Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted recent progress in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, including reopening the town hall with a new library and family hub. He criticised Labour-led Stoke-on-Trent City Council for introducing taxes, failing to enforce against rogue landlords, and increasing crime.
I have helped to reopen Tunstall Town Hall with a new library and family hub; secured funding for additional CCTV, new alley gates and better lighting in Tunstall to ensure that our streets are safe; and helped breathe new life into Tunstall's old library and baths, thanks to this Government's levelling-up fund of £56 million to Stoke-on-Trent. Sadly, Labour-led Stoke-on-Trent City Council seeks to undermine that progress by introducing a brand new tax on residents for garden waste collection, refusing to take planning enforcement against rogue landlords who plague Tunstall High Street, and increasing crime and antisocial behaviour by dumping undesirable people in the centre of Tunstall. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that Stoke-on-Trent Labour is undermining this progress?
There is not much I can add. The hon. Member highlights the same problems with Labour councils across the country, raising taxes and letting services fall into disrepair. He is totally right to be holding rogue landlords to account.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details or commitments related to the issues raised by Jonathan Gullis
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
A constituent, Natalie, has been served with two no-fault eviction notices in 18 months, joining nearly a million families at risk of homelessness due to the Deputy Prime Minister's failure to ban this practice.
Natalie from Brighton has been served with two no-fault eviction notices in 18 months. She joins nearly a million families at risk of homelessness due to the Deputy Prime Minister's failure to ban this cruel practice. Instead of obsessing over my house, when will he get a grip and show the same obsession with ending no-fault evictions?
We will be voting on exactly that matter later today. This is the Conservative Government taking action.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The Deputy Prime Minister delayed justice for Natalie, who has been served with two no-fault eviction notices in 18 months. The Housing Minister said there is no solid date for banning no-fault evictions.
This week, the Housing Minister said that there is no solid date for banning no-fault evictions. The Secretary of State says it will not happen before an election. If the Deputy Prime Minister can give us a date, will he name it now?
Today is the day that the House will vote on it. We are confident in delivering this commitment.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government's proposed ban on new leaseholds applies only to houses, not flats. The majority of leaseholds are in flats.
The Deputy Prime Minister's proposed ban on new leaseholds applies only to houses but the majority of leaseholds are in flats. What is the point of a ban if it does not apply to flats?
The right hon. Lady talks about legislation introduced by this Government that the Labour party failed to introduce when in office. It is this Government who have brought social housing waiting lists down and delivered more affordable homes than Labour did.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why the ban does not apply to flats
Changed Subject To Previous Achievements
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Deputy Prime Minister did not read up on his own Government's Bill regarding leaseholds, which are a rip-off for many families. Labour-controlled Birmingham has raised council tax by 21%.
Once again, he has not read his own Bill. Their ban on leasehold will not apply to the majority of people. It is like banning non-doms but exempting Tory Prime Ministers. Families are trapped in temporary accommodation and stuck on waiting lists. The Conservative Mayor of Birmingham has used a multi-million pound housing budget to build just 46 social homes in eight years, which is almost as many as in the Chancellor's property portfolio.
The contrast between the Conservative party and the Labour party is clear. Andy Street, our brilliant Mayor of the west midlands, has delivered £6.1 billion of investment to improve transport.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address housing issues or criticisms about no-fault evictions
Changed Subject To Conservative Mayors' Achievements
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Councils are facing financial crises due to the government's austerity programme, with Birmingham City Council losing over £1 billion from its budget. More than 16,000 families face losing their homes following recent fiscal policies.
People in glass houses should not throw stones; councils across the country face significant funding issues. More than 16,000 families could lose their homes due to Tory policies and mortgage bills are increasing. Will he apologise for these impacts?
What the Prime Minister has done since taking office is restore economic stability, with inflation halved to 3%. The plan includes major defence spending increases. Labour refuses to support such plans as they voted to scrap Trident and suggested changing the Army into a peace corps.
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Assessment & feedback
Apology for negative impacts of policies
Criticizing Opposition'S Past Stances
Attacking Labour'S Defence Policy
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Defence funding is a key issue with the Conservative party planning to invest in defence at 2.5% of GDP. Labour disagrees with cuts made under previous conservative governments.
We agree on defence at 2.5%, but we did not cut the Army to its smallest size since Napoleon's time. The Tories have failed renters, leaseholders and mortgage holders after 14 years in power. Will he call an election as urged by his neighbour?
No plans from Labour on defence spending despite all bluster; instead, attacks others without taking responsibility. Once said 'You shouldn't wait for police to bang on your door if you did it'. The right hon. lady should follow her own advice.
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Assessment & feedback
Call for an early election
Criticizing The Questioner'S Past Statements
Personal Attack
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
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Context
The government's 'levelling up' initiative has seen significant investments in the Calder Valley including £196.5 million for hospital reconfiguration, flood defences and railway station upgrades.
In the Calder Valley, £196.5 million is allocated for hospital reconfiguration, flood defences, 11 new schools, town centre regeneration and a new railway station. Does my right hon. Friend agree this shows success in levelling up?
My right hon. Friend is correct; investments are being made across the UK creating jobs and opportunities in every region. The Calder Valley is a great example of levelling up in action.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Mass graves were discovered in Ukraine leading to condemnation from the House. Palestinian officials uncovered similar graves outside hospitals bombed in Gaza.
Two years ago, when mass graves were found in Ukraine, the House condemned them as evidence of war crimes Russia must answer for. Now, two mass graves have been found in Gaza after hospital bombings. Do these constitute war crimes?
We expect Israel's democratic government to investigate any misconduct allegations properly as they are doing. Drawing parallels between legitimate self-defence and Russia is extraordinary.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether the discoveries in Gaza constitute war crimes
Changing Subject To Legitimacy Of Israel'S Actions
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
UK arms policy states that potential risk of war crimes should halt the sale of arms. Recent discoveries in Gaza raise questions about UK's export licences.
300 bodies, including the elderly and injured with hands tied behind backs, were found outside bombed hospitals in Gaza. Given all this, why hasn't the Prime Minister halted arms sales?
We continue urging Israeli Government's investigation. Trusting a democratically elected government, Foreign Secretary conducted a determination and concluded no change in export licences advice is necessary.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to halt arms sales based on evidence of potential war crimes
Relying On Democratic Process
Stating Ongoing Review
Response accuracy
Q11
Direct Answer
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Context
The Labour-run city council in Lincoln closed the popular annual Christmas market against residents' wishes. Voters are upset before next week's local elections.
People of Lincoln want their beloved Christmas market back after it was unjustly shut down by the Labour council last year. What message does he send to voters?
I am afraid that what my hon. Friend described is the Grinch in action. The Christmas market, beloved by local residents but ignored by the council, was cancelled and should be reversed.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
Unpaid carers have reported being hounded by the Department for Work and Pensions over minor infringements of rules, leading to large fines. A Prime Minister's dementia adviser resigned due to this treatment.
I am concerned about unpaid carers who are facing hounding from the DWP and huge fines for minor infringements of carer's allowance earning rules. Yesterday, a dementia adviser resigned over the Government's treatment of these carers. Will you apologise to all unpaid carers failed by your Government and commit to a full review of the system?
I pay tribute to all unpaid carers. We have uprated benefits by £81.90 a week, increased carer's allowance by almost £1,500 since 2010. For overpayment cases, discretion should be shown but repayments are right for taxpayers. We will work with those struggling.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly apologise or commit to a full review of the carer's allowance system
Will Work With Those Struggling
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
Anglesey is accessed by two bridges and has a busy port. The Welsh Government scrapped plans for a third bridge, causing concern about growth potential.
My island constituency of Ynys Môn needs a third crossing to improve access and support economic development through the Anglesey freeport and new nuclear projects at Wylfa. However, the Welsh Labour Government scrapped all new road projects including our third bridge. Will you use your influence to ensure that north Wales is not ignored by Cardiff and gets its third bridge?
I know the frustration about new roads in Wales. The Welsh Government have not prioritised them, damaging growth potential in places like Anglesey and spending £100 million on new politicians.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to using influence to secure a third bridge
Damaging Growth Potential
Spending £100 Million
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservative candidate for London Mayor has promoted Islamophobic tropes, endorsed beliefs similar to Enoch Powell's, and claimed the black community has a problem with crime.
In the week marking 31 years since Stephen Lawrence's murder, I am concerned about the candidate's views on Islamophobia and crime. Does the Deputy Prime Minister really endorse these views?
The hon. Lady does not correctly represent the candidate's views. It is extraordinary that she raised crime, as Labour's London Mayor increased the precept by over 70% while recorded crime in London has risen by 20%
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether he endorses those views
Does Not Correctly Represent
It Is Extraordinary
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
The speaker chairs the all-party parliamentary group on fisheries and notes a national fishing remembrance day. She plans to lay a wreath at Looe quayside for those who have died bringing food to tables.
On 12 May, we will see the first ever national fishing remembrance day. Will the Deputy Prime Minister remember those who have died bringing food to our tables and ask the Prime Minister to do so?
I know how important this is to my hon. Friend, and she will remember her late husband Neil on that day. It is important we recognise sacrifices made by fishermen and women, and I know the Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries will be visiting Grimsby.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly say he would mark the occasion himself
She Will Remember
I Know The Minister
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
The Mayor of Tees Valley, Lord Houchen, gifted a portion of the Teesworks project to local business mates. The Boro chairman describes this as giving away the future of the region's children.
Lord Houchen has gifted 40% of the Teesworks project worth £500 million to two local business mates in a deal that the Boro chairman describes as unforgiveable. Will the Government admit Lord Houchen and the Conservatives have sold Teesside taxpayers down the river?
The hon. Gentleman talks about Teesside taxpayers, but Ben Houchen has never imposed a mayoral precept in Tees Valley. He has saved Teesside airport and secured a new freeport for Teesside.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the gift deal or admit it is an issue for taxpayers
Never Imposed
Saved Airport
Secured Freeport
Response accuracy
Q17
Direct Answer
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Context
A video is circulating of a shop robbery at Boots in the constituency, where two individuals threatened staff and stole thousands of pounds within eight minutes. Such incidents are happening repeatedly.
The theft from Boots on Station Road involved two threatening individuals who robbed thousands of pounds within eight minutes. This is not petty crime but a threat of violence and massive robbery that should be a priority for the police. Will you say to the Home Secretary, and through him to the police, that this needs effective policing that gets criminals off the streets?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right; often lower-level crimes have a big impact on communities. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has been clear on this point. We are rolling out crime prevention measures, improving CCTV and street lighting, and introduced the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 for tougher sentences.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
MP questions the cause of economic instability before the Conservative government took office in 2010.
Who does he think caused the instability?
Labour Members might want to forget it, but I remember the day the Conservatives came into office in 2010. What was the note left on the desk of the Chief Secretary to the Treasury? “There is no money left.” That is the challenge that we have addressed through the Prime Minister and Chancellor successively.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for an acknowledgment or explanation regarding who was responsible for causing economic instability prior to 2010. The answer did not directly address this issue but provided context about when they took office.
Provided Historical Context
Did Not Acknowledge Causes Of Instability
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
MP questions the Labour party's commitment to specific issues in her constituency, like housing and transport.
Does my right hon. Friend agree with me that only Mayor Andy Street has a plan and a track record to be trusted to deliver for the West Midlands?
As ever, my right hon. Friend is absolutely correct to highlight the record of Labour's police and crime commissioner, and West Midlands police has actually been put in special measures on Simon Foster's watch. When it comes to the green belt, we have all seen the new wheeze from the Labour party—redesignate green belt “grey belt” and concrete all over it. Well, the Conservatives will not allow that to happen, and people up and down the country will vote Conservative to stop that happening.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for agreement on Mayor Andy Street's track record compared to others. The answer did not address this directly but instead criticized Labour's policies regarding greenbelt development.
Changed Subject
Criticized Opposing Policy
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
MP questions the cause of long NHS A&E wait times before strikes and pandemic, blaming Conservatives.
So who does the Deputy Prime Minister blame for that?
Labour Members like to pretend the pandemic did not happen, and they like—[Interruption.] That is the cause of the biggest pressure on the NHS. They complain about NHS performance while backing strikes by doctors, who unreasonably want a 35% pay rise. Despite all of those pressures, actually A&E performance has improved in the past month.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for an acknowledgment or explanation regarding blame for long NHS waiting times before recent challenges. The answer did not directly address this issue but provided context about current pressures on the NHS.
Criticized Labour'S Position
Provided Historical Context
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
MP questions the loss of local democratic voice in a borough council due to national party policies.
Would the Deputy Prime Minister agree that voting for Conservative candidates in upcoming elections will ensure local voters are heard, local democracy is upheld and better services are delivered?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the really serious concerns about Labour councillors in Hastings. One former Labour councillor said that Labour are no longer providing “the policies, the support, or the focus on local government”. I could not have put it better myself.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for agreement regarding voting Conservative to ensure democratic voice and service delivery. The answer did not directly address this issue but criticized Labour's stance in Hastings.
Criticized Labour'S Policies
Highlighted Concerns About Local Governance
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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Context
MP questions the government's support for steelworkers' jobs, including energy cost relief proposals.
With thousands of steelworkers' jobs on the line, the likelihood of industrial action and reports of a deal for India to be exempt from carbon taxes, will this Government now back the detailed, serious and robust multi-union proposal as the only way to keep primary steel making in the UK?
The Government will engage with any proposals that have been brought forward, as we always do, but it is actually the case that we have already provided over £700 million in energy cost relief to the steel sector in the past 10 years. It is also the case that, even in the past year, the Government spent £97 million more on UK-made steel for major public projects.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked whether the government would back a multi-union proposal to keep steel production viable. The answer did not address backing this proposal directly but provided information about past support for the sector.
Provided Historical Context
Mentioned Recent Spending On Uk-Made Steel
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
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MP questions about additional recruitment and sufficient wages for armed forces with increased defence spending.
However, would my right hon. Friend do what he can to ensure that some of that increased money is spent on additional recruitment—including, if necessary, increasing wages sufficiently—to ensure that the Navy can manage ships, the Air Force can maintain its aircraft and the Army can dominate ground?
I know what a staunch advocate my hon. Friend is for the armed forces and for funding the armed forces. All of us can take great pride that we are putting the resources in to meet the challenges that the nation is likely to face over the next five years.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about spending increased defence funds on recruiting more military personnel with sufficient pay. The answer did not address this directly but acknowledged support for armed forces funding generally.
Acknowledged Overall Support
Did Not Provide Specific Plans
Response accuracy
Q24
Partial Answer
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Context
MP questions about recovery of overpaid carers' allowance due to a DWP blunder.
My constituent Lisa cares for her mother. She works part-time at WHSmith and was sure to keep the Department for Work and Pensions informed so that she would not be overpaid carer's allowance. However, because of a DWP blunder, she now faces a bill for £4,000. The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology cares for her career. She works part-time as a woke detector. However, when she blundered, calling a top scientist a Hamas supporter, the bill—tens of thousands of pounds in costs and damages—was picked up by taxpayers like Lisa. Why?
It is this Government who have uprated benefits for carers, with almost £1,500 more. I think it is the case that the hon. Lady's constituents, my constituents and people up and down the country would expect the Government to seek to recover overpaid sums.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked why recovery efforts are different for carers versus government staff in similar situations. The answer did not address this issue directly but provided context about benefit upratings and general expectations of recovering overpaid amounts.
Provided Historical Context
Stated General Expectation
Response accuracy
Q25
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP supports Frank Field's holiday activities and food fund, which has been funded by the Government.
May I urge my right hon. Friend to use his good offices across Government to ensure that we secure a multi-year settlement for the continuance of the holiday activities and food fund?
I know what an important piece of work this is, and I know my hon. Friend's commitment to campaigning for it. We have already provided substantial sums, and I am sure we will continue to do so.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a multi-year settlement was not addressed with concrete details or commitments.
Response accuracy
Q26
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP, chair of the Scottish arm of Feeding Britain, notes that food bank use has increased over the past decade.
Will the Government consider a cross-sector summit with the aim of helping communities to secure the resources to deliver food security programmes at the necessary scale?
I join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to Lord Frank Field's campaigning. It is the case that over the past couple of years, we have provided more than £108 billion-worth of support with the cost of living, including extra cost of living payments of £900 last year.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a cross-sector summit was not addressed with concrete details or commitments.
Response accuracy
Q27
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noticed a reduction in capital gains tax on residential properties.
Will the reduction in capital gains tax from 28% to 24% on residential properties apply retrospectively?
I have always believed in having lower taxes that everyone pays.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about retrospective application was not addressed with concrete details or commitments.
Response accuracy
Q28
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights Lesbian Visibility Week and the financial barriers faced by same-sex couples in accessing IVF.
Will the Deputy Prime Minister commit to finally ending this gay tax for same-sex couples who want to start a family?
I would dispute the hon. Lady's characterisation of the Government's record in this area: it was this Government who introduced marriage for same-sex couples and passed the Turing law.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a commitment to remove financial burdens on same-sex couples seeking IVF was not addressed with concrete details or commitments. The answer focused on past achievements instead of addressing the current issue.
Response accuracy