PMQs 2024-02-28

2024-02-28

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
The local integrated care system and a private firm have found ways to increase dental appointments, but NHS England has cited spurious reasons to prevent the initiative from being deployed.
I am certain that everyone in this Chamber will agree, whatever their political standpoint, that we should be able to think, speak and vote without fear or favour, but today I need to ask about the painful subject of dental care in Clacton, which is in crisis. Our integrated care system has found the money, and a private firm has found the students, to massively increase dental appointments in my patch, but paper-pushers in NHS England keep citing spurious reasons to prevent this groundbreaking initiative from being deployed. Does my right hon. Friend agree that is scandalous, should be dealt with and those people blocking it held to account?
Our dentistry recovery plan will make dental services faster, simpler and fairer for patients, including in Clacton, and will fund around 2.5 million more appointments. The matter that my hon. Friend raises, as he will know, is a local matter, so the integrated care board will determine whether it wishes to support the pilot proposal in Clacton, but I know that the Minister for Public Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Northamptonshire (Dame Andrea Leadsom) has written to my hon. Friend about the proposal, and I hope that her letter addresses his concerns.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address whether NHS England's actions were scandalous or if those responsible should be held accountable.
Local Matter Minister For Public Health Has Written To My Hon. Friend
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The previous week, Tory MPs made claims that Britain is run by a shadowy cabal of activists, the deep state, and even the Financial Times.
May I join the Prime Minister in his remarks about Lord Cormack and Ronnie Campbell? Tory MPs spent last week claiming that Britain is run by a shadowy cabal made up of activists, the deep state and, most chillingly of all, the Financial Times. At what point did his party give up on governing and become the political wing of the Flat Earth Society?
This is another week when the right hon. and learned Gentleman just snipes from the sidelines, because he has absolutely nothing he can say about what he will do. We are getting on with delivering on the people's priorities: the number of small boats is down by a third; NHS performance is improving; inflation is continuing to fall; and while we are delivering a significant tax cut for millions of working Britons, his incoherent energy plans would put taxes up for everyone across the country.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address when his party stopped focusing on governance and began believing in conspiracy theories; instead, he focused on Labour's policies and performance.
Delivers On Priorities Incoherent Energy Plans
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The former Prime Minister has been promoting her new book in America, criticizing Britain, and suggesting sabotage by the deep state.
The Prime Minister's predecessor, the right hon. Member for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss), spent last week in America trying to flog her new book. In search of fame and wealth, she has taken to slagging off—[Interruption.] They made her Prime Minister, now they cannot bear talking about her. In search of fame and wealth, she has taken to slagging off and undermining Britain at every opportunity. She claimed that, as Prime Minister, she was sabotaged by the deep state. She also remained silent as Tommy Robinson, that right-wing thug, was described as a hero. Why is the Prime Minister allowing her to stand as a Tory MP at the next election?
I do not believe that a single Member of this House supports Tommy Robinson, but if the right hon. and learned Gentleman wants to talk about former leaders and predecessors, the whole country knows his record: he sat there while antisemitism ran rife in his party; and he backed not once but twice a man who called Hamas “friends”. To their credit, the shadow Chancellor, the shadow Home Secretary and, indeed, the shadow Foreign Secretary refused to back the former Labour leader, but he did not, because he is spineless, hopeless and utterly shameless.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address why his predecessor continues to stand for election despite her criticism of Britain; instead, he focused on Labour's history with antisemitism.
Antisemitism In Labour Spineless, Hopeless And Utterly Shameless
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The former Prime Minister continues to criticize Britain in America, while the current Prime Minister lacks accountability for his leadership.
I have changed my party for the better; the Prime Minister is being changed by his party. He is letting the right hon. Member for South West Norfolk stand because he is too weak to do anything about it. It is the story of his leadership. When the Tories refuse to accept any blame for the ruin of the past 14 years, one wonders who they think has been running the country all this time. Thankfully, the former Prime Minister is on hand again to help: it turns out that it is all the fault of the media, the corporate world and—bizarrely—the President of the United States.
The right hon. and learned Gentleman talks about leadership, and about change, but when I learnt of something that I did not agree with, I suspended one of my MPs straightaway. When he learnt of vile antisemitic remarks made by a Labour candidate, what did he do? He instructed his team to defend him, he sent a shadow Cabinet Minister to campaign for him, and he personally backed him for days. That is the difference between us: I act on my principles; he has not got any.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address Winston Churchill's quote about leadership and accountability; instead, he criticized Labour's handling of antisemitic remarks.
Antisemitic Remarks Shadow Cabinet Minister Campaigned
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The former Prime Minister claimed that Nigel Farage is the man to restore the Tory party, raising questions about whether he should be welcomed back.
I cannot believe the Prime Minister said that with a straight face. The former Prime Minister continued on her American odyssey—this journey into the wild west of her mind—and claimed that Nigel Farage is the man to restore the Tory party. Will the Prime Minister confirm whether he, too, would welcome Mr Farage back into the Tory fold?
In our party, we have a proud tradition of diversity and accepting everyone from every background—indeed, it is a proud record that puts Labour to shame. This is the party that delivered the first Jewish Prime Minister, the first female Prime Minister, the first black Chancellor and the first Muslim Home Secretary, and it is now led by the first British-Asian Prime Minister. While it seems that the right hon. and learned Gentleman can only champion men from north London, it is the Conservatives who represent modern Britain.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not confirm whether he would welcome Nigel Farage back into the Tory party; instead, he highlighted diversity within his own party.
Proud Tradition Of Diversity Representing Modern Britain
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister had previously said that the Tory party is a broad church, raising questions about whether Nigel Farage would be welcomed back.
So this diverse Tory party does welcome Nigel Farage. Two months ago, the Prime Minister said that “the Tory party is a broad church. I welcome lots of people who want to subscribe to our ideals, to our values.” That is the same Nigel Farage who said he agreed with the basic premise of Enoch Powell's “Rivers of blood” speech and bemoaned the influence of the Jewish lobby. Is the Prime Minister simply too scared to stand up to the gaggle of Tory MPs who moonlight as GB News presenters, or does he genuinely think that Nigel Farage shares the ideals and values of the Tory party?
The right hon. and learned Gentleman wants to talk about values, but tomorrow in Rochdale the people will have a choice of three former Labour candidates, two of whom are antisemites. The truth is, his party is so mired in hate that despite three ex-Labour candidates standing, he cannot back a single one of them. We expel antisemites—he makes them Labour candidates.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address whether Nigel Farage would be welcomed back into the Tory party; instead, he highlighted Labour's handling of antisemitic members.
Antisemites In Labour Backing Former Labour Candidates
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister is accused of losing control to extremists in his party who undermine him.
These are no longer the Tories your parents voted for, and the public can see it. The Prime Minister has lost control of his party to the hordes of redcoats and malcontents. When will he ever stand up to them and end the pathetic spectacle?
That is utterly shameless from someone who stood by while antisemitism ran rife in his party, oversaw the appalling situation in Rochdale and twice backed Jeremy Corbyn. While the right hon. and learned Gentleman might want to bend to mob rule, we will face down the extremists and stand up for British values.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q8 Direct Answer
Context
The House is paying tribute to the British Government and people's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Two years ago last Saturday, Russian forces launched their heinous attack on Ukraine. The response of the British Government and the British people has been magnificent. Could the Prime Minister assure the House that our support for Ukraine will continue to be unwavering?
I join my hon. Friend in thanking people up and down the country, including the people of Bracknell, for welcoming Ukrainian families into their homes and communities. During my visit to Ukraine in January I announced a major new package of support, including £2.5 billion of military assistance. Last week, we announced 50 new sanctions that target individuals and businesses that are sustaining Putin's illegal war machine. Our support to Ukraine will never waver.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Stephen Flynn SNP
Aberdeen South
Context
There are 30,000 dead and 70,000 injured in Gaza due to the conflict with Hamas.
Some 30,000 people dead; 70,000 injured. Does the Prime Minister share President Biden's confidence that a ceasefire may take place from Monday?
We have consistently called for an immediate humanitarian pause, which would allow for the safe release of hostages—including British nationals—and more aid to Gaza. We welcome progress on a deal. As the hon. Gentleman said, there has been progress, and we urge everyone on all sides to seize the opportunity.
Assessment & feedback
specific timeframe for ceasefire
Welcomes Progress Urges Seizing Opportunity
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Stephen Flynn SNP
Aberdeen South
Context
There are concerns about the Government's stance on a ceasefire at the United Nations.
We are approaching five months since this conflict began. In that time, this House has equivocated and abstained from voting for a ceasefire. Should this matter now come before the United Nations with a ceasefire potentially in sight, will the Prime Minister use his Government's vote to deliver that ceasefire?
We support the United States' draft resolution that was discussed with colleagues at the United Nations last week. But just calling for an immediate, full ceasefire now which collapses back into fighting within days or weeks and does not include the release of hostages, including British ones, is not in anyone's interests.
Assessment & feedback
specific vote on a draft resolution
Supports Us Draft Calls For Full Ceasefire
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
There are concerns about the use of AI in commercial gain and societal disruption.
I am sure that we are all proud of our open Government, but with machine learning becoming more prevalent, does the Prime Minister agree that now is the time to look at licensing this information where it is used for commercial gain and to inform intelligence that will disrupt society?
I join my hon. Friend in his passion for AI. Like him, I am proud of our record at the forefront of the AI revolution, having created one of the world's first AI safety institutes, established the “State of AI” report and hosted the world's first ever global AI safety summit.
Assessment & feedback
licensing for commercial use
Proud Of Ai Record
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Liz Saville-Roberts PC
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Context
There is evidence of misleading campaigning in Wales by the Conservatives.
Plaid Cymru has signed Full Fact's pledge for an honest general election campaign. There is evidence of egregious, misleading campaigning in Wales and elsewhere by the Conservatives in recent weeks. Will the Prime Minister sign Full Fact's pledge for an honest election?
I was pleased to be in Wales just last week, and these are the facts on the ground: the Labour-run Welsh NHS is performing the worst in the United Kingdom; small Welsh businesses, including pubs and restaurants, are facing a crippling rise in their business rates; and Welsh farmers are being decimated by the plans of the Welsh Labour Government.
Assessment & feedback
signing Full Fact's pledge
Welsh Nhs Performance Business Rate Increase
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
Landlords in Elliot Colburn's constituency have pulled out of discussions, causing uncertainty for the local GP practice serving 4,000 patients. The local integrated care board issued a weak statement.
There are 4,000 patients in Carshalton and Wallington facing uncertainty after landlords pulled out of discussions the day before their GP practice's lease expired and then issued notice that it was trespassing. Can the Prime Minister assure me that when such decisions are taken by landlords, there is appropriate infrastructure in place to support NHS patients before they are cast out?
As my hon. Friend will know, GP leases are commercial agreements between landlords and tenants, but he is right that everything that can be done should be done to ensure that GP surgeries do not have to close. That is why, in March last year, we commissioned a review into legislation governing these leases.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide assurance about appropriate infrastructure for patients if landlords terminate leases prematurely
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
The House recently united around a call for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict, but there is concern about what UK representatives at the UN will do to advocate this position.
One of the few good things to come out of Wednesday's stramash last week was that the House united around a call for an immediate ceasefire. Now, I welcome that—that is progress. The Prime Minister was just given an opportunity by my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen South (Stephen Flynn) to commit to the UK's representatives in the United Nations and elsewhere articulating that position of this House. If they are not going to do that, what will he say to those of us who say this place really is just a sick pantomime?
As I outlined previously, it is not right to call for an immediate ceasefire that would collapse instantly into more fighting and not do anything to get more aid into Gaza to alleviate the suffering that people are experiencing, or to make sure that we can safely remove hostages, including British hostages.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to having UK's representatives articulate House's call for an immediate ceasefire
Discussed Conditions For A Humanitarian Ceasefire Instead Of Committing To Immediate Ceasefire
Response accuracy
Q15 Direct Answer
Context
Monday saw the announcement of new bathing water sites across England, including three in Shropshire. The quality of rivers in these areas is expected to improve.
Does my right hon. Friend share my enthusiasm about Monday's announcement of 27 new potential bathing water sites across the country, including three in Shropshire: two on the River Severn at Ironbridge and Shrewsbury, and one on the River Teme at Ludlow? How will those very welcome designations improve the quality of rivers in Shropshire and in the other areas under consideration?
On Monday we launched a consultation on the largest ever roll-out of new bathing water sites: 27 potential new bathing waters in England, including an extra one on the River Teme in Ludlow in my right hon. Friend's constituency. He is right that substantial improvements have been made in recent years.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Tulip Siddiq Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
Context
Parents are facing costs of over £14,000 per year for full-time nursery places. The Prime Minister promised free childcare in April 2024 but concerns remain about staff shortages and lack of spaces.
The parent of a two-year-old in the UK is currently spending more than £14,000 a year on a full-time nursery place. Last year the Prime Minister promised parents that in April 2024 there would be a new free childcare offer. With only a month to go, parents do not know whether they can access that offer, because of staff shortages and the lack of childcare spaces. Will the parents to whom the Prime Minister made that promise be able to accept the offer that he talked about last year?
We are delivering on what we said, which is 30 hours of free childcare a week for working parents of children from when they are nine months old until they start school.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address concerns about staff shortages and lack of spaces for the free childcare offer
Discussed Plans To Support Parents In England Without Addressing Staffing Or Space Issues
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Context
The notorious crossroads between Ulley Lane and Treeton Lane in the constituency is a major road safety issue that has been ignored for decades by Labour-controlled Rotherham Council.
The notorious crossroads between Ulley Lane and Treeton Lane, just outside Aughton in my constituency, is just one of several major road safety and highway issues that have been ignored for decades by Labour-controlled Rotherham Council. I will be presenting a petition to this place telling the council to end this chaotic mismanagement, but may I also ask for the Prime Minister's support in urging both the Labour council and the Labour Mayor to listen to residents and get the junction sorted?
My hon. Friend raises an important point, and he is right to champion his constituents in this way.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide support for urging the Labour council and Mayor to address road safety issues
Discussed Financial Support Provided Without Addressing Specific Road Management
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Diana R. Johnson Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Context
80 victims of the contaminated blood scandal have died since Sir Brian Langstaff made his final recommendations on compensation to the Government in April 2023, which was 11 months ago.
Another 80 victims of the contaminated blood scandal have died since Sir Brian Langstaff made his final recommendations on compensation to the Government in April 2023. Will the Prime Minister join the families lobbying Members of Parliament today to explain why his government has failed to implement any of those recommendations 11 months on?
I am acutely aware of the strength of feeling on this issue, and the suffering of all those impacted by this dreadful scandal. We have consistently acknowledged that justice should be delivered. I gave evidence to the infected blood public inquiry last year, and the Government have accepted the moral case for compensation, which is why on Monday, in the other place, we committed to bringing forward amendments to the Victims and Prisoners Bill at Report stage, with the intention of speeding up the implementation of our response to the inquiry.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address why recommendations have not been implemented yet.
Committed To Bringing Forward Amendments
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Context
Shropshire has a disproportionately ageing population, and the council is struggling to meet rising costs of adult social care.
How can more be done to help Shropshire Council deal with rising adult social care costs given that they are facing significant pressures in rural areas?
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the work he does representing his constituents. He is right about the pressures that are faced, particularly in rural areas, which is why the Government provided £600 million of additional funding for local government across the country, ensuring an increase of around 7.5% in resources available to invest in social care, but also an extra addition to the rural services delivery grant—an acknowledgement of the challenges of providing services in rural areas—with more funding for those rural councils to deliver.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not specify additional measures beyond existing funding allocations.
£600 Million Of Additional Funding Extra Addition To The Rural Services Delivery Grant
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Context
A constituent, Lee Haywood in Dalmarnock, is on a communal heat network and has seen both his standing charges and energy bills soar.
My constituent Lee Haywood in Dalmarnock is on a communal heat network and has seen both his standing charges and his energy bills absolutely soar. Is it this Government's incompetence or Ofgem's lack of powers that is letting down constituents who cannot afford to put on their heating this winter?
As the hon. Lady will know, standing charges are a matter for the independent regulator, Ofgem, which is currently looking at all those things as part of a consultation. More generally, it is this Government who are providing considerable support to families across the country, including in Scotland, with their energy bills.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address whether the government or Ofgem was at fault for high costs.
Standing Charges Are A Matter For Ofgem
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Context
Peterborough City Council proposed to fence off almost the entire Werrington Fields area, despite a compromise that most residents and the school were happy with.
Will my right hon. Friend get behind my campaign to save Werrington Fields and make it clear—right here, right now—that this is a matter entirely for the local authority?
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for championing his constituents on this matter. As he knows, last year the Education Secretary rightly rejected Peterborough City Council's application to change the playing field land at Ken Stimson Community School from educational land to public open space. That decision ensured that children will have access to the open space that they deserve.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly support or oppose the campaign to save Werrington Fields.
Education Secretary'S Decision Children'S Access To Open Space
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Context
Nick Read, the Post Office CEO, is under investigation following an 80-page report by the former head of HR at the Post Office.
Do the Prime Minister and the Business Secretary have confidence in Nick Read's leadership at the Post Office?
It would clearly be inappropriate for me to comment on an investigation before it has been completed. Our focus remains working closely with the Post Office to ensure that it delivers justice for postmasters caught up in this historic scandal, which is why we will imminently bring forward the legislation that we promised.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address whether they have confidence in Nick Read's leadership.
Inappropriate To Comment Before Investigation Completion
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Context
There are efforts to include land in a revised Peterborough local plan despite previous successful community opposition.
Does the Prime Minister agree that it is very important that the voice of the local community is heard and that it is unacceptable that developments can take place in this circuitous way, especially when other, more suitable land is available in and around the city of Peterborough?
My right hon. Friend raises an important issue, and he is right to say that the local community should always have their voice heard. It is important that councils bring forward local plans, but this must be done in close consultation with local communities.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not provide specifics on whether they will support or oppose the revised plan.
Local Community'S Voice Heard
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Sarah Owen Lab
Luton North
Context
The UK is in its seventh consecutive quarter of no growth, the longest since records began in 1955. This contrasts with other G7 countries.
The Prime Minister talks about things going backwards. The UK is the only western G7 power in recession, with seven consecutive quarters of no growth. Can the Prime Minister tell the businesses going bust, the families struggling to pay their bills, and the people being made homeless why this recession, which has his name written all over it, is a good thing for our country?
The hon. Lady might want to check some of the facts that she just outlined to the House; they are not quite right. Perhaps she would like to explain to the country why her party is stuck with a completely incoherent energy policy that will saddle working families with £28 billion of higher tax rises and higher energy bills.
Assessment & feedback
The economic situation was not addressed directly; instead, criticism was directed at Labour's energy policy.
Changing The Subject To Criticize Opposition
Response accuracy
Q25 Direct Answer
Context
The Prime Minister has secured record funding for local transport, infrastructure upgrades, and railway station improvements in Stoke-on-Trent North since 2019.
Since 2019, the Prime Minister has had our backs in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke, with record funding for our local transport, over £200 million for Stoke and Staffordshire to repair potholes, over £30 million to improve our bus network with cheaper fares and new and extended routes, funding to upgrade Kidsgrove and Stoke-on-Trent railway stations and bringing back the Stoke to Leek line—and this week Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire have seen a tenfold increase in transport funding year in, year out. I know the Opposition like to talk down Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke, but isn't it true that this Prime Minister and this Conservative party are the only ones with a plan to improve and better connect our communities and fix our broken roads and pavements?
As ever, my hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for Stoke-on-Trent, and he is right: over the next several years, his area will receive 10 times as much as it currently does to invest in local transport schemes as a result of this Government's decision on HS2. But he is also right to say that after years of being neglected by the party opposite, it is this Conservative Government that are levelling up across the country and in Stoke-on-Trent, championed by fantastic MPs like him.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q26 Direct Answer
Jamie Stone Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Context
The Cromarty Firth freeport is set to attract jobs and investment in the fabrication of offshore renewable structures.
The advent of the Cromarty Firth green freeport is most welcome. What discussions has the Prime Minister had with the Scottish Government, who will be responsible for ensuring that there is a robust road network associated with the freeport and that there will be sufficient housing for the influx of workers who we hope will contribute to our dream of the fabrication of offshore renewable structures?
I welcome the hon. Gentleman's support for the freeport. We are taking advantage of our Brexit opportunities to deliver two freeports in Scotland to attract jobs and investment in the industries of the future. With regard to infrastructure investment, not only do we provide the tax benefits for a freeport but £25 million of seed funding is available to the freeport, in discussions with the Government, that can be used on local infrastructure improvements that make sense to develop the opportunities that the freeport provides.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q27 Direct Answer
Context
The AUKUS partnership involves the construction of nuclear-powered submarines in Australia, with BAE Systems playing a key role.
The AUKUS programme is not just a national endeavour designed to keep our nation safe; it is also an international partnership that speaks about our ambitious work across the globe to pursue security and contain threats. I want to personally thank the Prime Minister for his engagement with the Team Barrow initiative, which is bringing together senior civil servants, my council, BAE Systems and myself to drive this programme forward to make sure we can deliver those boats to time and to budget. That means improving and investing in the local area considerably. With that in mind, may I invite the Prime Minister to Barrow to meet not just the fantastic people building the boats of the future but to see how the programme is going to uplift Furness for the future?
At a time of great instability around the world, with the war in Ukraine and in the Red sea, my hon. Friend is absolutely right to say that AUKUS is a game-changing defence and security partnership that will keep us safe and create thousands of jobs in the UK shipyards and the supply chain, building on the investment in places such as Barrow and Derby. He is a fantastic champion of what this industry means in his area, and the Team Barrow partnership is a crucial component of ensuring that AUKUS is a success. That is why the Chancellor provided millions of pounds of funding for a delivery board for Barrow. We have recently discussed this at Cabinet and I look forward to visiting my hon. Friend and his community to see the progress for myself when my diary allows.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q28 Partial Answer
Anna McMorrin Lab
Cardiff North
Context
The Prime Minister was photographed with a group that shares extremist conspiracy theories on climate change and campaigns against net zero.
Last weekend, the Prime Minister posed for photographs with a group that shares extremist conspiracy theories on climate change and campaigns against net zero. Does he share their views?
That is no way to talk about the Welsh farming community.
Assessment & feedback
The question regarding extremist views was not addressed directly; instead, it was redirected to a comment on farmers in Wales.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q29 Direct Answer
Context
An integrated care board receives only £2 million out of its annual £120 million capital budget for primary care.
My integrated care board tells me that only £2 million of the £120 million of capital that it receives annually is for primary care, which seems an unfairly small amount for our amazing family doctors and practice nurses who are, after all, the front door of the NHS. Can our local general practitioners have a greater share?
I thank my hon. Friend for his excellent and continued campaigning on health provision for his constituents. On his specific point, integrated care boards have the power to increase their primary care annual capital management budget, so long as they keep within the overall budget. I understand that he met a Health Minister earlier this week to discuss this further, and I will make sure that his proposals are very carefully considered.
Assessment & feedback
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Q30 Partial Answer
Angela Eagle Lab
Wallasey
Context
The Post Office has faced accusations of bullying towards employees. The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy commented on these issues.
The Prime Minister has just told my right hon. Friend the Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) that, as a Minister, it is inappropriate for him to comment on the bullying allegations at the Post Office, yet he allows his Business and Trade Secretary to comment freely, loudly and often on Twitter. Is he content with her activities and behaviour in this respect?
The Business and Trade Secretary set out her position explicitly and clearly in the House last week. Since then, and despite some of the claims made by the party opposite, the Department's permanent secretary has completely refuted the claims that were made. Yesterday, the Post Office's current CEO and the Department's director of business resilience also refuted Mr Staunton's recollection.
Our focus and priority is delivering justice and compensation for those who suffered a historic injustice. We are introducing legislation to right this wrong, and we will make sure that everyone gets the compensation they deserve.
Assessment & feedback
The specific question about comments on social media was not addressed; instead, the focus was shifted towards general claims of justice for Post Office victims.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q31 Partial Answer
Context
Cornwall received £132 million from the shared prosperity fund to replace EU funding, supporting dozens of businesses and projects. The current round expires next year.
The £132 million allocated to Cornwall from the shared prosperity fund not only kept our promise to the Cornish people to replace EU funding but has supported dozens of businesses and funded projects across the duchy. However, the current round of SPF expires next year, so can the Prime Minister confirm that his Government will continue the shared prosperity funding and will continue to provide the support that the Cornish economy needs?
Cornwall has been awarded over £130 million through the UK shared prosperity fund to deliver, I think, a hundred different projects across the county. Funding is confirmed for this spending review period up to the end of March 2025 but, as with all Government funding, decisions regarding the fund's future are a matter for the next spending review. I assure my hon Friend that we remain committed to an ambitious levelling-up agenda in Cornwall and across the country.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or figure about continued funding after 2025 was not provided
Decisions Regarding The Fund'S Future Are A Matter For The Next Spending Review
Response accuracy