PMQs 2024-01-31

2024-01-31

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
A constituent of Joanna Cherry was wrongly accused by a supermarket-operated franchise post office due to the faulty Horizon system and went through disciplinary processes, suffering significant impacts. Similar cases exist.
I met a constituent who worked for a supermarket operating a Post Office franchise and faced wrongful accusations of dishonesty due to the flawed Horizon system. This led to disciplinary procedures with profound consequences. There are others in similar situations. Will the Prime Minister include victims from these franchise post offices in the compensation scheme for those affected by the Horizon scandal?
I am deeply sorry to hear about Joanna Cherry's constituent's case. It was a grave injustice and everyone affected deserves justice, compensation, and answers. I will ensure that her constituent's case is examined thoroughly and that the Minister responds promptly.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm whether victims from franchise post offices will be included in the compensation scheme
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Context
The question pertains to the government's commitment towards establishing a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate and initiating consultations on its implementation.
Will my right hon. Friend commit to introducing further policies for a SAF mandate to boost demand, along with a revenue support mechanism similar to those in solar and wind sectors? Will work commence by the end of next year on establishing five sustainable aviation fuel plants in the UK?
I can assure my hon. Friend that we are committed to having a sustainable aviation fuel mandate in place by 2025 and will consult on options for a revenue support mechanism in spring this year, with the aim of introducing it by 2026.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The question is regarding the cost of living crisis, specifically focusing on the impact of mortgage costs increasing due to economic instability.
I met a constituent whose mortgage has increased by £1200 per month, forcing him to leave his job. With 14 years of Conservative rule, we finally see what they mean when they say 'We're all in this together.' For every £2 given back, the Government is taking out £10 via higher taxes. Does the Prime Minister know how much people's monthly mortgage repayments are increasing by?
Thanks to the mortgage charter, millions benefit from mortgage support. The typical £140,000 mortgage holder can save hundreds of pounds by extending their term or switching to six-month interest-only mortgages.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific figure for how much monthly repayments are increasing
Attacking Opposition
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The question addresses the Prime Minister's claim that tax cuts will help with cost-of-living issues, while also highlighting how increased mortgage costs are negatively impacting constituents.
For every £2 given back through tax cuts, people face a £10 increase in their monthly bills due to higher taxes. People should not be dancing and thanking the government for this situation. With 200,000 individuals facing significant increases in mortgage repayments after fixed-rate mortgages end, does the Prime Minister know how much these payments are going up by?
Someone on an average £140,000 mortgage can save hundreds of pounds by extending their term or switching to six-month interest-only mortgages. Labour's spending plans lack a funding mechanism.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specifics about how much monthly repayments are increasing post-fixed rates
Attacking Opposition
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The question arises due to public concern over rising mortgages and increasing debt under the current government's economic policies. Previous statements highlighted soaring inflation, doubled national debt, and fixed-rate mortgage expirations.
Hundreds of thousands are coming off fixed-rate mortgages facing huge increases. The Prime Minister will not answer this serious issue about mortgage costs. What is his plan to help people manage these significant financial burdens?
Individuals on a typical £140,000 mortgage who are currently paying around £800 can keep their payment essentially stable through facilitations put in place by the Chancellor. The Labour Party's plan for decarbonising the grid was criticized as unaffordable without clear funding sources.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address how to help those transitioning from fixed-rate mortgages who are facing significant increases beyond the £800 example given
Redirecting To Labour'S Policies
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
Concerns over the government's economic management, especially regarding inflation, debt, and mortgages. The Labour Party criticises rising costs of living under current policies.
The economy has been mismanaged with skyrocketing mortgages; they are doubling national debt. The Prime Minister says he will continue this at next Budget but does not answer questions on how people will afford increasing mortgage payments. How can the government assure affordability for those impacted?
Inflation has reduced from what it was a year ago, putting more money in people's pockets thanks to tax cuts. However, there is no specific mention of how these measures address increasing mortgage costs or affordability issues.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide any concrete actions or policies addressing the affordability issue of rising mortgages
Highlighting Positive Aspects Without Addressing Specific Concerns
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
Public concern over rising mortgages and council taxes under current government policies. The Labour Party criticises lack of support for those facing increased financial burdens.
The Prime Minister says people are better off despite mortgage payments increasing by £1000 monthly and 26 tax rises including maximum council tax hikes. This does not reflect reality; who should people believe: boasts or their bank account? What is the government's plan to address these issues?
The right hon. Gentleman's promises lack credibility as his shadow Chancellor now supports policies previously criticised, indicating inconsistency. No specifics provided regarding alleviating financial pressures from rising mortgages or council taxes.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide any plans addressing mortgage payments and council tax issues; focused on criticising Labour's consistency instead
Attacking The Opposition
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
Questioning the Prime Minister's approach to managing costs of living, particularly regarding mortgages. The Labour Party has previously criticized the government for lifting the bonus cap on bankers.
The Prime Minister laughs at concerns about increased mortgage payments despite criticism from Labour over earlier support for lifting bankers' bonuses. What concrete measures are being taken now to help individuals facing significant financial burdens?
The Government's plan includes stopping children from vaping, ensuring pharmacy access for healthcare needs, freeing up GP appointments, and delivering tax cuts. No specifics given about addressing increased mortgage payments.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address concerns about increasing mortgage costs or other financial burdens; highlighted various unrelated measures instead
Listing General Policy Achievements
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
Context
The planning inspector's decision to uphold Rugby Council's rejection of a Brandon Stadium development application. The proposal was for the venue to remain open for motorsport events.
Welcoming the planning inspector's decision upholding Rugby Council's rejection of Brandon Stadium development, ensuring its future as a sporting venue. What support will the government provide for such venues?
The Government joins in celebrating Britain's history in automotive and motorsports. The decision is seen as enabling speedway and stock car racing to return, supporting the venue's role.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Stephen Flynn SNP
Aberdeen South
Context
The government's decision to scrap the cap on bankers' bonuses during a cost of living crisis, initially opposed by Labour. Now Labour has changed its stance.
When Tories scrapped the cap on bankers' bonuses in autumn amid a cost of living crisis, Labour rightly opposed it; now three months later, Labour supports scrapping the cap. Does this indicate the government's position is out of touch with public opinion?
Supported the independent regulator's decision for financial stability reasons, despite Labour previously opposing it. Criticizes Labour for inconsistent policy positions.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether supporting the decision on bankers' bonuses indicates being out of touch with public opinion
Attacking Opposition'S Inconsistency
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Stephen Flynn SNP
Aberdeen South
Context
The MP criticises the government's handling of post-Brexit economic policies, highlighting increased costs for food and living expenses due to red tape.
Of course, scrapping the cap on bankers' bonuses was only made possible because of Brexit. What the Westminster parties are now telling the public is that it is OK for bankers to have unlimited Brexit bonuses, but the public who are sitting at home and struggling to feed their families have to suck up and deal with additional food costs as a result of Brexit red tape. That is the cost and that is the reality of broken Brexit Britain.
We are actually delivering benefits for people across Scotland, not least the new free trade deals that are opening up markets for Scottish exporters, freeports that are attracting jobs and investment, and the Brexit pubs guarantee that is cutting the cost of a pint in Scottish pubs. The hon. Gentleman talks about the cost of living, but what he could do to help the most is ensure that Scotland is not the most highly taxed part of the United Kingdom—and not just for high earners; everyone earning £28,500 or more is paying more tax in Scotland than they would in England, thanks to the SNP.
Assessment & feedback
The MP's critique about public funding and economic disparity due to Brexit was partially acknowledged but not directly addressed with specifics on how these issues will be resolved.
Free Trade Deals Jobs And Investment
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
A constituent's case highlights the inadequacy of current sentencing for one-punch manslaughter cases.
One punch thrown, two days on life support, then three children left without a father. A four-year sentence is handed down and the perpetrator is released after two, but one grieving mother has to live a life sentence of agony. Sentencing for one-punch killers is not working in this country. Does the Prime Minister agree that now is the time to finally introduce a specific offence and a tougher minimum sentence for one-punch manslaughter?
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the work that she has done to bring attention to so-called one-punch manslaughter and to highlight the anguish that—as she knows well—those cases cause to the families of the victims. I know that the Ministry of Justice has looked very carefully at the amendment that she has proposed, and that she will shortly be meeting the Minister for Safeguarding to discuss both her specific amendment and how we might best address the wider issue.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about introducing a tougher minimum sentence specifically for one-punch manslaughter, but the response was more generally supportive without committing to new legislation or sentencing changes.
Ministry Of Justice Discussion With Minister
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Edward Davey Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Context
The MP expresses concern over a case involving Millie, highlighting issues with ambulance response times.
Mr Speaker—[Interruption.] I would like to raise the issue of ambulance response times. Recently there was an incident concerning a child named Millie who needed urgent medical care but faced delays due to high demand and limited resources. Does the Minister agree that more needs to be done to ensure patients receive timely care?
I am very sorry to hear about Millie's case, and I am sure that if there are specific aspects of it that need to be examined, the Health Secretary will follow them up with the right hon. Gentleman. More generally, we want to make sure that everyone gets the care they deserve, which is why we are not just investing record sums in the NHS but ensuring that there are record numbers of doctors, nurses and new, innovative forms of treatment such as surgical hubs and virtual wards. All that is showing that ambulance times, which the right hon. Gentleman mentioned, are lower today than they were this time last year.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner's specific concern about Millie's case was not directly addressed; instead, general NHS improvements and current statistics on response times were discussed.
Health Secretary Ambulance Times
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
The MP's constituency experiences a high number of children's hospital admissions due to lack of NHS dental care and recruitment issues.
The No. 1 reason for children's hospital admissions in my constituency is dental treatment, but we have no NHS capacity and no orthodontist in Barnstaple. Our dentists cannot recruit, even with a large golden hello. The emergency dental plan seems to have been stuck at the Treasury forever. Might my right hon. Friend use his spare set of keys and pop round to rescue it for us? My constituents and I would be ever so grateful.
My hon. Friend has rightly championed the provision of dentistry in her area. We are investing £3 billion a year, and the reformed contracts in dentistry from the NHS have improved access while ensuring fairer remuneration for dentists. We are also providing more financial support for those who need it the most—about half the courses of treatment last year were delivered to those who are non-paying, both adults and children—but yes, more needs to be done, and that is why our dentistry recovery plan will be published shortly.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for immediate action on an emergency dental plan, but the answer discussed general NHS funding without specifying timelines or actions for the specific plan.
Investing £3 Billion Nhs Recovery Plan
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
The MP references the Tony Blair government's involvement in promoting the flawed Post Office IT system, which caused harm to innocent individuals.
More than two decades ago, the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, misled this House by promoting and endorsing the Post Office Horizon IT system as perfect, protecting the large corporation that created it and causing untold harm, damage and misery to innocent people. Can the current Prime Minister think of anything he has promoted, in partnership with huge businesses, as safe and effective that has ultimately harmed the British people? Will he use this opportunity to correct that safe and effective statement, or will he choose the same line as Tony Blair and sit back, do nothing and let the misery continue to pile up?
We have been clear that the Horizon scandal is a terrible miscarriage of justice, and we are doing everything we can to make it right. To what the hon. Member was more broadly insinuating, let me be unequivocal from this Dispatch Box that covid vaccines are safe.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about recent examples of harm caused by government-business partnerships, but the answer shifted to defending the safety of COVID vaccines instead.
Covid Vaccines
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Context
The MP highlights the Post Office's financial incompetence in light of the Horizon scandal and suggests looking at alternative community banking solutions.
The shocking revelations of the Horizon scandal highlighted the Post Office's financial incompetence, and my right hon. Friend will know that the public's confidence in the institution is at an all-time low. Does he agree that as high street banks are closing branches across the country, we should look at developing new community banking solutions rather than giving the Post Office sole responsibility for providing access to cash and other banking services in poorly served neighbourhoods?
I thank my hon. Friend for her question, but I would just say that we should not make the mistake of conflating this scandal with the actions of many hard-working local postmasters and sub-postmasters. Customers can access cash and banking services through a wide range of channels, including a contract with the Post Office Counters service, which provides a valuable channel. I agree with her, however, on the importance of access to cash, which is why the Government have legislated to protect that as part of the recent Financial Services and Markets Act 2023, to ensure that the vast majority of people should be no more than 3 miles away from such a cashpoint.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner's proposal for community banking solutions was not directly supported or dismissed; instead, existing measures and Post Office channels were highlighted without addressing the specific suggestion.
Conflating Scandal Post Office Counters Service
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Dawn Butler Lab
Brent East
Context
The MP raises a legal challenge regarding the Conservative party's online data practices and asks if laws were broken.
One of the Nolan principles—integrity—states that holders of public office should not act to gain material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends. On 6 January the Prime Minister tweeted a link to the Conservative party website that seemed to scrape people's data and place unwanted cookies on their machines. The Good Law Project is now pursuing this. Can he assure the House that no laws have been broken by his party?
Of course our party follows all laws.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner's concern about potential data privacy breaches was not substantively addressed; the answer did not provide any specific assurances or details on adherence to legal standards.
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Robert Jenrick Reform
Newark
Context
House building has weakened despite previous government achievements. The questioner suggests using the Budget to cut stamp duty.
A first responsibility for Government is to fix the housing crisis that young people did not cause. Three years ago, we dragged house building in this country up to the highest level since 1987, after the last Labour Government left it at its lowest level since the 1920s. But house building is weakening and we need to do more. Will my right hon. Friend consider using the Budget to do as he and I did together during the pandemic: cut stamp duty to boost housing starts, reignite the economy and support thousands of businesses across our country?
My right hon. Friend is right to point out that since 2010 we have delivered 2.5 million additional homes, and we are on track to deliver 1 million just in this Parliament and help over 850,000 families into home ownership through schemes such as Help to Buy and the right to buy. Obviously, tax decisions are a matter for the Chancellor, but I would point out that our existing stamp duty relief for first-time buyers ensures that the vast majority of first-time buyers in our country pay absolutely no stamp duty.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether he will use the Budget to cut stamp duty
Pointing Out Existing Relief
Response accuracy
Q19 Direct Answer
Marsha de Cordova Lab
Battersea
Context
A recent survey found nearly half of employers exclude blind and partially sighted people from their workplaces. The pay gap means that blind and partially sighted people effectively work for free for 47 days a year.
The all-party parliamentary group on eye health and visual impairment has today published polling that found that nearly half of employers exclude blind and partially sighted people from their workplaces and that one in four said that they would not be willing to make workplace adjustments. The disability employment gap remains stubbornly at 30% and the pay gap means that blind and partially sighted people effectively work for free for 47 days of the year. Will the Prime Minister meet me and sight loss organisations to discuss how we can create a more inclusive workforce?
I share the hon. Lady's ambition for an inclusive workforce. The record in supporting those with disabilities into work over the past several years has been incredibly strong. I know my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is actively looking at that and making sure that our accessibility plan is up to date and inclusive. I will ensure that the hon. Lady gets a meeting with the relevant Minister.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q20 Direct Answer
Context
The speaker visited Israel recently and noted ongoing tensions with Hamas.
Having visited recently, I know that Israel remains in shock following the rape, murder and butchery carried out by Hamas. All of us want to see a peaceful and demilitarised Palestinian state. However, Hamas remain in control in large parts of Gaza, support for them is growing in the west bank, polls show that nearly two thirds of Palestinians reject co-existence with Israel and the Palestinian Authority has continued to promote hatred of Jews. Does my right hon. Friend agree that any recognition of a Palestinian state must address these issues and can come about only as part of a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians?
The Government's position is clear. My right hon. and learned Friend is right that steps and conditions need to be put in place on this journey: first and foremost, the removal of Hamas from Gaza; a Palestinian-led Government in Gaza and the west bank; a concrete plan to reform and support the Palestinian Authority; a reconstruction plan for Gaza; and a two-state solution, which we have long supported. Let me be clear: we stand with Israel. The terrorist threat it faces must be eliminated and Israel's lasting security must be guaranteed.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Context
The speaker previously appealed for peace, but the PM called him naive. Over 26,000 souls have perished in Gaza.
On 15 November last year, I appealed to the Prime Minister to choose de-escalation and peace over violence, death and destruction, but he called me “naive”. So far, over 26,000 souls have perished in Gaza. In a powerful and moving open letter in Monday's , the Jewish Voice for Peace Rabbinical Council cited Deuteronomy—“I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life”—and accused President Biden of choosing death. If the Prime Minister will not listen to me or the International Court of Justice, will he listen to the Rabbinical Council, or will he call it “naive” too?
I have been clear multiple times that we are deeply concerned about the impact on the civilian population of the fighting in Gaza. Too many people have lost their lives and there is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support in Gaza. I will not go over all the debates we have had about the conditions that are necessary for an immediate pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, but I assure the House that we are doing everything we can to get more aid into the region as quickly as possible.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether he will listen to the Rabbinical Council's appeal
Pointing Out Previous Positions
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Context
The local Labour council is failing to protect Chatham Docks jobs after a commitment before the local elections. The Leader of the Opposition has said he was 'proudly backing' the Save Chatham Docks campaign.
Chatham docks support over 800 local, high-value jobs which are at risk because the owners are continuing in their pursuit to displace successful businesses, such as ArcelorMittal Kent Wire. The Labour council is failing to honour the commitment it made before the local elections to protect the docks and the jobs. Even the Leader of the Opposition said he was “proudly backing” the Save Chatham Docks campaign. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to see how we can protect the docks and save those jobs for my constituents? Is this not just another example of how Labour and its leaders change their position depending on which way the wind blows?
My right hon. Friend has been a constant champion of Chatham docks and I am disappointed to hear that the local Labour council is failing to honour the commitments it has made. As she points out, I am not surprised that the Leader of the Opposition has said one thing and then consequently done another. The docks support hundreds of jobs and I join her in calling on the council to rethink its approach.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address meeting request
Pointing Out Opposition Inconsistencies
Response accuracy