Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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5,000 people are currently living with dementia in Colne Valley, of whom 3,153 have had a formal diagnosis. The number increased by one due to the questioner's father receiving a diagnosis.
I am concerned about nearly 5,000 people living with dementia in my constituency, including those without a formal diagnosis. With my dad recently diagnosed and being my constituent, will you pledge to make dementia a priority? I seek timely diagnosis rates improvement, bolstering research funding, social care investment, and access to innovative diagnostic methods.
I send my warmest wishes to my hon. Friend and his father. I recognise the importance of timely dementia diagnosis for care support. NHS England is conducting a pilot project to improve dementia diagnosis in care homes, and our major conditions strategy includes a focus on dementia. We are doubling funding for dementia research.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific asks about bolstering research and social care investment not directly addressed
Sentiments Of Support Without Specific Commitments
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Q2
Partial Answer
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The Government's Rwanda deportation scheme has lost contact with 85% of the 5,000 people earmarked for removal. Bronson Battersby's tragic death prompted this question.
I send my deepest sympathies to Bronson Battersby's family. With the Government admitting they have lost contact with 4,250 out of 5,000 individuals meant for deportation to Rwanda, where are these people now?
In spite of opposition efforts, we have reduced illegal immigration by over a third last year and removed more than 20,000 individuals from the UK. We carried out 70% more illegal immigration enforcement raids, arrested hundreds, closed thousands of bank accounts, processed 100,000 cases—the biggest number in over two decades.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on whereabouts of lost individuals not provided
Shifting Focus To Overall Immigration Reduction Efforts
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Government's Rwanda deportation scheme lost contact with 4,250 of the 5,000 people earmarked for removal.
Spending £400 million on a failed deportation policy that has lost over 4,250 individuals is not a plan but a farce. Despite these failures, where are the 4,250 people who were supposed to be deported?
We have actually identified and removed over 20,000 people from this country back to their home countries. The right hon. and learned Gentleman asks about the detail of those things but we all know he does not care solving the problem.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific whereabouts of missing individuals not addressed
Changing Focus To Overall Success
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Government's Rwanda deportation scheme lost contact with 4,250 of the 5,000 people earmarked for removal.
The Government wasted £400 million on a policy that does not deport anyone while losing over 4,000 individuals. Despite these failures, what progress has been made in locating the missing 4,250 people?
We have increased illegal immigration enforcement raids by 70%, leading to thousands of arrests. We closed down thousands of bank accounts for illegal workers—powers that were blocked in this House.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific whereabouts of missing individuals not addressed
Shifting Focus To Increased Enforcement Efforts
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Government's Rwanda deportation scheme has lost contact with over 4,000 individuals meant for removal.
The Prime Minister does not have a clue where the missing people are. We know he himself does not even believe in this Rwanda gimmick and only implemented it under pressure. Does he wish that he had the courage to stick to his guns?
I have conviction in our plan because it is important to grip this problem. The right hon. and learned Gentleman should listen to lawyers who say our Bill limits removal grounds effectively.
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Assessment & feedback
Regret or second thoughts not addressed
Redirecting Focus To Legal Support
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Q6
Partial Answer
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The Prime Minister's Rwanda asylum policy has faced criticism from his own MPs, including former Home Secretary.
Prime Minister's Rwanda deal is exposed by his own MPs. Former Home Secretary says it will not work and current Home Secretary calls it 'batshit'. Why should anyone believe in this gimmick when the Prime Minister himself does not?
Inflation halved from 11% to 4%, real wages rising for fifth month in a row, rates falling, tax cut worth £450. Stick with plan delivering brighter future.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address the criticism of his policy and instead discussed economic performance.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Post Office used non-disclosure agreements to silence victims of crime, raising concerns about NDAs in severance agreements.
Will my right hon. Friend consider banning the use of NDAs in all severance agreements?
Ministry of Justice considering issue, including legislation, and will keep House updated on progress.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to banning NDAs but said the Ministry is considering it.
Hedging
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Public anger towards UK Government over Rwanda Bill, with MPs criticising the Prime Minister's approach.
Why is the PM not addressing public anger when his own Back Benchers are angry at him?
SNP making Scotland highest taxed part of UK, average worker in Scotland paying more tax than England.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address public anger but criticised the SNP's fiscal policy.
Changing Subject
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Q9
Direct Answer
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MP criticising PM for weaponising vulnerable people and seeking to stop smuggler gangs.
Prime Minister, do you seriously want your time in office to be defined by the Rwanda Bill?
Stopping boats is important as illegal migration is not fair. Gangs exploit people and many lose lives, so we must break gangs and stop boats.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q10
Direct Answer
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MP had a heart attack five months ago, treated by the NHS emergency services.
Would the PM join me in thanking everyone who helped save my life during my recent heart attack?
Thanking NHS staff for life-saving work, backing them with record resources and doctors to ambulance service. Grateful for their work.
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Q11
Partial Answer
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Oxfam head criticised the UK government's failure to call for a ceasefire, stating that aid cannot be effectively delivered without it. 24,000 people have already been killed.
Until the UK Government calls for an immediate ceasefire, it is complicit in the horrors…in Gaza. Those are not my words but those of the head of Oxfam who, like every single agency trying to operate on the ground, is clear that aid cannot be effectively delivered while fighting continues.
Of course we want to see a peaceful resolution to this conflict as soon as possible. A sustainable permanent ceasefire with an end to the destruction, fighting and loss of life, the release of hostages and no resumption of hostilities would of course be the best way forward, but in order to achieve that a number of things need to happen: Hamas would have to agree to release all the hostages; Hamas would have to no longer be in charge of Gaza; the threat of more rocket attacks from Hamas into Israel would have to end; and the Palestinian Authority, boosted with assistance, would need to return to Gaza in order to provide governance and aid.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify any concrete steps or timeline for achieving a ceasefire
Response accuracy
Q12
Direct Answer
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The MP invited the Prime Minister to visit Doncaster, including showing him around his home town to discuss a new hospital for Doncaster and a leisure centre for Edlington.
Will the Prime Minister accept my invitation?
Thanks to my hon. Friend's fantastic campaigning on behalf of his constituents, City of Doncaster Council has received more than £80 million in levelling-up funding to support its regeneration projects and most recently Doncaster has been awarded £20 million in our long-term plan for towns over the next 10 years, which I know he is working very hard to make sure is prioritised for local people. I will be delighted to discuss both projects and his other ideas when I come and visit him as soon as my diary allows.
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Q13
Partial Answer
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71% of requests for funding from the community ownership fund have been rejected since 2021, leading to communities competing against each other and not addressing underlying causes.
When will the Government offer more than a simple sticking-plaster for our towns, high streets and communities?
I set up the community ownership fund when I was Chancellor and it is doing fantastic work funding hundreds of projects across the country, including, I believe, one in the hon. Lady's constituency—the back on the map scheme. It is there to support local communities, take over assets—whether pubs, village halls or other community assets—and is doing a fantastic job. It is right that there is a competitive process because we want to make sure the money is deployed in the areas where it can make the most difference.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans for addressing rejection rates or underlying issues
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Q14
Partial Answer
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Commuters from Haddenham and Thame Parkway, Princes Risborough face daily misery due to overcrowding on Chiltern Railways.
Will my right hon. Friend instruct the Department for Transport to fast-track those proposals so we can end overcrowding on Chiltern?
I agree with my hon. Friend that the performance on Chiltern has not been good enough in recent times. I know that Chiltern has recently begun engagement with the rolling-stock leasing market, which will help reduce overcrowding, but also, together with DfT, it is looking at providing additional capacity at peak times. I know that the rail Minister my hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill and Battle (Huw Merriman) will ensure that these plans continue to progress and keep my hon. Friend the Member for Buckingham (Greg Smith) updated.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeframe or commitment for fast-tracking proposals
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Q15
Partial Answer
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The Government thinks that deportation to Rwanda will be a deterrent to asylum seekers.
What exactly is it about the prospect of deportation to Rwanda that make the Government think it will be such a deterrent to asylum seekers?
It is not that there is anything wrong with it; it is just that it is not the United Kingdom. And I have to point out to the hon. Gentleman that deterrence works: we know that it works because our scheme with Albania has ensured a 90% reduction in arrivals from that country.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not explain specific reasons for why deportation would be deterrent, focused on general principle of deterrence working
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Q16
Partial Answer
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Sizewell C project began a development consent order, but other developments may require ploughing up farming fields when brownfield sites are available.
Will he meet me and other East Anglian MPs to discuss this matter and use the powers of his office to get that study published?
As my right hon. Friend will know, planning applications for new infrastructure are managed independently, so I cannot comment on specific cases, but I agree with her that it is important to listen to the views of local communities, such as those she represents across Suffolk and East Anglia. I know that the Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, my hon. Friend the Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (Andrew Bowie) was visiting her area recently to mark the commencement of the project at Sizewell C, and I can assure her that relevant Ministers will continue to pay close attention to her concerns.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to meeting MPs or publishing the study
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Q17
Partial Answer
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Sir Brian Langstaff has announced the publication of the final report of the infected blood inquiry. The report recommends setting up a compensation scheme urgently.
The Leader of the House last week correctly described the contaminated blood scandal as “on another level” compared with other scandals. Sir Brian Langstaff has announced today the publication of the final report of the infected blood inquiry, and he reminds us that a compensation scheme should be set up with urgency. More than 100 parliamentarians wrote to the Prime Minister this week, so can he tell us when those affected will be paid compensation for their loss?
I am acutely aware of the strength of feeling on this issue and the suffering of all those impacted by this dreadful scandal. Interim payments have been made in some cases, and we are absolutely committed to responding to the final report as quickly as possible following its publication.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline for compensation payouts
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Q18
Partial Answer
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Last week, Bromley Council's children's services were rated outstanding by Ofsted in all four areas of inspection.
Last week, Conservative-controlled Bromley Council's children's services were rated outstanding by Ofsted in all four areas of inspection. That is only the third time that has happened under the current framework. Will the Prime Minister join me in congratulating the officers and members of Bromley Council and perhaps even visit Bromley and see our new cost-saving civic centre?
It is perhaps not quite on my way to Doncaster, but I will bear it in mind. I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to Bromley Council and all the officers involved in providing an incredibly important service in their local community and looking after some of the most vulnerable children in our society.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to visiting the civic centre
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Q19
Direct Answer
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After Leeds and Manchester were ditched, the London end of HS2 is now in doubt.
HS2 promised to transform intercity travel and my seat, where Old Oak Common will one day be. However, after Leeds and Manchester were ditched, the London end of HS2 is now in doubt. Can the Prime Minister commit today to ensuring that it at least reaches Euston, or is he intent on stopping all transport forms, except perhaps private jets?
Old Oak Common is destined to be one of the foremost stations in the country because of the extra connectivity it will have across London and as the initial terminus for HS2 trains. We are working with the private sector, as we have in other developments in London, to raise private money, save the taxpayer money and deliver the connection to Euston as planned.
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Q20
Partial Answer
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The Government announced that specialist maternal mental health services will be available to women in every part of England by March.
I have just got back from the inaugural women's health summit. During the summer, it was announced that specialist maternal mental health services will be available to women in every part of England by March. That is particularly pertinent for me, after one of my constituents, Jessica Cronshaw, passed away while pregnant with her baby Elsie after suffering severe pregnancy sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum. I thank the Government for following through with this important reform and pushing to keep going with the spirit of this reform so that our NHS is fit for women in the future.
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this matter. I know that the whole House will want to convey its sympathies to Jessica's family. We are committed to our women's health strategy, and I am grateful for her support and advice so that we can ensure it delivers the care that we want it to across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about implementation or timeline of services
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Q21
Partial Answer
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The Conservative candidate for the Wellingborough by-election revealed that the Conservative party had offered her a deal to be the candidate if the previous Member—her partner—stood down without a fuss.
Yesterday, the Conservative candidate for the Wellingborough by-election revealed that the Conservative party had offered her a deal to be the candidate if the previous Member—her partner—stood down without a fuss. Just last week, the Prime Minister said that 'Candidate selection is done locally' in his party, so would he like to deny that this secret deal was offered?
As I said last week, in our party candidate selection is done locally.
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Q22
Direct Answer
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The Home Secretary announced that the Wiltshire Hotel outside Royal Wootton Bassett is to be returned to its proper purpose in April.
Does my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister agree that a remote rural hotel is the wrong place to house asylum seekers or refugees from their point of view? Will he therefore join me in thanking the Home Secretary for announcing yesterday that the Wiltshire Hotel outside Royal Wootton Bassett is to be returned to its proper purpose in April?
I thank my hon. Friend for the question. He is absolutely right: the use of hotels is unfair on local communities and costs taxpayers £8 million a day. Our plans to reduce the number of people coming have meant that we can close the first 50 hotels across the country, with more to follow.
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Q23
Partial Answer
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Pharmacists are calling it the worst shortage ever, with only 11% of people able to access their full dose this month.
I have been contacted by desperate constituents who have rung every single pharmacy within a 50-mile radius of Warrington and still have not been able to access their medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This has been going on for months, and it is not just a Warrington issue: pharmacists are calling it the worst shortage ever, with only 11% of people able to access their full dose this month. ADHD UK has called the Government's response “pathetic”. It is right, isn't it?
I am sorry to hear about the situation in the hon. Lady's constituency. The Health Secretary heard what she said and is in touch with the relevant drug bodies to ensure that we can have the provision of ADHD medicine for all those who need it.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline or plan for addressing the shortage
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Q24
Partial Answer
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Over 200 constituents in Ipswich's Mill complex have faced structural and cladding problems for a decade. They received £15 million from an out-of-court settlement but the National Asset Management Agency, a freeholder, used this money improperly.
For about a decade, over 200 of my constituents in the Mill complex in Ipswich have been caught in the cruellest form of limbo. The building has deep structural problems and cladding problems. A few years ago, they got about £15 million in an out-of-court settlement to make a contribution towards cladding costs, but the freeholder, the National Asset Management Agency—an Irish financial entity set up after the Irish banking crisis—ran away with that money, putting my constituents back to square one with little to no hope. Will the Prime Minister talk to the Irish Taoiseach to raise this immoral case and meet me to discuss a way forward for my constituents, who I meet every week?
I am sorry to hear about my hon. Friend's case. I will ensure that the Government look into the details and get back to him in the shortest order about how we can support him and his constituents.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to meet with the Taoiseach or set a timeline for resolution was not provided.
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