Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
An acid attack occurred in London, affecting a woman and two children. The perpetrator could not be deported due to the European Court of Human Rights.
I know that my right hon. Friend will share the horror felt by this House at the acid attack against a woman and two children on the streets of London. Does he share my anger that we would still have been unable to deport the perpetrator had he been found because of the so-called European Court of Human Rights? When will we stop bending the knee to this so-called European court—a travesty of a court?
This was a horrific attack, and my thoughts are with the victims and their family. Obviously, I cannot comment on a live investigation, but speaking more broadly, clearly I do not think that it is right for dangerous foreign criminals to be able to stay in our country. That is why our Nationality and Borders Act 2022 made it clear that anyone who is convicted of a crime and gets a sentence of 12 months or more will not be granted asylum in the United Kingdom.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked when they would stop adhering to the European Court of Human Rights decisions, but no specific timeline was given.
Under Review
Common-Sense Position
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Business Secretary accused the former Post Office chair of lying about being told to 'go slow' on compensation for postmasters.
Would the Prime Minister be prepared personally to repeat the allegation made by his Business Secretary that the former chair of the Post Office is “lying” when he says that he was told to “go slow” on compensation for postmasters, and “limp” to the next election?
As the Business Secretary said on Monday, she asked Henry Staunton to step down after serious concerns were raised. She set out the reasons for this, and the full background, in the House earlier this week.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked if the Prime Minister would confirm the allegation but no confirmation was given.
Serious Concerns
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Business Secretary made categorical statements about not delaying compensation payments, which were contradicted by a note from the former Post Office chair.
I am not sure that takes us very much further forward, so let me press on. On Monday, the Business Secretary also confirmed categorically—I will quote this, in fairness to the Prime Minister: “that the Post Office was at no point told to delay compensation payments by either an official or a Minister from any Government Department, and that at no point was it suggested that a delay would be of benefit to the Treasury”.—[Official Report, 19 February 2024; Vol. 745, c. 476.] That was on Monday. A note released by the former Post Office chair this morning appears to directly contradict that. I appreciate—[Interruption.] This really matters to the people who have been at the heart of this. I appreciate that the Business Secretary has put the Prime Minister in a tricky position, but will he commit to investigating this matter properly, including whether that categorical statement was correct, and why, rather than taking those accusations seriously, she accused a whistleblower of lying?
It is worth bearing in mind that, as the Business Secretary said on Monday, she asked Henry Staunton to step down after serious concerns were raised. However, this is, on a matter of substance, one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in our nation's history.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for an investigation commitment but no specific action was promised beyond addressing past injustices.
Serious Concerns
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
A 2016 investigation into whether post office branch accounts could be altered was suddenly stopped before it was completed.
This week, we also learned that a 2016 investigation into whether post office branch accounts could be altered was suddenly stopped before it was completed. Had that investigation revealed that they could be altered, which we now know to be the case, the livelihoods of those wrongly prosecuted could have been saved. What did Government Ministers know about it at the time?
The Leader of the Opposition has picked one particular date, but it is worth bearing in mind that this scandal—[Interruption.] Hang on. This scandal has unfolded over decades, and it was following a landmark 2019 High Court case that the previous Government established a statutory inquiry led by Sir Wyn Williams, which is uncovering exactly what went wrong.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about specific information from 2016 but no details were provided beyond mentioning a broader investigation.
Landmark High Court Case
Statutory Inquiry
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Information about the 2016 stopped investigation into post office accounts was revealed recently.
This information about 2016 has come to light just this week, which is precisely why I am asking about it. Considering that the Prime Minister's Foreign Secretary was running the Government in 2016, and one of the Prime Minister's current Cabinet Office Ministers was the Post Office Minister, has he thought to ask either of them what they knew in 2016?
No, Mr Speaker—[Interruption.] We did the right thing, which was to set up an independent statutory inquiry. That is the right way to resolve this issue; it is the right way to get victims the truth and the answers that they demand.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked if the Prime Minister had queried former ministers about their 2016 knowledge, but no confirmation was given.
Statutory Inquiry
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Horizon scandal has left many postmasters without justice, causing significant financial and emotional distress. Chris Head, a victim, highlighted the lack of transparency in correspondence between the Post Office, the department, and UKGI.
As we all know, the Horizon scandal left people isolated, their livelihoods lost, their lives ruined. Some died without ever getting the justice that they deserved. Fears of delay, or of cover up, are causing them anguish. I appreciate that the inquiry is ongoing, but as the Prime Minister knows—as do I and the whole House—that does not provide a reason why he cannot draw a line under this, give postmasters such as Chris the peace of mind that they need, and release all the correspondence that he wants to see. Will he now do so?
As I said, this is one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in our country's history. We are working hard to get victims not just the answers but the compensation that they deserve. There is a statutory inquiry led by Sir Wyn Williams with access to all documentation and power to speak to everybody needed. In the meantime, we are not wasting a moment to get victims the compensation they deserve. The legislation will be before the House shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
Releasing correspondence directly related to the Horizon scandal was not addressed specifically
We Are Working Hard
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Victims of the infected blood scandal have suffered for decades, seeking justice from the British state. There is an independent inquiry into this issue.
In recent decades, there have been numerous scandals that have left public faith in our institutions shaken, and rebuilding that confidence will require those affected to see that politicians are being honest with them and to believe it. Just like the postmasters, victims of the infected blood scandal have been subject to unimaginable trauma during their search for justice. Can the Prime Minister put their minds at ease and tell the House what undertakings he has given to ensure that the Government are not “limping to the election” on payments that those victims are owed by the British state?
When it comes to the infected blood scandal, I am acutely aware of the strength of feeling and suffering. There is an independent inquiry with a group of experts appointed by the Cabinet Office to make informed decisions on compensation based on the inquiry's recommendations. The Department of Health and Social Care will implement a fully bespoke psychological service for those affected. We have committed to providing an update to Parliament within 25 sitting days of the final report.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific undertakings regarding timely compensation were not addressed explicitly
We Are Aware
The Inquiry Is Ongoing
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
There are plans to house up to 2,000 single young men who have come illegally into the UK near Lincoln at RAF Scampton. This raises concerns about costs and potential negative impacts on local communities.
There is a plan for at least 2,000 single young men who have come here illegally soon to be housed just 3 miles from the centre of Lincoln at RAF Scampton, in the constituency of my right hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough (Sir Edward Leigh)—if Home Office Ministers have their way. On top of the huge and rising costs and the recent advice from civil servants to Home Office Ministers to can the plan, what reassurance can the Prime Minister and his Home Secretary give that Scampton will not replicate the scandalous incidents that occurred in Cambridge in 2014?
My hon. Friend is right to raise concerns. We want asylum accommodation to have as little impact on local communities as possible. The Home Office has put in place a specialist security provider working on site 24/7 and CCTV, and they are working with the local police. However, the only way to stop this issue fully is to prevent illegal migration through stopping boats.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reassurances about replicating past scandals were not given
The Home Office Has Measures
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
In Gaza, a significant number of buildings are damaged or destroyed, with farmland in ruin. Approximately 30,000 people have died and 70,000 injured, while 1.4 million await an imminent Israeli onslaught.
I begin by echoing the sentiments of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in relation to the heroic bravery of Alexei Navalny. We must all continue to be united in our opposition to Vladimir Putin. As it stands, some 60% of the buildings in Gaza are either damaged or destroyed. Much of the farmland is in ruin; some 30,000 people are dead, 70,000 are injured, and 1.4 million are currently sheltering in Rafah, awaiting an imminent Israeli onslaught. Surely the Prime Minister must accept that this does not amount to self-defence.
I share concerns about high rates of civilian casualties and the growing humanitarian crisis. We have called for an immediate humanitarian pause to allow safe release of hostages and more aid into Gaza, creating sustainable conditions for a long-term ceasefire. Our diplomatic efforts are focused on this.
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Assessment & feedback
Directly addressing whether it amounts to self-defense was not answered
We Share Concerns
Our Focus Is
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The House will vote on a resolution regarding the conflict in Gaza, including demands for an immediate ceasefire and hostage release.
Tonight, this House will have the opportunity to join the majority of the international community and say that enough is enough, that the killing in Gaza must stop and that the hostages must be released, and the best way to do that is to send a clear and united message that we back an immediate ceasefire. Surely, all of us, irrespective of our political allegiance, can agree on that very issue?
Of course, we want to see the fighting in Gaza end as soon as possible. The best approach is a humanitarian pause to get hostages out and aid in, so that we can create the conditions for a sustainable ceasefire. We are doing everything we can to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for agreement on an immediate full ceasefire but the answerer proposed a phased approach involving a humanitarian pause first.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q11
Direct Answer
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Context
Funding from the cancelled part of HS2 was meant to pay for new link roads in Aylesbury but the money has not yet arrived.
Key to the regeneration of Aylesbury are new link roads to cut congestion. Money from the cancelled part of HS2 is meant to be paying towards them, but the cash has not arrived yet. Can my right hon. Friend assure my constituents they will get the roads they need?
Last autumn we announced the Government's vision to redirect £36 billion of savings from HS2 to invest in hundreds of transport projects across the country, including possible increased funding for two projects—the south-east Aylesbury link road and the Aylesbury eastern link road. The details of how these funding uplifts will be allocated will be decided very shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
North sea oil and gas jobs are at risk, with over £300 billion in tax receipts from North sea oil and gas to the UK. The Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill was passed.
Over 40,000 North sea oil and gas jobs are at risk, and neither Labour, the Tories or the SNP have lifted a finger to save Grangemouth oil refinery. With the passing of last night's Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill, why cannot the UK Government find £80 million to secure Grangemouth's future?
The site will remain operating as a refinery until at least May 2025. The UK and Scottish Governments are working together to make sure there are sufficient assurances in place for the support of employees. We back British North sea oil and gas, safeguarding 200,000 jobs.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about providing £80 million but the answerer did not address this specific financial commitment.
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
Welsh farmers are concerned about the impact of nitrate vulnerable zones, TB measures, and a new sustainable farming scheme on their livelihoods.
Does the Prime Minister agree with Welsh farmers that our farmers and food security are vital? The agricultural budget should be ringfenced. However, the Welsh Labour Government's approach to nitrate vulnerable zones, TB, and their sustainable farming scheme will result in 5,500 job losses and a £200 million hit to the economy.
Conservative Members support farmers with more money to grow more British food. The plans highlighted by the hon. Member would decimate farming communities in Wales. We will always back our rural communities across the UK, unlike Labour who would take them back to square one.
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Assessment & feedback
Comparing With Opposition
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The fan-led review on football governance was produced more than two years ago, and there is a call to set up an independent regulator.
It is now more than two years since the fan-led review on football governance was produced. Will the Prime Minister commit to setting up an independent regulator with power to intervene for fair distribution of football's riches? Will he bring forward legislation urgently?
The independent regulator will put fans back at the heart of football. We are engaged in discussions with industry, as outlined in our King's Speech. My hon. Friend ensured £1 million funding to safeguard Bury football club.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for a commitment on legislation but the answerer did not provide concrete details about legislative plans.
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
GP surgeries promised through planning applications are taking too long to be built, affecting patient care.
GP surgeries promised in planning applications take far too long to be built. Can we clear away the obstacles and make it easier for our amazing family doctors to use additional consulting rooms that they are happy with elsewhere in the community, so that GPs, and the many extra prescribing nurses they are now employing, can see more patients now while they wait for bespoke premises to be built?
I thank my hon. Friend, who speaks from a point of authority. He knows that we have high standards to ensure that GPs provide services from premises that meet all the required criteria, but I understand it is possible for those services to be provided at alternative locations that meet the contract requirements. I will happily ensure that the Health and Social Care Secretary looks into his suggestions about more flexibility. He will also welcome our recent plans to expand the range of services available at pharmacies, saving many people time and hassle to get treatment for seven common ailments at their local pharmacist, easing the pressure on our GPs and speeding up the care that people deserve.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to any specific action or timeline to ease regulations
Under Review
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
The House is preparing to vote on a motion regarding the situation in Gaza, following the Iraq war vote.
I was in the House on 18 March 2003 when this House voted to go to war in Iraq on the demands of the then Labour Government. What followed was death, misery, and destruction on an almost unimaginable scale. Voting against the Iraq war is the vote I am most proud of in my time in this House. Today, after 29,000 deaths in Gaza, we face a vote of similar significance. Does the Prime Minister believe that MPs today should look back with that same pride, knowing that they have done everything possible to stop the death, destruction, and misery tonight?
Nobody wants to see the fighting in Gaza go on for a moment longer than is necessary, and nobody wants to see innocent civilians suffer. That is why we are doing absolutely everything we can to bring about an immediate humanitarian pause, allowing for the safe release of hostages, which the hon. Gentleman failed to mention I believe, and also getting more aid into Gaza to create the conditions for a genuinely sustainable ceasefire. That is the position shared by our allies, that is what our diplomatic efforts are focused on, and that is what our motion tonight will reflect.
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Assessment & feedback
Shifted focus to current actions rather than historical perspective
Changed Subject
Focused On Ongoing Efforts
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
MP expresses concerns about immigration, human rights laws, funding for Havering, and leaving the EU.
I have had the privilege to be spending a lot of time with the law-abiding, tax-paying, hard-working patriotic people of Romford in recent months, and they have been telling me what they think. Does the Prime Minister agree with the people of Romford that we need a radical plan to control immigration and stop illegal immigration, to regain sovereignty over our human rights laws in this country, to tell the Mayor of London that we need more police to stop crime in the London Borough of Havering, and a fair funding settlement for Havering? Will the Prime Minister come with me to Romford market, following the footsteps of Margaret Thatcher, and meet the people of Romford? One thing I can tell him they do not want is to be taken back into the European Union by a socialist Government.
May I welcome my hon. Friend back to his place? I agree with everything he said, and I look forward to visiting him and his Romford constituents at the earliest opportunity.
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Assessment & feedback
Shifted focus to future meeting rather than addressing demands directly
Changed Subject
Promised Future Action
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
County councillors used inappropriate language regarding children with special educational needs, leading to a petition demanding their resignations.
At a recent meeting of Warwickshire County Council, children with special educational needs were described by some county councillors as requiring “some form of strict correction”, or were “just really badly behaved”. Other inappropriate language was used. Parents of SEN children across the country have been outraged by this, with some 30,000 of them signing a petition calling for those councillors' resignations. Will the Prime Minister condemn the Conservative councillors' language and urge them to do the right thing and resign?
I have not seen the details of those comments and this issue. More generally, the Government have a strong track record of supporting those with disabilities. It is important that children with special educational needs receive the right support in the right place at the right time. We have seen funding for SEN increase by 60% over this Parliament to more than £10 billion. Most recently, the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care are piloting a new project to improve access to specialty support in mainstream primary schools, because we want to make sure that these children get all the support and opportunities they deserve.
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Assessment & feedback
Shifted focus to government's overall funding and projects for SEN rather than condemning language or demanding resignations
Changed Subject
Focused On General Initiatives
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
Bereaved parents and others are campaigning for more robust online safety measures, including free user identity verification.
We have legislated to give the public ID verification options on social media, and tech companies know the safety value and popularity of that, because they offer it now, but for a big fee every month—it is not good enough. Bereaved parents are campaigning for more measures to protect kids online, fraudsters are routinely exploiting fake social media accounts to scam, and there are fears of global political interference in elections from faceless, traceless bots. It is creating the perfect cyber-storm. Will my right hon. Friend use his influence to get tech companies to get on with offering robust, visible and free verification measures as soon as possible to keep people safe?
Can I start by commending my hon. Friend on her work on this issue? She is absolutely right that user verification can be a powerful tool to keep people safe online. The Online Safety Act 2023, as she knows, requires companies to offer all adults optional user identity verification. Companies will also need to take firm action to improve safety for children in particular, and Ofcom will be able to monitor tech companies and have strong powers to ensure they comply. I can tell her that the Home Secretary is meeting the industry on Monday next week and will be sure to raise the points she has mentioned today.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to any specific action or timeline for free verification measures
Under Review
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
A KPMG study finds a strong economic case to remove power cables over the Tyne, but previous PMs have not secured commitments from National Grid.
A KPMG study finds a strong economic case to remove power cables over the Tyne. Despite my questions to previous Prime Ministers, we are no further forward. Can this Prime Minister finally secure a commitment from National Grid to implement its clear legal obligation and fund this vital work? This fog on the Tyne is impeding local businesses and risks possible net GVA benefits of up to £1.2 billion. Our great river needs action now.
I am happy to look into the issue that the hon. Lady raises. What would be damaging to the north-east and the Tyne are her party's plans to stick with their completely ridiculous 2030 decarbonisation target with absolutely no plan to pay for it, which just means higher taxes for everyone in her constituency and the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Shifted focus to Labour's policies rather than addressing cable removal
Criticised Opposition
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about large-scale solar developments and infrastructure projects in the countryside affecting food production.
Britain's food security, compromised by cheap foreign imports, now faces a parallel threat: all kinds of industrialisation of the countryside, from large solar plants to interconnectors and substations, and now huge pylons covering 87 miles of countryside. These will blot the landscape and use up valuable growing land, filling the fenland big skies. Knowing that the Prime Minister's bow burns with gold, like my own, will he ensure that he joins my fight for our green and pleasant land and so make sure that food security and energy security are not competitors?
My right hon. Friend raises an excellent point about our food security. The Government have taken steps, which he has supported, to protect prime agricultural land from large-scale solar developments, which I know will be warmly welcomed. Our announcements this week at the National Farmers Union conference also demonstrate our support to increase our country's food security, backing farmers with more funding and enhancing their productivity to produce great British food.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly commit to joining John Hayes' fight for green land or ensuring that food and energy security are not competitors.
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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Context
A freedom of information answer revealed that the Cabinet Minister for Women and Equalities had not met a single LGBT organisation since her appointment.
In December, the Cabinet Minister for Women and Equalities told the House that she had engaged “extensively” with LGBT organisations since her appointment 18 months ago. A freedom of information answer published this week reveals that, in fact, the Minister has not met a single LGBT organisation but has met two fringe groups that actively campaign against transgender rights. What is the problem that the Prime Minister and a section of his party have with trans people, and that his Minister has with the truth?
As I have always said, the Government have a proud track record of supporting those in the LGBT community, and we will continue to do so. I have also always said that those who are questioning their gender and identity should be treated with the utmost dignity, compassion and sensitivity as they consider those questions.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the inconsistency in the Minister's engagement claims or acknowledge the problem with her stance on trans people.
Response accuracy
Q23
Direct Answer
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Context
The Education Committee has heard evidence about the risks to young people from too much exposure to social media.
The Education Committee has heard compelling evidence to support the strengthening of guidance to keep mobile phones out of classrooms and break times, but over the course of our screen time inquiry we continue to hear deeply disturbing evidence about the risks to young people from too much exposure to social media too early. May I urge the Prime Minister to seek the swiftest possible implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023 and to consider whether it is time to review the age of digital consent?
I thank my hon. Friend for his work on this issue. He knows that we do have a plan when it comes to education and protecting children online. The Secretary of State is making sure that we can implement the Online Safety Act as quickly as possible with Ofcom, but we have also published new guidance banning mobile phones in schools.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q24
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a vote on the situation in Israel and Gaza.
When important matters of life and death are voted on in this House, does the Prime Minister think MPs should vote according to their party Whip or according to their conscience?
This afternoon the House will have an opportunity to consider its approach to the situation in Israel and Gaza. Our position is crystal clear: we have called, and will always call, for an immediate humanitarian pause.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether MPs should vote according to their conscience or party Whip.
Response accuracy
Q25
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns about the treatment of non-contact sex crimes by police forces.
It seems that, with the exception of the British Transport police, all other police forces will treat non-contact sex crimes as they would perhaps the theft of a bike, petty retail crime or antisocial behaviour. Will the Prime Minister facilitate a meeting between me, colleagues and the Home Secretary to give priority to these acts of crime, to ensure that women and young girls get the protection they deserve?
Of course we want women and girls to get the protection that they deserve, and I am pleased that our violence against women and girls strategy is showing results, improving the safety on our streets and increasing sentences for rapists. I will make sure that my hon. Friend gets the meeting that he needs with the Home Secretary or relevant policing Ministers to discuss his concerns.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q26
Direct Answer
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Context
The ITV serialisation of the sub-postmaster scandal has led to delays in compensation.
I heard the Prime Minister's responses to the Leader of the Opposition. Just like the Business Secretary's claims that delays on compensation are wild, baseless allegations, his answers are unbelievable. The response from the Government Benches to the quote from my constituent Chris Head was completely disrespectful. The reality is that we would not have any action without the ITV serialisation of the sub-postmaster scandal— Government Members can shout all they like, but we all know that is the case. The Prime Minister has promised a new law to swiftly exonerate and compensate victims. Today he said “shortly”, so will he commit today to ensuring that it is brought forward before the next general election?
Yes, the legislation will be brought before the House very, very soon.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q27
Partial Answer
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Context
Network Rail's signalling improvement works have led to significant delays at level crossings in Egham, causing traffic chaos. In the year to September 2023, there was a 3,967% increase in waits of more than 10 minutes from when barriers go down.
After Network Rail's so-called signalling improvement works, there has been traffic chaos and delays at level crossings across Egham. In fact, data analysed by my team shows that in the year to September 2023 there was a 3,967% increase in waits of more than 10 minutes from when the barriers go down. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this is unacceptable and that Network Rail needs to sort it out?
I am sorry to hear about the delays faced by my hon. Friend's constituents, which I know will be disruptive to their lives. It is important that we have proper connectivity in our local areas, and I will ensure that he gets the relevant meeting he needs to put pressure on Network Rail to improve the service it is providing.
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Assessment & feedback
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q28
Direct Answer
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Context
Ava White, a 12-year-old girl, was stabbed to death in Liverpool city centre by a 14-year-old perpetrator. Danny Jamieson, also 16 years old, died as a result of knife crime. Their mothers are campaigning for tougher sentences.
Children and young adults are most likely to be the victims or perpetrators of knife crime. Ava White was 12 years old when she was stabbed and killed by a 14-year-old in Liverpool city centre in 2021. Danny Jamieson was 16 when he died as a result of knife crime. Their mothers, Leann and Mandy, are campaigning for tougher sentences for knife crime. Will the Prime Minister support the Danny and Ava campaign to end the scourge of knife crime on our streets?
I express my condolences to Danny and Ava's families, and the families of all the young people whose lives have been so tragically cut short by knife crime. We have plans in place to cut knife crime, and they are working—we have confiscated over 120,000 weapons, we have cut violent crime in half since 2010, and more dangerous criminals are going to jail for longer. We are bringing forward legislation to increase sentences for knife crime and to ban zombie knives, and I very much hope that the hon. Lady and her party will support those proposals when they are put before the House.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q29
Direct Answer
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Context
There will be a direct bus link between Dinnington and Maltby in Rother Valley. However, there is still a lack of bus transport to local hospitals.
After years of campaigning, it is great news that there will be a direct bus link between two of my biggest towns in Rother Valley, Dinnington and Maltby. However, there is still a lack of bus transport to our local hospitals. Does the Prime Minister agree that the South Yorkshire Mayor should use some of his resources to back my plan for transport for the Rother Valley, to ensure that every single village and town has a direct bus link to our local hospitals?
We know how vital bus services are to communities right across the country—indeed, buses are our most popular form of public transportation—which is why we have used some of the savings from HS2 to invest in bus services. We have capped bus fares at £2 right across the country, and we have provided my hon. Friend's local authority with millions of pounds of more funding specifically to support local bus services. I join him in calling on the Mayor to ensure that there are direct bus routes to hospitals in my hon. Friend's constituency, and to make sure that people can see their loved ones at a distressing time.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q30
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister's deal with Tata placed thousands of jobs at risk in Port Talbot and beyond.
At the weekend the people of south Wales marched in support of the steel industry, following the Government's grubby deal with Tata, which is now placing thousands of jobs at risk in Port Talbot and beyond. The Prime Minister is failing to protect our steel industry because he failed to make protecting jobs at the plant a red line. He now has a choice: work with the unions, Tata and the workforce to protect the industry and the jobs with investment, or walk away and do what Tories always do—abandon the south Wales communities yet again. Which is it, Prime Minister?
This Government have worked hard to secure a long-term, sustainable future for Welsh steelmaking, and to grow the legacy of that important industry. That is why during the pandemic we stepped in to support Celsa, which, as the hon. Gentleman knows, safeguarded more than 1,000 jobs and ensured that the plant was sustainable. It is why we agreed one of the largest ever cash grants, of half a billion pounds, for Tata Steel to safeguard at least 5,000 jobs that would otherwise have been lost. The hon. Gentleman might want to ask why the Welsh Labour Government did not put in a penny to support that deal.
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Assessment & feedback
working with partners
Criticising Opposition
Response accuracy
Q31
Direct Answer
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Context
The Watford area is home to the national lottery, which employs more than 900 people.
The Watford area continues to be the proud home of the national lottery, which employs more than 900 people. Will my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, and the whole Cabinet, join me in celebrating the successful handover from Camelot to Allwyn on 1 February, and also the £48 billion raised by national lottery players, which so far has funded 700,000 projects in, I am sure, every constituency?
I join my hon. Friend in his congratulations and thank everyone involved with the national lottery. We are all seeing, in our constituencies, the incredible benefit from the investments that they are making, and he is absolutely right to ensure that they receive the praise they deserve today in Parliament.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q32
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister announced the cancellation of HS2, which would have had significant impacts on northern England.
The Prime Minister has been at it again. In a previous answer, he boasted about transferring investment from the north of England to the south. When he came to Manchester in the autumn to insult the people of the north of England and cancel HS2—proudly cancel it—was he aware then that, because the trains have to split without the HS2 lines and do not tilt, he would be slowing down services and reducing capacity? Did he not know that, or did he not care?
Let me say a couple of things. First, our plans to continue with phase 1 mean that we can handle triple the capacity that is currently being used on the line. Secondly, every penny of the £19.8 billion from the northern bit of HS2 will stay in the north, being invested in services that people use, such as local buses, and will be delivered quicker. Thirdly, the hon. Gentleman is critical of the decision, but I have still not quite figured out Labour's position on this. Do they support the redeployment of £36 billion of HS2 savings in transport across the rest of the country, or do they not? As ever, we do not know what they stand for, they cannot say what they would do, and they would just take Britain back to square one.
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