PMQs 2024-02-07

2024-02-07

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Fleur Anderson Lab
Putney
Context
The Foreign Secretary recently stated that the UK will look at recognising a Palestinian state to encourage progress towards a two-state solution. However, it was later clarified that this statement had not been approved by No. 10.
I send my best wishes to the King. The Foreign Secretary said that with allies we will look at recognising a Palestinian state so that Palestinians can see there is going to be irreversible progress towards a two-state solution. It was later clarified that this statement had not been signed off by No. 10. Does the Prime Minister agree with his Foreign Secretary?
Our long-standing position has been that we will recognise a Palestinian state at a time that is most conducive to the peace process. The most important thing is that we are committed to that two-state solution and are working with our allies to bring it about.
Assessment & feedback
Our Long-Standing Position Commitment
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
People in Northampton South face a severe shortage of NHS dental services, with Duston having none at all. The Prime Minister announced the dentistry recovery plan.
Residents of Northampton South are experiencing a severe shortage of NHS dental services, particularly in Duston where there is now no service available at all. With today's announcement of the dentistry recovery plan, can the Prime Minister guarantee that improvements will be seen within months rather than years?
We are publishing the dentistry recovery plan today and my right hon. Friend the Health Secretary will make a statement shortly. Over 1 million more people saw an NHS dentist last year than the previous year, but we know there is still work to be done. The recovery plan aims to ensure faster, simpler and fairer access to NHS dental care for patients and staff.
Assessment & feedback
Over 1 Million More People Statement Shortly
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister promised to bring down NHS waiting lists, which has not been achieved. He once said if he failed to meet his promise it would be on him personally.
A year ago the Prime Minister promised to reduce NHS waiting lists but now we learn that he is blocking a deal to end doctors' strikes. Does he mean by saying 'it's on me personally', that he will take responsibility for not meeting his promises?
We are bringing down waiting lists for the longest waiters and making progress. It is a bit rich to hear about promises from someone who has broken every single promise he was elected on, such as pensions, planning, peerages, public sector pay, tuition fees, childcare, second referendums, defining a woman.
Assessment & feedback
Breaking Promises
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister promised to reduce NHS waiting lists, but now it is said that he is the blocker to any deal to end doctors' strikes.
When Brianna's mother is in this Chamber, the Prime Minister says that he stands by his commitments. Yet a year ago he insisted if he failed to meet his promises it was on him personally. But now we learn from his own officials that he blocks any deal to end doctors' strikes. What did he mean when he said 'it's on me personally'?
Let us look at that record. In the NHS, we have record funding; record numbers of doctors and nurses; a record number of appointments; and higher cancer survival rates.
Assessment & feedback
Looking At The Record
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
There are areas in the UK where people cannot get an NHS dentist, and some have resorted to pulling out their own teeth.
In some parts of the country, people literally cannot find an NHS dentist and blame it on covid. There are even cases of people pulling out their own teeth due to lack of access. What is being done about this?
Let us look at that record. In the NHS, we have record funding; record numbers of doctors and nurses; a record number of appointments; and higher cancer survival rates.
Assessment & feedback
Looking At The Record
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister promised to reduce NHS waiting lists but has not succeeded. Meanwhile, Labour's record on healthcare funding shows longer wait times compared to the Conservatives.
There are some areas where people literally cannot have an NHS dentist because of the pandemic. People are pulling out their own teeth due to lack of access. The Prime Minister says that this is down to covid. What exactly does he mean by saying 'it's on me personally' if he fails?
In Wales, 20% of people are currently on a waiting list; waits of 18 months or more are ten times higher than in England; and people are waiting twice as long for an operation. Labour's failure has sent the Welsh NHS back to square one.
Assessment & feedback
Waiting Lists In Wales
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister is accused of prioritising tax avoidance over funding the NHS. Labour argues that higher taxes are needed to fund more appointments.
When the Prime Minister admitted failing on waiting lists, I thought we might see a new era of integrity, but it has proved false. He blames others and is out of touch with reality. Can he explain his stance?
The best way to fund the NHS is not making £28 billion in unfunded spending commitments.
Assessment & feedback
Funding The Nhs
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister is criticised for backing tax avoidance over increasing NHS appointments.
The Prime Minister is known as Mr 25 Tax Rises, being an expert in raising taxes. He thought it was right to defend terrorists and now he backs non-dom status. When he finds himself defending tax avoidance over more NHS appointments, does he understand why his MPs say he doesn't get what Britain needs?
I will take no lectures from someone who thought it was right to defend terrorists. We are delivering a plan, but Labour cannot even agree on one.
Assessment & feedback
Lectures Defend Terrorists
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
Mr Baron notes his constituents' concerns about the economy's performance, particularly regarding tax levels.
My constituents and I send our best wishes to the King and the royal family. Despite the popular narrative, our economy is doing well, with an unemployment rate well below the EU average, strong inward investment and record employment. Taxes are higher than Conservatives would like, but does my right hon. Friend agree that a key reason for this is that we rightly spent £400 billion on covid support, including one of most generous furlough schemes, in order to ensure that no one was left behind, and that it is our intention and instinct to lower taxes, unlike the Opposition parties?
My hon. Friend is right to highlight our record of providing support to the country when it needed it, whether it is the NHS, vaccines, furlough during covid or, most recently, help with people's energy bills. We are only able to afford that because of the strong management of our economy. That is why we must stick with the plan and not risk going back to square one with the Labour party, which, as we know, has absolutely no plan and will cost everyone in this country with its £28 billion of tax rises.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about agreeing that higher taxes are due to £400 billion spent on covid support was not addressed directly
Risk Going Back To Square One With The Labour Party £28 Billion Of Tax Rises
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Stephen Flynn SNP
Aberdeen South
Context
Mr Flynn references a bet involving asylum seekers, accusing the Prime Minister of degrading his office.
I begin by expressing my heartfelt sympathies to Brianna's mother, who is in the Public Gallery. I also send my best wishes to King Charles for what will hopefully be a quick and full recovery. The public are used to the Tories gambling on the lives of others: Boris Johnson did it with public health during the pandemic, and his immediate successor did it with household finances. Not to be outdone, on Monday this week the Prime Minister accepted a crude bet regarding the lives of asylum seekers. In doing so, he demeaned them as individuals and he degraded the office that he currently holds. Will he apologise?
We may have a principled disagreement on this: I believe, and we believe, that if someone comes to this country illegally, they should not be able to stay and they should be removed. That is why we are committed to our Rwanda scheme.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about apologizing for the bet was completely avoided
Principled Disagreement Commitment To Rwanda Scheme
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Stephen Flynn SNP
Aberdeen South
Context
Mr Flynn questions the Prime Minister's actions regarding the cost of living crisis.
As ever, the Prime Minister does himself no favours, because the bet to which I refer was worth £1,000, and it came just hours before he ended cost of living support worth just £900. His justification for doing so was that the cost of living crisis is easing. What does he believe leaves him looking most out of touch with the public: gambling £1,000, or believing that the cost of living crisis is getting better?
The hon. Gentleman talks about the cost of living, but perhaps he can explain to the Scottish people why it is that, while the UK Conservative Government are cutting their taxes, the Scottish Government are raising them?
Assessment & feedback
Question regarding gambling £1000 and belief in easing cost of living was completely avoided
Scottish Tax Policy
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
Mr Loughton questions the Church of England's secret guidance regarding asylum seeker conversions to Christianity.
The thoughts of the people of East Worthing and Shoreham are with His Majesty, too. The Archbishop of Canterbury has admitted that, since taking office, attendance at the Church of England has dropped by 15%. In the 10 years to covid, the number of baptisms in the Church of England has fallen from 140,000 a year to 87,000, so Christianity in the UK seems to be on the wane, unless, apparently, you are from a Muslim country in the middle of an asylum claim. We are now told that one in seven occupants of the Bibby Stockholm has suddenly become a practising Christian. Given that the Church of England has now issued secret guidance to clergy supporting asylum applications for these Damascene conversions, to whom is the Church accountable? Are taxpayers being scammed by the Archbishop?
When it comes to illegal migrants, we need to have a system whereby, if someone comes here illegally, they should not be able to stay. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has asked for more information about the extent to which migrants converting to Christianity is playing a role in our asylum system. More generally, under our Illegal Migration Act 2023, anybody entering the UK illegally will not be granted asylum here. That is why we need to have somewhere to send them and why our Rwanda scheme is so important. The Labour party has blocked these measures every single step of the way, because it does not have a plan and it will not keep Britain safe.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about accountability for secret guidance was completely avoided
Illegal Migrants Act 2023 Rwanda Scheme
Response accuracy
Q13 Direct Answer
Context
Mr Donaldson thanks the Prime Minister for his leadership in restoring political institutions at Stormont.
May I, on behalf of my party, extend our best wishes to His Majesty the King for a full recovery? I thank the Prime Minister for his dedication and leadership in helping us to restore our place in the United Kingdom and its internal market and to revive our political institutions at Stormont. The Union is more secure as a result of our combined endeavours and, together, we have greatly enhanced the potential to build a strong and prosperous economy that will help to cement our peace in Northern Ireland. Securing peace in an unstable world is vital for all of us, so will the Prime Minister examine the findings of a recent report by Policy Exchange that calls for Northern Ireland to play an even greater role in the defence of our nation?
May I start by thanking and paying tribute to my right hon. Friend for his own leadership over the past few months? He and I agree that the Union is stronger for the return of devolution and the work that we have done. I would be delighted to examine the findings of the report, and I have seen, with my own visits, the vital role that Northern Ireland is playing through the location of firms such as Thales and Harland & Wolff. However, as he will know, I was delighted that, in last week's Command Paper, we specifically committed to examining how we can further bolster Northern Ireland's share of the UK defence sector, because it is another essential pillar of our precious economic Union.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
Ms Crosbie asks about the best site for large-scale nuclear energy and commits to Wylfa.
Mr Speaker, does the Prime Minister know where the best site for large-scale, new nuclear in the UK is? [ “Wylfa!”] Will he commit to buying the Wylfa site—now the only gigawatt site in Wales—this year and ensure that it is progressed as soon as possible to meet our net zero and energy security needs, and give an enormous boost to the Ynys Môn and north Wales economy?
As ever, my hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for Wylfa and the nuclear industry. I can confirm to her that Wylfa is a candidate for the new nuclear site and one of a number of potential sites that could host civil nuclear projects. No decisions have been taken at present, but Great British Nuclear is working with the Government to support access. We are also developing a new national policy statement, providing the planning framework for new nuclear power, and we very much welcome her, and other, contributions to that consultation.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about committing to buying Wylfa site was not directly addressed
No Decisions Have Been Taken At Present Contributions To Consultation
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
A Government audit flagged hundreds of UK university research programmes as high risk for misuse by the Chinese Communist Party. The Prime Minister and other Ministers were given these findings last year.
Last year, the Prime Minister and other senior Ministers were given the conclusions of a Government audit of research programmes at UK universities with links to the Chinese state. Despite the report's warnings, no action has been taken. Why is this?
We will continue to take a robust approach towards China, rooted in our national interest. The National Security Act 2023 includes measures such as a foreign influence registration scheme. We will continue to take all necessary powers to protect the country.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about confirming knowledge of the report and explaining lack of action was not directly addressed.
Under Review Proactive Approach
Response accuracy
Q16 Direct Answer
Context
Two individuals from Kettering, Beccy Hurrell and Lindsey Atkins, have proposed a £2 million bid to transform the redundant Gala Bingo hall into a community hub.
Two talented individuals have put together an ambitious £2 million bid to repurpose the Gala Bingo hall in Kettering. Will my right hon. Friend facilitate a meeting with relevant Ministers to discuss funding options?
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting this initiative. He will know that our £150 million community ownership fund and the cultural development fund are available. I will ensure he gets a meeting with relevant Ministers to discuss further.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Janet Daby Lab
Lewisham East
Context
Data from the Centre for Cities showed that towns and cities across the UK are on average over £10,000 a year worse off due to 14 years of Conservative government.
After 14 years of Tory rule, towns and cities in every part of the country have been left behind financially. When will the Prime Minister take responsibility for this?
In fact, we are seeing record investment in our towns across the UK. Labour's £28 billion green spending spree would saddle Britons with higher taxes. We need to avoid this and stick to our plan for a brighter future.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about taking responsibility was not addressed, instead focusing on Labour's policies.
Labour'S Failure Higher Taxes
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Context
Constituents across the Vale of Glamorgan and Wales have faced longer wait times for medical services compared to England. The number of patients waiting over two years for an operation is significantly higher in Wales.
For 27 years, constituents in Wales have waited longer than those in England for doctors, ambulances, A&E care, and operations. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Labour cannot be trusted with the NHS?
My right hon. Friend is correct. In England, we are eliminating longest waiting times and improving education rates, while in Wales these issues are worsening under Labour.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about the unacceptable situation was not addressed, instead comparing policies.
Labour'S Failure Education Rates
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Context
Since 1999, at least 391 people have died attempting to cross UK borders. The estimated cost of the failed border regime and Rwanda plan is over £800 million since 2014.
Over 391 deaths have occurred at our borders in the past 25 years, with an estimated cost of £800 million for the current policy. Will he now show understanding that asylum seekers are human beings and provide safe routes instead of deterrence?
It is criminal gangs exploiting vulnerable people, leading many to lose their lives. We want to do something about it by getting a deterrent up and running. The hon. Gentleman's party opposes this.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not addressed, instead blaming Labour for opposing the policy.
Criminal Gangs Labour Opposition
Response accuracy
Q20 Direct Answer
Context
February marks Emotional Health, Boost Your Self Esteem and Children's Mental Health Month. In recent years, about 6,500 people have died by suicide annually in the UK.
In February, focusing on emotional health and mental well-being, I share my personal experience of a near-fatal attempt in 2021. After receiving care at St Helier and Springfield Hospitals, I am grateful for support from NHS staff. Does the Prime Minister agree that one death by suicide is too many?
The House joins me in commending my hon. Friend for his bravery. We take this issue seriously and will have actions in place through the new suicide prevention strategy.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Liz Twist Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Context
The independent report into Teesworks released last Monday has raised concerns about insufficient transparency regarding value for money.
May I take this opportunity to ask the Prime Minister if he will consider apologising to Brianna Ghey's mother for his insensitive comment? Turning to my question, the independent report into Teesworks released last Monday throws up more questions than it answers. It is vital that we now have a National Audit Office investigation. The report was scathing and said that there is insufficient transparency to offer evidence of value for money. Should the Government not lead by example, and will the Prime Minister finally release details of his conversations surrounding Teesworks, as he was asked to do twice last year?
I think the hon. Lady was talking about the report on Teesworks, as far as I can see. What that report noted was that the pace and scope of the regeneration had had a wide-reaching positive impact on the local economy—and of course it was an independent external report. It makes it clear that there is no evidence of corruption or illegality and the Government will of course respond to the recommendations in the report as soon as possible.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for a National Audit Office investigation and details on conversations about Teesworks, but these specific requests were not addressed directly.
Did Not Address Request For Nao Investigation
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Alicia Kearns Con
Rutland and Stamford
Context
Flooding in Rutland devastated tens of homes, farms, and businesses. The area is excluded from future flood support due to the arbitrary floor currently in place.
I give my heartfelt thanks to the Prime Minster for his support for our Melton, Harborough and Stamford villages following the recent devastating flooding. Tens of homes, farms and businesses in Rutland were also devastated, but our county is in effect excluded from ever receiving support in the future due to the arbitrary floor currently in place. Flood support should be based on the most affected or a percentage of population, but Rutland must have 1,000 times more flooding than next-door Lincolnshire for us ever to access support. Will my right hon. Friend please give a meeting to me and my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for South Swindon (Sir Robert Buckland) to discuss this important issue?
I extend my sympathies to all those impacted by the recent storms and flooding. We are investing record sums in flood defence across England and a recovery support framework is in place for families and businesses in every area that has experienced exceptional flooding. I know that my hon. Friend is in touch with Ministers in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities about how those schemes affect her constituency, but I will ensure that she gets the correspondence and meetings that she needs to deliver for her local communities.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for a meeting specifically regarding flood support for Rutland, but this specific request was not addressed directly.
Did Not Address Request For Meeting
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Daisy Cooper Lib Dem
St Albans
Context
Campaigners have asked the Government to call in a plan that would downgrade Eastbourne Hospital's paediatric services.
Two weeks ago, I challenged the Prime Minister on his Government's broken promise on building new hospitals by 2030, including in my own area. Now it seems the Government are downgrading existing hospitals too. Children and parents in Eastbourne will be forced to travel for miles if the proposed downgrade of the hospital's paediatric services goes ahead. Campaigners have asked the Government to call in this disastrous plan, so will the Prime Minister agree?
Actually, we are investing record sums in improving hospital infrastructure across the country. In Eastbourne in particular, spades are already in the ground to deliver an elective surgical hub. I know that there is local Liberal Democrat scaremongering about the future of services, but the local Conservative MP is doing a fantastic job, engaging with her community and working with local health officials.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for a commitment to call in the plan, but this specific request was not addressed directly. The answer instead provided general information about hospital infrastructure investments.
Did Not Address Downgrade Of Paediatric Services Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Context
The Member hosted an event celebrating apprenticeships in the aerospace and defence industries.
It was my huge pleasure to host the aerospace defence and security industry apprenticeships event in Parliament yesterday, welcoming two apprentices from Collins Aerospace in Wolverhampton. Will the Prime Minister join me, in National Apprenticeship Week, in celebrating the opportunities that apprenticeships can provide in the defence industry, as well as in our armed forces, which are all in the top 10 apprenticeship providers?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the importance of our apprenticeship provision, which is providing young people with opportunities across the country, particularly in the defence and aerospace sectors, as she said. Those plans are in stark contrast to those of the Labour party, which has caved in to big business and is now proposing to halve the amount of apprenticeship funding and the number of apprenticeships.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for a celebration during National Apprenticeship Week, but this specific request was not addressed directly. The answer instead criticized Labour's policy on apprenticeships.
Did Not Address Celebration Request Criticized Opposition
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Context
Scotland's only major oil-producing nation without a refinery capacity if Grangemouth closes, raising concerns about energy security.
If Grangemouth refinery closes, Scotland will be the only major oil-producing nation without a refinery capacity. At a time of energy insecurity, is it not economic madness to allow a profitable plant to close, and is it not environmental madness to tranship oil for refining and distribution across the increasingly dangerous high seas? Given the billions that the Prime Minister has received and will continue to receive from North sea oil, will he ensure that Scotland retains a refinery capacity for Scotland's oil?
The future of Grangemouth refinery is obviously a commercial decision for its owners, but I am told that the site will remain operating as a refinery until at least May 2025. In the meantime, the UK and Scottish Governments are working together to seek assurances from Grangemouth about how it is supporting employees. We remain confident in our fuel supply. On energy security, which the hon. Gentleman mentioned, this Government are unambiguously backing the North sea oil and gas sector because that is how we support energy security in this country, attract investment and create jobs, particularly in Scotland.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for a specific commitment to ensure refinery capacity, but this was not directly addressed. Instead, the Prime Minister focused on broader points about future investments and job creation.
Did Not Address Specific Commitment
Response accuracy
Q26 Partial Answer
Caroline Nokes Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Context
The Patient Safety Commissioner has raised points in a recent report on medical devices and medicines, prompting calls for action.
I was very proud that it was a Conservative Government who appointed the Patient Safety Commissioner, and that we commissioned the Hughes report on medical devices and medicines, which was published this morning. Will my right hon. Friend also make me proud by addressing the points that the commissioner has raised and bringing forward a redress scheme in a timely manner?
I am grateful to the Patient Safety Commissioner and her team for their work on this important issue—one that I know my right hon. Friend has spoken about in the past. Of course, first and foremost, our sympathies remain with those affected by sodium valproate. We are focused on improving the system and how it listens to patients, and it is right that the Government carefully consider the report's recommendations. The Department of Health and Social Care will respond to the report in due course, and the Health Secretary will keep the House updated on a regular basis.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for a redress scheme based on the report's recommendations, but this specific request was not addressed directly. Instead, the Prime Minister noted that the Government would carefully consider the recommendations and respond in due course.
Did Not Address Redress Scheme
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
Sarah Edwards Lab
Tamworth
Context
Local constituents, including Jessica, have faced long wait times for autism diagnosis and lack of EHCPs. Jessica's son is likely to start secondary school without an education, health and care plan.
Many of my constituents, such as local mum Jessica, have contacted me about special educational needs and disability support. Jessica's son has waited years for an autism diagnosis, and he is not expected to have an education, health and care plan in place by the time he goes to secondary school. Will the Prime Minister confirm that students who need an EHCP will get one so that they can thrive at school?
Of course, we want to see every child thrive at school, which is why we have tripled the amount going into special educational needs for capital places and put more money into support ECHPs. I am sorry to hear about the case that the hon. Lady mentions. I will ensure that we continue to look at this matter in particular, because, as she said, we want every child to thrive at school.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to ensuring students who need an EHCP will receive one.
We Continue To Look At This Matter
Response accuracy
Q28 Partial Answer
Alec Shelbrooke Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Context
The Hughes report has been published today, highlighting issues affecting thousands of women and children since the 1970s. Previous governments have failed to address these problems.
I put on the record my best wishes to His Majesty the King and to Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales. Building on the question asked by my right hon. Friend the Member for Romsey and Southampton North, I know that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is exceptionally pleased about the Hughes report, which has been published today. May I press my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the fact that tens of thousands of women and children have suffered immensely since the 1970s, with Government after Government doing nothing about it? I am proud that this Government have done something about it, but I urge him, in the strongest terms, to talk to the Chancellor to ensure that we can address the issues raised in the Hughes report at the Budget.
I thank my right hon. Friend and colleagues from all parts of the House for their campaigning over many years on this issue. As I said, it is right not only that we extend our sympathies to those affected, but that we carefully consider the recommendations from the Patient Safety Commissioner's report. I can assure my right hon. Friend that we will do that with all due haste, and I know that the Health Secretary will keep the House updated.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to discussing Hughes report issues directly with the Chancellor for inclusion in the budget.
All Due Haste Health Secretary Will Keep The House Updated
Response accuracy
Q29 Partial Answer
Vicky Foxcroft Lab
Lewisham North
Context
The Prime Minister has downgraded the role of Minister for Disabled People. This is viewed negatively by many disabled people who are concerned about the impact on support and services.
Why did the Prime Minister downgrade the role of Minister for Disabled People? What message does he think that sends to disabled people, and will he commit to reconsider that move and ensure that the role is held by a Minister of State? If not, will he agree to meet with me and disabled people's organisations to explain his reasoning?
Actually, the Minister for Disabled People, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Sussex (Mims Davies), is going to do a fantastic job, because she cares passionately about this issue. This Government have a record to be proud of, whether that is supporting many more of those with disabilities into work and ensuring they can live independently, or making sure that children with complex disabilities have access to more changing places across the country.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address why he downgraded the role or commit to reconsidering it.
Fantastic Job Record To Be Proud Of
Response accuracy