Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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The question was prompted by concerns over a breach of national security involving sensitive documents being photographed heading into No. 10.
I like to keep the Prime Minister on his toes. Will he reverse this misguided scheme, or will he persist with a plan that makes all of our personal data vulnerable to hacks and attacks?
I thank the hon. Member for her question. The whole point of digital ID, of course, is that you cannot see it, so that should at least deal with her first concern. It is important that we make access to public services as easy as possible for people.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the security concerns raised about personal data being vulnerable to hacks and attacks.
Did Not Acknowledge Security Concerns
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Q2
Partial Answer
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The number of households in temporary accommodation in Cornwall has increased by 265% over five years, prompting the need for investment in social and affordable housing.
In Cornwall we are developing a strategy to provide housing at sites such as Pydar in my constituency, which needs support from Homes England. Will the Prime Minister arrange for us to meet the Housing Minister at our Homes Cornwall launch next month, to accelerate discussions on a strategic partnership for Cornwall so that we can build the right homes in the right places for local people?
I know that the Housing Minister will be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to help unlock new homes for her constituents. We are working closely with local authorities through our small sites aggregator to build new affordable homes on brownfield sites.
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Did not commit to arranging a specific meeting with the Housing Minister.
Did Not Address The Specific Request For A Meeting
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Four victims on the rape gangs survivors panel have resigned due to losing confidence in the Government’s inquiry.
Fiona’s question is simple: “what’s the point in speaking up if we’re just going to be called liars?” The Prime Minister says that they could return to the panel if they wish to. Why would they do that? The Government have been engaged in a briefing war against survivors.
I thank the right hon. Lady for raising that on behalf of Fiona. Let me give Fiona and the House my answer. The grooming scandal was one of the worst scandals of our time. Women and girls were abused and exploited by predatory gangs of men, and survivors have been ignored for many years.
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Did not directly address why victims would want to return to a panel when they feel disrespected.
Did Not Answer The Specific Question
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Q4
Partial Answer
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The Prime Minister had previously addressed the issue of mandatory reporting for child sex abuse and the progress on setting up an inquiry. Survivors of sexual abuse are demanding a judge-led inquiry.
I will remind him what Fiona asked: what is the point, if the victims are not going to be believed? What would be the point of mandatory reporting? All of this is happening now—all that he is saying—is because four of those victims resigned from the survivors panel. If they had not done that, the Government would have continued with the watering down, which we all know they were carrying out. So yes, the victims are right to be worried.
The first reason was the speed with which we could do this. The second is really important: I was absolutely determined that criminal investigations would go on at the same time as the inquiry. One of the problems that judge-led inquiries run into—I have seen and experienced this myself—is that they are often held back until the end of the criminal investigations, and I was determined that we would be able to run the two together. It is because of that that we have been able to reopen 1,200 historical cases at the same time.
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Q5
Partial Answer
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The Chancellor has stated that the current arrangements regarding the Crown Estate are wrong, leading to a need for proper scrutiny.
Given the revelations about Royal Lodge, does the Prime Minister agree that this House needs to scrutinise the Crown Estate properly to ensure taxpayers’ interests are protected? The Chancellor herself has said that the current arrangements are wrong, so will the Prime Minister support a Select Committee inquiry so that all those involved can be called to give evidence, including the current occupant?
It is important, in relation to all Crown properties, that there is proper scrutiny. I certainly support that.
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Q6
Partial Answer
Ed Davey
Lib Dem
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The Liberal Democrats have criticized the Conservative's handling of Brexit, arguing that it has led to economic challenges such as high inflation.
Turning to the economy, I know Labour Members are relieved—they are finally allowed to say that the Conservatives’ Brexit deal is a disaster. But that cannot just be a political ruse to attack the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage), however much he deserves it. Even worse, given that we still have the highest inflation in the G7, it must not be a smokescreen to raise taxes on ordinary people. It must be a call to action. Will the Prime Minister act now to repair the Brexit damage by negotiating a new UK-EU customs union to boost Britain’s trade and grow our economy?
No, I do not think that is the way forward. What we have done is to have a much closer relationship with the EU, recognising the damage done by the flawed Brexit deal that the Conservative party negotiated. We have also struck deals with India and the US, secured record investment into this country and have the fastest growing economy in the G7 in the first half of this year.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address negotiating a new customs union but highlighted other trade agreements and economic growth.
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Q7
Partial Answer
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The Labour member of parliament has raised concerns about the Conservative-controlled council in Bexley failing to use allocated funds for road repairs effectively.
This summer, I visited every road across the Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency, reporting potholes to ensure that the £895,000 given by this Labour Government to the Conservative-controlled council in the London Borough of Bexley is spent. However, the Conservative council cabinet member responsible for roads wrote to our local newspaper, News Shopper, asking that I stop reporting potholes because it was causing work for the council. Will the Prime Minister join me in urging my Conservative council to get on and spend that money to make roads, such as Mayplace Road East, safe to drive on?
So, this is a local Conservative council telling my hon. Friend not to point out potholes in case it has to fill them! That is outrageous—just like the record of the last 14 years. We know how problematic, dangerous and costly potholes are to drivers. That is why we have delivered record investment to maintain our roads and fix potholes. That is £1.6 billion. That money has been given to councils, but it comes with strings. My message to the council to reinforce that is clear: “Use the money, fix the roads and show how you are carrying out repairs, or lose the money.” It is councils that should get on with the job of fixing our roads. I will make sure the Roads Minister follows up with my hon. Friend.
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Q8
Partial Answer
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The Green Party member of parliament has highlighted the disparity in wealth distribution within the UK, citing a TUC report.
Given that the TUC has calculated that the wealthiest 10% of households in the UK hold more wealth than everyone else in the country put together, does the Prime Minister agree with me that it is inequality, not immigration, that is a threat to our country?
We need to deal both with levels of immigration and with inequality, and that is what the Government are doing. As we get on with trying to boost our economy, may I gently point out that if we want more equality and if we want our economy to be stronger, the hon. Lady’s party needs to start voting for some of the measures that will make it necessary?
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not explicitly agree with the claim about inequality being a greater threat but stated they are dealing with both issues.
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Q9
Partial Answer
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The Labour member of parliament has raised concerns about the safety and quality of maternity services in Nottinghamshire, citing a report by Donna Ockenden.
In March 2022, I gave birth to my son by emergency c-section—both my son and my life put at risk by a failing maternity service. In Nottinghamshire, we know failing maternity services far too well, with harm caused to mothers, babies and fathers—over 2,400 families involved in the Donna Ockenden inquiry. Does the Prime Minister agree that grief must be the engine of change, and that where previous Governments have failed, it is imperative that this Government transform maternity services, so that every birth is an informed birth and every birth is a safe birth?
I extend my gratitude to my hon. Friend and to all those who spoke in the baby loss debate last Monday for their powerful and moving stories. I was at the Pride of Britain awards on Monday night and very many people came forward to me, having heard some of the speeches from this House, particularly the personal testimonies, so I assure her that those stories really did have power in making the argument. We do need to fix what needs fixing, so we will fix maternity services, improve safety and make sure every mother is heard and gets high-quality care.
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Q10
Partial Answer
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The Conservative member of parliament is seeking clarification on the classification criteria for grey belt land.
My constituents have so many questions they would like to ask the Prime Minister, but I will settle for one today: can the Prime Minister define when grey belt is really grey?
Let me give the right hon. Lady a simple example. We had an example of green-belt land that was, in fact, a car park where building did not take place, and non-green-belt land that was an open playing field where building did take place. That does not make sense to me. That is why we have our policy.
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Q11
Partial Answer
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The Labour member of parliament has raised concerns about a school's refusal to make necessary adjustments for a student with disabilities.
Twelve-year-old Millie Blair from Oundle joins us today in the Gallery along with her mum, Gemma, her sister, Jessica, and her dad, Gordon. On Millie’s 11th birthday, she was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer, which led to her leg being amputated. Millie attends Prince William school, but she cannot access the lower playing field because the slope is too steep. Her parents, the school and I have asked the East Midlands academy trust to put in a ramp, but it has refused, claiming that it is not subject to certain parts of the Equality Act 2010. Does the Prime Minister agree that the trust has an absolute moral obligation to make those adjustments to give Millie full access to all the school, so that she can play and thrive with all her friends?
I welcome Millie to the Gallery—I appreciate that Members on the Opposition Benches cannot see her, but she is looking down at us and smiling with the courage and positivity that I know is everything to her. We absolutely salute that; we are humbled by it. [Hon. Members: “Hear, hear.”] I really do find it hard to understand how a school trust could make a decision like that in relation to the ramp. Rather than berate those in the trust from the Chamber, I would just implore them on behalf of everybody here and Millie in particular to look again, and hopefully, with the endorsement of the whole House, to reconsider that decision, put in that ramp and match the positivity and the courage that Millie has shown all of us. I thank my hon. Friend for raising that campaign.
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Q12
Partial Answer
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The Liberal Democrats have raised concerns about the delay of local elections due to funding and administrative issues.
The Times has reported that local elections across the country will be delayed for a second year in a row. The leader of my local authority, Surrey county council, has had to go on the record to say that he has not called for elections to be cancelled, but other Conservatives clearly have. Can the Prime Minister give me a cast-iron guarantee that my constituents in Woking and others across the country will not lose their democratic right to vote?
The hon. Gentleman knows that we inherited a situation where there were issues with funding and administrative capacity for holding timely elections. We are working to address these challenges to ensure that local residents can exercise their democratic rights as intended by law.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not provide a definitive assurance but indicated the government's efforts to address the issues.
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Q13
Direct Answer
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Durham Pride and Lumiere festival have been affected by budget cuts under Reform. These events attract thousands of visitors annually, contributing significantly to the local economy.
I am concerned about the economic impact on businesses and communities due to Durham County Council slashing funding for Durham Pride and cancelling the Lumiere festival. Does the Prime Minister agree that if Reform cannot manage one county council, it is unfit to run Scotland, Wales or our United Kingdom?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to point out what voters in Durham can see: what people get if they vote Reform is total chaos and broken promises. Councils have a vital role in our communities. It is not just Durham where Reform is doing this; I think four councillors in Kent have just been suspended for bringing the party into disrepute, which is quite something for a party whose Welsh leader accepts Russian bribes to spread Putin’s propaganda.
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Q14
Direct Answer
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Weston Hospicecare faces an increased national insurance bill of £139,000 annually due to changes in employment taxes. The Prime Minister announced funding for capital expenditure and children's hospices, but these measures do not address the current financial challenges faced by Weston Hospicecare.
Weston Hospicecare faces an increased national insurance bill of £139,000 a year due to changes in employment taxes. The Prime Minister announced funding for capital expenditure and children's hospices but these measures do not help the hospice as it struggles under this tax burden. What additional support can he offer?
We are putting in the support that we can for hospices, and the money we put aside at the Budget for the NHS is absolutely crucial in relation to that. The NHS was underfunded for 14 long years. We have now put in the funding that the NHS needs to do its work.
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Q15
Direct Answer
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Jhoots, a pharmacy provider, faces potential bankruptcy and has failed to pay its staff since July. This affects patient access to prescriptions and involves multiple government departments.
Pharmacy provider Jhoots is effectively bankrupt, impacting both patients' prescription access and staff's payment status. Could the Prime Minister convene relevant Departments to address these issues?
I thank the hon. Member for raising this serious issue, as he has done on a number of occasions. It affects both his constituents and others across the country. It is simply unacceptable that customers and staff have been so badly let down. I know he will be meeting the relevant Minister, but let me update him now in a couple of respects. Officials are currently reviewing whether the integrated care boards and General Pharmaceutical Council need additional powers to address pharmacy businesses that do not play by the rules—I think that is exactly the point he raises.
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Q16
Direct Answer
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Over 1,000 youth clubs have closed since 2010, impacting young people negatively. The Phab charity supports inclusive environments for both disabled and non-disabled individuals.
Over 1,000 youth clubs have closed since 2010, affecting young people's development. Will the Prime Minister commend the Phab charity’s work and consider how to support youth clubs in helping the next generation grow into well-adjusted adults?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question; he is a credit to his community. I know at first hand that he has done so much hard work to help to heal, to rebuild and to look to a brighter future for Southport. I welcome the Phab charity to Parliament; it does fantastic work to help break down barriers.
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Q17
Partial Answer
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During World War II, Winston Churchill changed the clocks to shift extra daylight into the evenings. As the clocks go back this weekend, there is a suggestion to trial 'Churchill time' again.
As Britain faced peril in world war two, Winston Churchill took a radical step: he changed the clocks to shift extra daylight into the evenings. As the clocks go back this weekend, will the Prime Minister take a look at the evidence on trialling Churchill time again to cut carbon, reduce bills, improve road safety, boost the hospitality industry and be the Prime Minister who will brighten up all our lives?
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. We will look at the relevant material.
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Q18
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Residents in Glastonbury and Somerton are suffering from a lack of access to NHS dentists. Some have resorted to private treatment or even DIY dentistry.
Many in Glastonbury and Somerton are forced to travel hundreds of miles to see an NHS dentist or suffer in agony, fall into debt to pay for private treatment or turn to DIY dentistry, like Jennifer, who extracted two of her teeth over the weekend. They simply cannot wait for the consultation on the broken NHS contract; they deserve immediate action. Will the Prime Minister outline what measures he is taking to end the dental desert in Somerset for good?
I thank the hon. Member for raising that. Added to the list of shocking things the last Government left us is the shocking state of NHS dentistry—broken, like everything else under the last Government. We are rolling out extra urgent care appointments. In Somerset, the integrated care board is expected to deliver over 13,000 extra dental appointments this year; I will give her more details in due course. We are also reforming the dental contract, which will shift focus on to retaining NHS dentists.
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Q19
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Ahmad Al Ibrahim, a 16-year-old in Huddersfield, was fatally stabbed. The attack was described by the police as 'unprovoked' and 'motiveless'. This highlights the importance of addressing serious violence and knife crime.
Ahmad Al Ibrahim was only 16 years old when he was fatally stabbed in Huddersfield. His life was cruelly taken away in what the police described as an “unprovoked” and “motiveless” attack. Following a visit to Netherhall learning campus in my constituency last week, I know how important this issue is for young people. Will the Prime Minister commit to redoubling efforts to tackle serious violence and knife crime through more visible policing, stronger prevention and investment in youth services?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that devastating case. My thoughts, and I am sure those of the whole House, are with the family and friends. Through our Crime and Policing Bill, we are increasing penalties for the illegal sale of knives and giving police new powers to seize knives likely to be used for violence or cause harm. We have also launched a coalition to tackle knife crime, to bring together campaigners and community leaders to tackle the root causes of knife crime and help protect the next generation.
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