax. Some farmers were so terrified that they sold their farms last year, only for the Prime Minister to U-turn two days before Christmas. Will he apologise for the misery he has caused countless farmers?
The principle we put in place on inheritance tax is the right one. We listened, and we made an announcement. What we are doing is turning the country around.
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Assessment & feedback
No direct apology was given to affected farmers.
Changed Subject
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Q5
Partial Answer
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The Prime Minister's Budget doubled business rates for thousands of pubs.
Let us turn to another area that the Prime Minister has got wrong. His Budget doubled business rates for thousands of pubs. Will the Prime Minister tell us whether there is going to be any change to his business rates policy?
We are working with the sector to ensure that it gets the support it needs. I have to say that the Leader of the Opposition’s new-found concern for pubs will come as a surprise to anyone who remembers the 7,000 pubs that were closed under the Tories.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific change in business rates policy was promised.
Changed Subject
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Q6
Partial Answer
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The issue of the government's business rates policy and its impact on pubs has been widely discussed, with criticism from various sides about its effectiveness and clarity.
The Prime Minister did not answer the question about business rates. It sounds like he does not know what his policy is. On Monday, the Business Secretary said that the Chancellor did not even realise the impact of her business rates policy—no surprise there—and yesterday the tax office said that it did tell the Government what the impact would be. Can the Prime Minister be clear? Did he understand the impact of his own policy on pubs?
We are working with the sector. The right hon. Lady has not explained why she said nothing about the 7,000 pubs that closed on her watch. We are doing other things on the cost of living to help people and to make sure that they can get out and spend money in pubs and hospitality.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether he understood the impact of his policy on pubs or provided a clear answer about business rates. Instead, focused on previous pub closures under her watch.
Shifting Blame
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Q7
Partial Answer
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The MP is criticising the PM for frequent changes in government policies, citing multiple examples of such reversals.
The Prime Minister says that no one is going to listen to us—who is going to listen to him? The winter fuel allowance? U-turn. WASPI women? U-turn. The two-child benefit cap? Uturn. Grooming gangs inquiry? U-turn. The family farms tax? U-turn. Digital ID? U-turn. Jury trials?
Here is the difference: I changed my party, and that is why we stand here with a majority Labour Government. The Leader of the Opposition sits there with her party that lost two thirds of its MPs at the last election, and she is losing more every week.
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Assessment & feedback
Avoided discussing any specific policy U-turns or their impact; instead criticized the opposition.
Changing Subject
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Q8
Direct Answer
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The MP is highlighting the success of London's Mayor Sadiq Khan in reducing knife crime and wants to acknowledge this achievement.
Q4. Mr Speaker, I am sure that you, and I hope others across the Chamber, will agree that we need to recognise and celebrate achievements. This week’s figures have shown that London has had its safest year ever under the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan. In fact, the homicide rate in London is at its lowest since records began. Reform and the Conservatives repeatedly talk down our capital city. Will the Prime Minister join me in saying that they are wrong? Will he applaud those achievements?
My hon. Friend draws attention to the important work of the Mayor of London. Nobody should be talking our country down or talking London down. She is right to say that since we came into office the number of knife crime offences is down, but there is more to do.
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Q9
Partial Answer
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Residents in multiple parts of Kent and Sussex have been without water for several days due to South East Water's failure to deliver services properly, including accusations that the company misled Parliament about these failures.
Families, pensioners, schools, care homes and businesses have been without any water since Saturday. The water company bosses involved stand accused of misleading Parliament over their failures. Given South East Water keeps failing its customers repeatedly, will the Government immediately strip it of its licence?
Ministers have chaired daily emergency meetings to hold South East Water to account for delivering the urgent change needed in all affected areas. We have doubled compensation rates and are clear that the company must urgently invest in infrastructure.
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Assessment & feedback
Immediate revocation of the license was not addressed
Holding Daily Meetings To Hold The Company Accountable
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Q10
Partial Answer
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The announcement of a new rail plan includes upgrades to the Penistone Line, which connects eight constituencies and serves half a million people. The MP seeks funding for a second phase upgrade.
Today’s Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement is a downpayment on the north of England’s future. I want my legacy to be “Two trains an hour Tidball” for our Penistone line. Will the Prime Minister meet me to discuss how we can secure funding for the second phase of the Penistone line upgrade scheme?
Hon. Friend is a dedicated campaigner on this issue. We are taking action, delivering a transformation in journeys across the north. The business case for the first phase of upgrading the line will be prepared with Kirklees council and Transport Secretary will discuss details.
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Meeting to secure funding not explicitly confirmed
Working On Preparing The Business Case
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Q11
Partial Answer
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Young people in a deprived area attend Churchill Community College which has been taught in temporary accommodation for over 16 months due to school deterioration under previous government.
I welcome the Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty and recognising high-quality education as an escape route. However, young people attending Churchill community college have been taught in temporary accommodation for over 16 months. Can the Prime Minister use his good offices to expedite funding from the Department for Education to support rebuilding that school?
Proud of what we are doing on child poverty, lifting half a million children out of it. The situation my hon. Friend describes is appalling; schools crumbling under previous government's neglect. £20 billion invested to rebuild around 800 schools, aiming for all RAAC-free by end of Parliament.
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Specific funding expedited not addressed
Investing In Rebuilding Schools
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Q12
Direct Answer
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Reports suggest Elon Musk's company, X, may be under pressure from the UK government to comply with laws following concerns over content moderation and abuse on its platforms.
If reports are correct that Elon Musk has climbed down today under pressure from this Government, let’s be clear: stripping women naked without consent is abusive. Will the Prime Minister join me in demanding no tolerance for abuse of men, women or children by any app or AI company in this country?
Actions of Grok and X are disgusting; decision to turn it into a premium service is horrific. We are determined to take action, making clear that X must comply with UK law or face Ofcom’s investigation and legislation.
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Q13
Direct Answer
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Recent AI-generated images shared on X, particularly those of children, have caused public concern. The Leader of Reform, the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage), has defended Elon Musk.
As someone with personal experience of AI-generated images, the recent AI images shared on X, particularly those of children, sicken me. Yet the Leader of Reform, the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage), continues to defend Elon Musk. Anyone who defends platforms linked to the sexual exploitation of children forfeits any right to give lectures about protecting women and girls. What will the Prime Minister do to stop any political party from putting tech billionaires ahead of protecting our children?
I thank the hon. Member for raising that. It is astonishing that Reform defends Musk on this issue. I said that the images are disgusting; Reform’s position on this issue is disgusting. This is weaponising images of women and children and they should never be made, and that is why we are acting. Reform refused to do anything about it, but more than that, on the point she raised, it would scrap the Online Safety Act 2023, which stops children accessing pornography and content on suicide, self-harm and eating disorders. Reform is an absolute disgrace and knows nothing about protecting children.
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Q14
Direct Answer
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Reform MPs opposed the principle of deploying British troops to maintain peace in Ukraine. The questioner highlights this as a deviation from Britain’s history of defending democracy in Europe.
Many of my constituents in Stevenage were appalled to hear Reform MPs oppose the principle of deploying British troops to maintain peace in Ukraine. Our brilliant armed forces have defended democracy in Europe across the generations, so it is shameful that the leader of Reform opposes that today. That is not leadership; it is surrender. Does the Prime Minister agree that Labour Governments always have and always will defend British interests, not those of Russian dictators or oligarchs?
This is a question of values and freedom. I am proud of the British workers, including in my hon. Friend’s constituency, supporting our Ukrainian allies. Ukrainian soldiers are defending European values on the frontline every day. In the event of a ceasefire, a multinational force will carry out defence and deterrence operations and conduct training, planning, recovery and regeneration of Ukrainian forces. This week, the leader of Reform said that Russia had a casus belli—that means a justification for war—in invading Ukraine. He is a Putin apologist using Russia’s talking points.
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Q15
Partial Answer
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The Ministry of Defence has said that it needs an extra £28 billion to keep the UK safe. The questioner proposes redirecting funds from the Chagos islands surrender policy.
The world is becoming more dangerous every single day. The Ministry of Defence has said that it needs an extra £28 billion to keep us safe. Well, I know where the Prime Minister can find it: stop this nonsense Chagos islands surrender policy, and spend that money on protecting the United Kingdom. Will the Prime Minister commit to that, or will he continue to put the interests of foreign Governments and countries above our own?
Diego Garcia is a vital military base with important capabilities for our allies. It is integral to our security. Our decision was welcomed by our allies, the Five Eyes, India and the United States. It was opposed by our enemies, including Russia. Now we can add the Tories and Reform to that list. The Tories are following Reform; Reform is following Putin.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address the specific request for redirecting funds from the Chagos Islands policy.
Following Putin
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Q16
Direct Answer
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The questioner highlights the chronic shortage of social housing and genuinely affordable homes in Bolton South and Walkden, despite existing benefits from Labour Government actions.
I offer my condolences to the families of the four people who died in the road traffic accident that occurred over the weekend in my constituency. Families in Bolton South and Walkden are already benefiting from this Labour Government’s actions—free school meals, free breakfast clubs, 30 hours of funded childcare and the scrapping of the two-child limit—which are taking nearly half a million children out of poverty. However, in Bolton South and Walkden and across the country, there is a chronic shortage of social housing and genuinely affordable homes. Will the Prime Minister now show the same ambition on housing, and commit to a major expansion of social housing?
My thoughts, and the thoughts of the whole House, are with all those so awfully impacted by the terrible road traffic accident in my hon. Friend’s constituency over the weekend. On her question, we are determined to restore the dream of home ownership. That is why there has been £39 billion of investment to deliver the biggest boost in social and affordable housing in a generation. Through planning reforms, the new homes accelerator and new towns, we are determined to deliver the homes that people need.
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Q17
Partial Answer
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4.8 million leaseholders in England are facing large bills due to a lack of legislative change on leasehold and commonhold issues.
I wish you a belated happy new year, Mr Speaker. However, for the 4.8 million leaseholders across England, it is not a happy new year; they will receive large bills in a matter of weeks. They have been waiting patiently for us, a new Government who said we would deliver change, to bring forward legislation on leasehold and commonhold. When will we see that legislation, so that we can put those leaseholders out of their misery?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important issue. We will bring forward proposals very shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or concrete details on the legislation were provided
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Q18
Partial Answer
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35,000 children with uncontrolled life-threatening epilepsy face delays in accessing prescribed medical cannabis due to the current Home Office process.
Some 35,000 children, including my constituent Clover, live with uncontrolled, life-threatening epilepsy. Those who can afford it already benefit from prescribed medical cannabis, but families face endless delays, confused trials and a Home Office process designed for criminal misuse, not for healthcare. Will the Prime Minister meet me and affected families to discuss moving paediatric medical cannabis out of Home Office control, creating a pathway for proper trials, and NHS access, and ensuring that all children with life-threatening epilepsy get the care that they deserve, regardless of their family circumstances?
I thank the hon. Lady for raising the case of Clover. NHS England and the National Institute for Health and Care Research recently agreed funding for two world-first clinical trials relating to the use of cannabis-based products. That could help these medicines to become more routinely available in the NHS. I will ensure that she gets the meeting that she wants with the relevant Minister to discuss what else we are doing.
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While acknowledging the issue and committing to a meeting, no specific action or timeline was provided
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Q19
Partial Answer
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Millions of plastic beads washed up on beaches due to a Southern Water treatment plant, causing concern for wildlife and requiring extensive cleanup efforts.
The people I represent are fed up with Southern Water, when it comes to everything from sewage and broken pipes to water outages, even on Christmas day. In November, millions of plastic beads washed up on our beaches, and we discovered that they came from a Southern Water treatment plant. I am campaigning for water companies to stop using this outdated plastic bead method, and to bin the beads. We are really concerned about the impact on wildlife, and have a massive clean-up operation on our hands. More than 5,000 people have already supported my campaign with the Sussex Wildlife Trust. Does the Prime Minister share my horror about this dereliction of duty by Southern Water, and will he join me in calling for it to face the full force of the law for that terrible pollution incident?
I credit my hon. Friend with having helped to expose this scandal, and with working with everyone in her community to volunteer to clean up the beaches. That is the very best of who we are. People are right to be furious that, for far too long, water companies were allowed to get away with polluting our seas and beaches. The Environment Agency is leading a full investigation. More generally, we are ending unfair bonuses for polluting water bosses, abolishing Ofwat, and introducing tougher penalties to hold companies to account.
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Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging the issue and stating general actions against pollution, no specific commitment regarding legal action was made
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Q20
Partial Answer
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There is suspicion that the Government favour a particular option for Huntingdonshire's local government reorganisation.
Ahead of the forthcoming consultation on local government reorganisation, last month Huntingdonshire district council voted for option E, a Huntingdonshire unitary council. That was a cross-party view, and the Prime Minister’s own Labour councillors voted in favour of it. There is a suspicion locally that the Government favour option D, proposed by the Labour eastern regional office, which would see Huntingdonshire, and my constituency, split in two and combined with Peterborough. Will the Prime Minister offer assurances to my constituents and people across Huntingdonshire that the decision is not already a done deal, and that the democratic will of Huntingdonshire district council will not be overridden to satisfy an unelected Labour regional office?
There are no done deals here; we are going through the proper process.
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No specific assurances were given, and the issue of overriding democratic will was not addressed
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Q21
Partial Answer
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Staff at West Hertfordshire teaching hospitals NHS trust won awards for their performance and recovery efforts.
The staff at West Hertfordshire teaching hospitals NHS trust, which operates Watford general hospital in my constituency, have been very busy bees. They recently won trust of the year and a performance recovery award at the 2025 Health Service Journal awards. Will the Prime Minister join me in congratulating the amazing team at Watford general, and thank them for all the hard work they have done to achieve this admirable accolade? Imagine what further achievements they will make when they have their new hospital and new facilities.
I will join my hon. Friend, and thank not only the staff in his hospital, but NHS staff across the country, who worked so hard over Christmas and new year, which is a notoriously difficult time.
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Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging the questioner's praise for the trust, no specific congratulations were given to the staff or mention of their awards
Response accuracy