Topical Questions 2024-12-18
2024-12-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Last week the MP visited Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service, which discussed estimates of a 20% increase in reported incidents of domestic abuse in the UK during the Christmas period.
What are the Government doing to ensure that those affected by domestic violence can get support at this time of year?
I thank my hon. Friend for that important question, and I pay tribute to the work of Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service and everyone working across domestic violence and sexual abuse services this Christmas. I know from my own experience of working in such services over the Christmas period how busy it can be, but I want to send a message to all victims that support is always there when they need it, even at Christmas, and the police will always respond when called.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions or commitments for supporting victims during the Christmas period.
Sentimental Language
Broad Statements Of Support
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references the right hon. Friend's tabled legislation to ban cousin marriages, which are known to significantly increase birth defects and risk coercive relationships.
Why will the Government not support sensible legislation to ban this practice?
The Government will of course always keep such issues under review, and I will ensure that the Minister in the relevant Department speaks with the right hon. Lady on this topic.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide reasons for not supporting the proposed legislation.
Shifting Responsibility
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP attended a Royal National Institute of Blind People event highlighting challenges faced by blind or visually impaired individuals navigating past parked cars, which forces them to walk into the road.
What will the Government do to help make our streets safer and more navigable in future?
My hon. Friend raises a good example of the kind of topic we need to work on across Government, and I was pleased to chair the first meeting of the cross-Government disability lead Ministers yesterday. The Department for Transport has consulted on this problem, which can be very serious for people with a sight impairment, and is considering the options for tackling it.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions or commitments for making streets safer.
General Statements
Broad Discussions
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references a debate at the Oxford Union where students discussed not reporting Hamas's plans prior to attacks, which he found disgusting.
Will the Minister write to the Oxford Union and say that antisemitism has no place in our society, especially not in our universities?
The Government could not have been clearer about our position on antisemitism: there is no place for antisemitism in our society, nor for any form of racism. That applies whether it is in educational settings or in any other part of our society, and that has been made very clear indeed.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to writing a letter to the Oxford Union.
Broad Statements
Reiteration Of Stance
Response accuracy