PMQs 2026-02-11

2026-02-11

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Toby Perkins Lab
Chesterfield
Context
The MP noted the Prime Minister's commitment to build 1.5 million new homes, requiring an increase in construction workforce.
I associate myself with the Prime Minister's remarks. The Prime Minister's commitment to 1.5 million more homes will require 48,000 new entrants to the construction industry every year. In Chesterfield we are doing our bit: our construction skills hub brought 70 new entrants into the construction sector. We saw a welcome increase in numbers across the country last year, but we need a step change and we need numbers to double. What steps is the Prime Minister taking to get more people to commit to construction industry careers and get those numbers up where we need them to be to deliver on his housing ambitions?
My hon. Friend is right: the task of rebuilding our country is a huge opportunity to give young people a brilliant career. We are backing apprentices with a record £3 billion budget, and we are making sure that companies that bid for major contracts commit to high-quality apprenticeships here in the United Kingdom. We are creating 13,000 new opportunities for young people as plumbers, engineers and bricklayers, securing their future and rebuilding this country.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify steps taken or to be taken by the Prime Minister directly addressing the questioner's concern about increasing workforce numbers in construction sector.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
Saffron Walden
Context
The question relates to the sudden change in the Prime Minister's stance towards his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who was recently dismissed.
May I associate myself, and those on the Opposition Benches, with the Prime Minister's words on the horrific stabbing in north London yesterday, as well as the shooting in Canada? When he was Leader of the Opposition, the Prime Minister said, “I never turn on my staff. When they make mistakes, I carry the can.” What changed?
I have accepted responsibility and apologised for the mistakes that I made. But let me say this: Morgan McSweeney helped me change our party and helped me win a landslide election victory, which delivered for the Conservatives the smallest Tory party in over 100 years. And what is the right hon. Lady's great achievement? To make it even smaller.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address why Prime Minister's approach towards his staff changed from when he was Leader of Opposition to now as PM.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
Saffron Walden
Context
The question pertains to the sudden change in the Prime Minister's stance towards his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who was recently dismissed.
The Whips have done a great job today—[Interruption.] Labour Members say, “Yes, exactly.” The Whips have done a great job today getting them cheering. We all know that they have been sick for the last week. Let us remember that just last week the Prime Minister told us he had “full confidence” in his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. On Sunday he sacked Morgan McSweeney—[Interruption.] Oh, “He resigned.” Last week the Prime Minister was defending the Cabinet Secretary. Now he is sacking him. What changed?
In January the Leader of the Opposition said that she had full confidence—“100% confident”, she said—that there would be no more defections from her party. Forty-eight hours later, her shadow Foreign Minister defected. Eight days after that, the former Home Secretary defected. The only question now is: who is next? She needs to wake up—her party is dying.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address why PM's stance changed towards his chief of staff and cabinet secretary.
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
Saffron Walden
Context
The question addresses the appointment of Matthew Doyle as a peer, despite his past actions being questionable.
The Prime Minister is demonstrating stratospheric levels of delusion if he thinks the problem is on the Opposition Benches. He did not say anything about why the Cabinet Secretary is going, but we know the truth: it is because he is throwing everyone under the bus except himself. The Mandelson episode was not an isolated incident. A few weeks ago, the Prime Minister announced a peerage for one Matthew Doyle, his former director of communications. Immediately after that, The Sunday Times published on its front page that Doyle had campaigned for a man charged with child sex offences. Despite the Prime Minister knowing that, he gave Doyle a job for life in the House of Lords anyway. Why?
Matthew Doyle did not give a full account of his actions. On Monday I promised my party and my country that there will be change, and yesterday I removed the Whip from Matthew Doyle. I will tell you what other actions we have taken, Mr Speaker: along with the Safeguarding Minister, I and this Government have introduced the most far-reaching violence against women and girls strategy. This Government have also introduced a pay rise for millions of working-class women. What did the Leader of the Opposition do? She opposed it. This Government are introducing greater protections for women at work. What did the Leader of the Opposition do? She opposed it. I will tell you what else she opposes, Mr Speaker: this Government removing the disgusting rape clause that her Government put in place.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address why PM appointed Matthew Doyle as peer despite knowing about his past actions.
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
Saffron Walden
Context
The question focuses on the appointment of Matthew Doyle as a peer despite his past actions being questionable.
The Prime Minister pretends not to know about Matthew Doyle, but it was on the front page of The Sunday Times. He cannot explain why he gave this man a peerage—I think Labour Members should be wondering why they are still cheering for him after that. The Prime Minister sometimes likes to claim that he cares about violence against women, as he just did, but the truth is that he cares about the victims only when he is trying to save his own skin. Labour Members can shake their heads at that, but we saw it with grooming gangs, we saw it with Mandelson and now we see it with Doyle. Is that not what a former prosecutor would call an established pattern of behaviour?
I will take no lectures from the Tories on standards in public life. The Leader of the Opposition defended partygate for months and months, and even now she says that it was overblown. The shadow Foreign Secretary broke the ministerial code by bullying, but Boris Johnson kept her and the Leader of the Opposition promoted her, and now she sits on her Front Bench. Her former shadow Justice Secretary complained about not seeing enough white faces in Birmingham, and the Leader of the Opposition was too weak to sack him for racism.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether PM is demonstrating an established pattern of behavior by caring about victims only when it suits him.
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
Saffron Walden
Context
The question addresses the PM's appointment of Matthew Doyle as a peer despite his questionable past.
Nobody buys it, Mr Speaker—not even the Labour women, because they know that the Prime Minister always puts the Downing Street boys club first. How dare he criticise us? The Conservatives were not the ones stuffing Government with hypocrites and paedophile apologists. He cannot build a team and he has no plan. He cannot even run his own office, let alone the country. He is now dealing with a new scandal of appointing someone who campaigned for a man convicted of having indecent pictures of girls as young as 10. Is the Prime Minister not ashamed that that will be his legacy?
My legacy is changing my party and winning a general election. Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition this: I kicked my former leader out of my party, while her former leader, Liz Truss, broke the economy and has descended into bonkers conspiracy theories. I kicked her out of Parliament, but the Leader of the Opposition is too weak to kick her out of their party.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address PM's legacy regarding his appointments and standards in public life.
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Context
The Prime Minister appointed Matthew Doyle who was later found to be linked with a paedophile supporter. This has led to criticism over the PM's judgment.
The Prime Minister has not apologised for appointing Matthew Doyle, because he will not take responsibility—he never does, and Labour Members know it. The Prime Minister is now telling everyone that he has never lost a fight, but that is because he will not step into the ring. He has never lost a fight because he has walked away from welfare reform, he will not stand up to the unions, he will not stand up to China—he cannot even stand up to Mauritius. He has had three Cabinet Secretaries, four chiefs of staff and five directors of communications in just 18 months, and now he is mired in yet another scandal.
I delivered a landslide victory for our party. Only four people have ever led the Labour party to victory at a general election, and I am one of them. The Leader of the Opposition talks about numbers. Let us remember what the Conservatives had: five Prime Ministers, seven Chancellors, eight Home Secretaries, eight Foreign Secretaries, and 16 Housing Secretaries—all were completely useless; all failed Britain.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
The government has provided funding for the new Frimley Park hospital, but there is an urgent need to announce a preferred site and improvements in public transport.
The Government have delivered the funding needed to rebuild the new Frimley Park hospital after the Conservatives made empty, unfunded promises to my constituents. Now we urgently need to get on with announcing the preferred site, along with the investment needed to improve public transport, road access and parking. Will the Prime Minister urge NHS England to make this a priority and help give much-needed clarity to Bracknell Forest residents?
Delivering the new Frimley Park hospital is a priority. Under the Conservatives, my hon. Friend's constituents were given totally empty promises. They failed patients and they failed staff. We put forward a proper plan and the funding to match, and the trust is making real progress on the business case.
Assessment & feedback
Urging NHS England to make this a priority
Delivering The New Frimley Park Hospital Is A Priority.
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
The Prime Minister appointed two individuals linked with paedophile supporters, leading to criticism over his judgement.
May I associate myself with the Prime Minister's remarks about the dreadful stabbing of two children in Brent and the horrifying shootings in British Columbia? Our thoughts and prayers are with the children's parents and the people of Canada, especially those grieving the loss of loved ones. To appoint one paedophile supporter cannot be excused as misfortune. To appoint two shows a catastrophic lack of judgment. The right hon. and learned Gentleman once told this House that when a Prime Minister refuses to take responsibility, it only serves to convince people that things cannot get better, that Government cannot improve people's lives, and that progress is not possible because politics does not work.
Millions of people in this country have been let down for years and years, and one of the reasons for that was austerity, which the right hon. Gentleman's party supported.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
The Prime Minister once committed to implementing a Hillsborough law early in his tenure but has not done so yet.
Mr Speaker, I think I touched a raw nerve. I think the whole House will agree that the Mandelson scandal has shown yet again why we need a duty of candour for anyone and everyone in public office. There should be no more delays in putting the Hillsborough law on the statute book, after a long fight by the bereaved families and so many others, such as the Mayor of Greater Manchester. The Prime Minister once said that it would be one of the first things he did in No. 10. Will he finally do it now, even if it is the last thing he does?
The panel report on the Hillsborough case was when I started working on the Hillsborough case. That was in 2012, when the right hon. Gentleman's party was in power. They could have passed this law a long time ago and saved a lot of grief.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
The Isle of Wight faces challenges with cross-Solent transport reliability, frequency, and price. The ETS scheme might increase fares further.
As the Prime Minister will have heard me say, the Isle of Wight is a fantastic place to live, work and learn, despite the Leader of the Opposition trying to give us to China. He will also be aware of some of the challenges we have in cross-Solent transport with reliability, frequency and price. The emissions trading scheme, which ironically applies only to hybrid vessels, might increase fares further. Exemptions have been granted for Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the lack of grid capacity means that we cannot fully decarbonise. I am deeply concerned about the impact on our island community.
I know how important affordable ferries are to my hon. Friend's constituents' everyday lives. The ETS scheme will make journeys cleaner and we are working with ferry companies on the grid connections in ports that enable greener vessels.
Assessment & feedback
Urgently ask Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Ministers to review this issue
The Ets Scheme Will Make Journeys Cleaner
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
There is a question about the confidentiality and propriety of appointments, specifically concerning Matthew Doyle's nomination.
If I have just heard the Prime Minister correctly, he has essentially rolled the same pitch in relation to Matthew Doyle as he did with Peter Mandelson, in saying that they were not clear with him. He appears to be the most gullible former Director of Public Prosecutions in history. But he has a slight problem, because some of us do read the newspapers. Towards the end of last year, on 30 December, having written to the House of Lords Appointments Commission, I received a response from the chair, who advised me that as part of their vetting, they provide confidential advice to the Prime Minister on the propriety of the proposed nominees.
I have made my position clear. The right hon. Gentleman knows how the system works. He says he reads the newspapers. He will have read that in nine days, his party's former chief executive goes on trial for embezzling money.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Anna Dixon Lab
Bristol South
Context
Lleyton, a T-level construction student at Bradford college, is working on the remediation of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete at Airedale hospital. The area has seen significant progress in reducing NEET rates.
Last week I met Lleyton, a T-level construction student at Bradford college. He was working on the remediation of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete at Airedale hospital. In the last few years, Bradford has made tremendous progress in reducing the rate of young people not in employment, education or training, so will the Prime Minister reconfirm his commitment to vocational and skills training and set out how this Labour Government are ensuring that young people like Lleyton have career opportunities in construction and other critical industries?
Lleyton's success is a testament to what young people can achieve with the right support. We are creating technical excellence colleges and delivering training places for 60,000 skilled construction workers. Labour is creating opportunities for every young person while building the homes, schools and hospitals that our country needs, and that is what I am fighting for.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly confirm commitment or specify how young people will get career opportunities in critical industries
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Rebecca Smith Con
Labour
Context
Plymouth was named the national centre for marine autonomy and received a defence growth deal. SMEs in the unmanned surface vessel sector are facing out-of-date regulations from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Last year, Plymouth was named the national centre for marine autonomy and given a defence growth deal. However, the small and medium-sized enterprises in the unmanned surface vessel sector, many of which are based at Turnchapel Wharf in my constituency, are having their work held back because of out-of-date regulations from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Last week, I was told that draft regulations exist, but that they require primary legislation. Without those new regulations, many of the vital SMEs developing autonomous vessels that have dual commercial and defence use are at risk. Will the Prime Minister show some backbone and consider finding a slot for primary legislation as a matter of urgency, or at least consider adding this to the King's Speech later this spring, assuming that he is still in charge of the legislative programme by then?
We are taking action, but if the hon. Lady sends me or my team the details of the particular case in her constituency, I will see if there is anything we can do to provide support on what is obviously an important issue.
Assessment & feedback
Asked for details instead of confirming legislative action
Response accuracy
Q15 Direct Answer
Steve Race Lab
Conservative
Context
Lorraine Cox, a resident of Exeter, was murdered by an individual whose asylum claim had been denied but was not removed from the country. The case highlights issues with deportation procedures.
The Prime Minister will be aware of Lorraine Cox, a resident of Exeter who in 2020 was murdered by a man whose asylum claim had been denied but who was not removed from this country. Will the Prime Minister set out what more this Government will do to speed up deportations of people who have no right to be here and who have committed criminal offences? Will he meet Lorraine's father to discuss the family's campaign for justice for Lorraine?
My hon. Friend raises an awful case, and my thoughts and those, I am sure, of the whole House are with the loved ones of Lorraine. Tackling violence against women and girls is a critical mission, and I will ensure that a Home Office Minister meets the family. I want to be absolutely clear that illegal immigrants who commit such appalling acts should not be in this country. That is why we have already removed nearly 60,000 people with no right to be here, and deportations of foreign criminals are up by a third.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Olly Glover Lib Dem
Labour
Context
Residents in Oxfordshire are experiencing widespread potholes, particularly at Milton interchange, Didcot, and along the A417. The Government are cutting funding to Oxfordshire county council by £24 million over three years.
My Oxfordshire constituents are sick of widespread potholes, particularly at Milton interchange, in Didcot and along the A417 serving Challow and Stanford in the Vale. Yet the Government are cutting funding for Oxfordshire county council by £24 million over three years, which is equivalent to its annual highways maintenance budget. The Prime Minister is of course entitled to dig a pothole for himself, but why is he cutting funding for Oxfordshire's roads?
We have put a record amount of money into dealing with potholes. The hon. Member needs to ask his council, which is run by his party, why it is not using that money.
Assessment & feedback
Redirected blame to the local council without addressing funding cuts
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Douglas McAllister Lab
Glasgow North
Context
Under Gordon Brown's tenure as Chancellor, hundreds of thousands of children were lifted out of poverty. The current government has put children back into poverty.
It is a source of great pride to Scottish Labour MPs that, as Chancellor, Gordon Brown lifted more children out of poverty than any other Chancellor before him. It is also a source of great pride that—
In Labour, we know the damage that growing up in poverty does to the life chances of children. The Tories put hundreds of thousands of children into poverty, and they will live with that for the rest of their lives. We are undoing their damage. Our decision will benefit almost 100,000 children in Scotland as we deliver the largest reduction in child poverty in any single Parliament.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify steps being taken to reduce child poverty
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Munira Wilson Lib Dem
Labour
Context
Baby Gigi Meehan was murdered at a nursery, there were cases of child cruelty and sexual assault involving multiple nurseries. The questioner calls for mandatory CCTV installation and registration of childcare workers.
The manslaughter of baby Gigi Meehan at a nursery in Cheadle; 21 counts of child cruelty at Riverside nursery in Twickenham Green in my constituency; 56 charges of sexual assault and creating indecent images at a nursery in Camden; and, just this week, 21 counts of sexual abuse at a nursery in Bristol. CCTV was critical in convicting the criminals in most of those cases. Will the Prime Minister ensure that no parent ever has to fear for their child's safety while they go to work by introducing mandatory CCTV in nurseries and a childcare workers register?
I thank the hon. Member for raising those cases—they are harrowing cases for everyone in this country. The safety of children is of course paramount, and we are acting to keep them safe. We are implementing all the proposals consulted on to strengthen safeguarding as part of our early years foundation stage framework. An expert group is developing guidance on the effective use of CCTV—the point she makes—and considering whether it should be mandatory in early settings. I will ensure that she is updated as we take that work forward.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly commit to mandatory CCTV or register
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Catherine West Lab
Haringey and Bruce
Context
Alexandra Palace is a historic venue hosting various events, including darts championships. The questioner seeks support to raise £500 million for capital improvements.
This House legislated 126 years ago to make Alexandra Palace available for the free use...of the public forever, and last year Luke “the Nuke” changed darts forever by rewriting the record books. Today Ally Pally plays host to world championship darts, Masters snooker, Haringey Huskies and Haringey Greyhounds ice hockey, plus music, comedy, drama and more. Will the Prime Minister keep the palace competitive as the international venue for darts by supporting my campaign to raise a one-off public-private £500 million investment for urgent capital improvements?
I thank my hon. Friend. The people's palace is an iconic British venue—a home for darts, snooker and world-class music. It is vital that we support brilliant venues that give so much to our cultural life. That is why we are providing almost £200 million to preserve heritage buildings across the country, so that venues like Alexandra Palace can have a bright future.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm £500 million support for capital improvements
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Caroline Voaden Lib Dem
QQ15
Context
Start Bay faced severe storm damage, affecting homes, businesses, and tourism. The area has historical significance for naval training and a national nature reserve.
Last week, Start bay was devastated by storm damage. Homes and businesses were wrecked, and an important A road was severed. This storm damage is of national significance. Will the Prime Minister ensure that the myriad Government agencies and Departments will work together with experts to find and fund a sustainable long-term solution to the coastal erosion that is inflicting so much?
I know that communities have been badly affected by recent storms, and the damage to the A379 is very concerning. I am pleased that the hon. Lady is meeting the Roads Minister and the Floods Minister today. We are investing £10 billion to improve coastal and flood defences.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a sustainable funding solution was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Context
Communities like Bartley Green faced long-term austerity, impacting local services. The Pride in Place initiative aims to support community-driven projects.
Through the Pride in Place initiative, the Government are helping residents to restore the Woodgate Valley café and so much more. What is the Prime Minister's message to my constituents about how politics can be a force for good?
My message is that I have always believed that those with skin in the game make the best decisions about their communities. Together, we can make that happen. Hope in Britain is found in our communities. That is why we are investing so heavily in our Pride in Place initiative.
Assessment & feedback
No specific investment details were provided.
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Context
A constituent's family was killed by a dangerous driver. The offender may be released early to serve deportation, causing distress.
My constituent's mum, sister and stepfather were killed in a horrific dangerous driving crime for which a foreign national offender was sentenced to 10 and a half years. However, the family have just been told that he may be released imminently in order to be deported, having served just three years. Will the Prime Minister look at the case and at what steps can be taken to prevent that release?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising what is obviously a terrible case. If he provides further details, I will ensure that it is looked into as quickly as possible.
Assessment & feedback
No commitment to specific action or timeline was given.
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Context
Speech disabilities affect many people, impacting confidence and opportunities in work and public life.
Our democracy relies on the spoken word, but many with speech disabilities are left without a voice. It is time to tear down those barriers. Will the Prime Minister share what this Government are doing to help people with speech disabilities?
My hon. Friend is an inspirational and powerful campaigner on this issue. By doing what he is doing, he will give great courage to other people to take the same steps. I am proud that we are increasing the number of NHS speech and language therapists.
Assessment & feedback
No specific details about current initiatives or plans were provided.
Response accuracy
Q24 Direct Answer
Context
A constituent was dishonorably discharged from the RAF in 1966 for being gay. The case has been dismissed.
My Surrey Heath constituent Christopher was discharged from the RAF in 1966 solely for being gay, but—despite the Government committing to restoring the medals and the berets—his case has been dismissed out of hand, with only a letter that contained the tracked changes from the template. Can I ask the Prime Minister to take a personal interest in this case to ensure that it is resolved swiftly?
I will do everything that I can to ensure that that happens, which is absolutely what should happen. This was an absolute scandal—the gays in the military ban—and it is absolutely right that it was overturned, but we must follow through on that.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Context
A consultation was launched to establish a growth corporation in Cambridge. The chairman aims for Cambridge to be the most liveable city in Europe.
Last week, the Government launched a consultation on establishing a growth development corporation for Cambridge. In the meantime, Peter Freeman, the chairman of the Cambridge Growth Company, is on the record as saying that Cambridge should aim to be the most liveable city in Europe. Given that this will be good for growth, not just for Cambridge but for the region and the wider economy, will the Prime Minister set out what more the Government can do to help us?
My hon. Friend's constituency is already home to brilliant research, innovation and economic growth, and through a Greater Cambridge development corporation we will put in place the powers and resources to unlock its full potential.
Assessment & feedback
No specific additional support was detailed.
Response accuracy
Q26 Partial Answer
Context
Concern over former ambassadors receiving substantial pay-offs compared to struggling civil servants. The question focuses on the disparity in treatment.
Does the Prime Minister share with me the concern that while some ambassadors retiring in disgrace get tens of thousands of pounds in pay-offs, many other civil servants are failing to get the retirement that they are due and are expected to turn to their old Departments for bridging loans? This is clearly a scandal. Will he put all his effort behind making sure that those who have served with integrity are treated with the dignity that they deserve?
Yes; we are taking steps, and the right hon. Gentleman is right that we should take further steps. I think there will be agreement about that across the House.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or commitments to address the disparity in pay-offs between ambassadors and civil servants were not provided
We Are Taking Steps
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
Context
Concern over the projected £20,000 increase in business rates affecting hospitality and leisure businesses. The question highlights the importance of support for these sectors.
The announcement that pubs and music venues will receive a much-welcome reduction in business rates is a positive step. However, in our manifesto we did promise root-and-branch reform of business rates. Hospitality and leisure businesses in my Stourbridge constituency are facing a projected £20,000 increase in business rates over the next three years, along with employment cost increases and energy costs. Hospitality and leisure play a vital role for our communities, providing jobs and spaces to socialise in, so will the Prime Minister consider a similar rates relief package for hospitality and leisure?
My hon. Friend is right that we need the conditions for flourishing high streets. That underscores the importance of six interest rate cuts, the £5.8 billion that we have put into Pride in Place, and the work to put money in people's pockets. I am pleased that we have delivered a 15% cut and a two-year freeze for pubs and live music venues. That comes on top of the £4.3 billion to support businesses, and permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or commitments to address business rates increases for hospitality and leisure were not provided
We Need The Conditions Six Interest Rate Cuts
Response accuracy
Q28 Partial Answer
Context
Concern over a stabbing incident at Kingsbury high school and its impact on local communities. The question emphasizes the need for action against knife crime.
I thank the Prime Minister for raising the stabbing at Kingsbury high school yesterday. It is absolutely right that we allow the police to get on with their job of investigating this terrible atrocity; indeed, the police are out there now, providing reassurance to parents and people in the community. I am sure I speak for the whole House when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and those who witnessed the atrocity. Will the Prime Minister now look at what needs to be done to combat knife crime across the country? It is absolutely wrong that people are carrying knives in the first place—they do not need to—and that they are drawn into such terrible atrocities. We owe it to the victims to ensure that that happens.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this case: it is one of the most powerful and important things that we do as MPs in this place, particularly when there are such awful cases. He is absolutely right; we must everything that we can to reduce knife crime. There are initiatives and steps that we have taken to remove the accessibility of knives, in relation to where they can be bought. We need to do much more work with our schools and young people to ensure that people do not carry knives, and we need to work with the police and law enforcement to make sure that these incidents are investigated as quickly and effectively as possible.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or commitments to reduce knife crime were not provided
We Must Everything
Response accuracy
Q29 Direct Answer
Context
Concern over the restriction of Chetwynd bridge to cars and light vans, causing a 25-mile diversion for farmers. The question highlights the risk to emergency response times during severe flooding.
In my constituency, the beautiful grade II listed Chetwynd bridge on the A513 between Edingale and Alrewas has been restricted to cars and light vans since October 2023, so farmers face a 25-mile diversion. With severe flooding hitting Edingale multiple times a year, this vital route risks being cut off for emergency response times as well. Bridges like this one, with a clear economic impact on communities, should be the focus of the Government's new structures fund, which I welcome. Will the Prime Minister encourage his Ministers to meet with me so that we can find a solution to this issue for my rural constituents in Tamworth?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue. Just hearing her makes it absolutely clear that we need to find a solution, so I will make sure that she gets the meeting that she requests with the relevant Minister so that we can move as quickly as possible.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy