Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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The Association of Dental Groups identified Wellingborough constituency as one of England's dental deserts. The Prime Minister announced a scheme to send dental vans but had to U-turn due to insufficient resources.
I welcome the hon. Member for South Thanet back and wish him well in his duties. I associate myself with the PM's remarks. My Wellingborough constituency is one of England's dental deserts according to a report from May 2022 by the Association of Dental Groups. Despite welcoming the Prime Minister's grand scheme to send dental vans, months later it has been U-turned because there are not enough vans. Why can he not address this issue seriously?
That is not right. Actually, thanks to our dental recovery plan, we are delivering 2.5 million more dental appointments. There is a new patient premium and new provision for remote communities, and since it was announced in January, over 500 more dental practices now accept new patients compared with Labour's plan.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked why the PM could not address the lack of dental resources seriously but the answer did not directly address this issue; instead it highlighted government efforts and compared them to Labour's plans without addressing Wellingborough specifically.
Under Review
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Good news on inflation indicates a positive economic situation which can support capital projects such as hospital investments.
Today's news on inflation is good for consumers and capital projects like the investment in St Helier Hospital and building a second hospital in my constituency, protecting A&E and maternity services. Given this good news, will the PM recommit to working with the NHS in my area to build that second hospital and improve St Helier Hospital? Does he agree we need a strong economy for a strong NHS?
We are investing in better healthcare across our country. Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust has been allocated over £6 million to upgrade A&E, benefiting from a new specialist emergency care hospital in Sutton as part of the programme. As my hon. Friend says, this is possible only because of decisions taken to bring inflation back to normal and grow the economy.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for specific commitment to build a second hospital and improve St Helier Hospital but did not receive a direct yes or timeline. Instead, it referenced general NHS investments without specifics on those projects.
Under Review
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Q3
Direct Answer
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The infected blood scandal reflects a failure across parts of the British state. The House was united in its apology and compensation discussions, but there are ongoing issues.
I welcome Figen Murray from the Gallery who lost her son Martyn seven years ago today in the Manchester Arena attack. We remember everybody who was lost in that awful attack. The infected blood scandal reflects a profound failure across almost every part of the British state. In apologies and compensation, this House was united; however, we have too many times heard similar sentiments from both sides. Does the PM agree that real progress only happens if we tackle lack of openness, transparency and candour identified by Sir Brian Langstaff?
The inquiry was established to get truth and provide answers; this week's report represents a significant moment. This was an appalling scandal with diligent work by all those who supported Sir Brian Langstaff. We pay tribute to bravery of every individual who came forward for justice. I agree with the right hon. and learned Gentleman: we will listen and ensure nothing like this can happen again.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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The infected blood scandal is a pattern of concerns being ignored, reports written but not acted on, victims campaigning for years to be heard. The Prime Minister called for evidence on the duty of candour in health.
The infected blood scandal is shocking and familiar: concerns raised and ignored; reports written but not acted on; victims and families campaigning for years just to be heard. I want to focus on the duty of candour that has been a failing in scandals like Grenfell, Horizon, Hillsborough, and now the infected blood scandal. The Government have called for evidence on the duty of candour in health, but this should apply across public servants across the board. Does the PM agree it is time to enshrine the duty of candour in law?
I am aware of Sir Brian Langstaff's recommendation for a duty of candour and accountability. My right hon. Friend introduced this duty to the health service. The Government are taking time to digest report findings, as wrongs committed are devastating and life-altering; ensuring nothing like this happens again is a priority. We sympathize with that and are reviewing recommendations in detail before providing comprehensive response.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for direct agreement on enshrining duty of candour in law but did not receive specific commitment, instead receiving general support and acknowledgment of the recommendation's gravity.
Under Review
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Sir Brian Langstaff's report highlighted the need for a binding duty of candour to address failures like those seen in the Horizon scandal, including Hillsborough.
I understand that the Prime Minister wants to look at the recommendations in detail and to come back to them in due course, but we cannot look away on this duty of candour. Can I ask the Prime Minister at least to expand the call for evidence on the duty of candour beyond health? We owe it to the victims of Hillsborough and Horizon to work across the House to establish a far-reaching and binding duty of candour as quickly as possible.
The right hon. and learned Gentleman will remember that on Monday I said very specifically that the patterns of behaviour we have seen in this appalling tragedy have been replicated in others, and I mentioned Hillsborough specifically, so I am very aware that there are structural and behavioural cultural problems that we need to fix. There is an enormous amount of support and sympathy for the principle of the duty of candour.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to expanding call for evidence beyond health.
Under Review
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Sir Brian Langstaff's report identified institutional and cultural failings within the NHS, such as a defensive attitude that refused to acknowledge problems.
In his report, Sir Brian identified a number of individual failures, even cover-ups, but alongside that he also found equally important and harder to reach institutional and cultural failings. The NHS does a remarkable job every day, but those failings are indefensible. Does the Prime Minister agree that the very culture of the NHS needs to change?
Yes, Mr Speaker. I discussed this issue on Monday in my response to the question asked by my right hon. Friend the Member for Bromsgrove (Sir Sajid Javid). The NHS provides lifesaving care to so many people every single day, for which we are enormously grateful, but the report makes it crystal clear that there were significant failings. The NHS failed: it failed people and it let them down.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific actions or timelines for cultural change.
Working With The Nhs
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Q7
Partial Answer
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The Health Secretary had previously promised to end gagging of NHS staff raising concerns, but recent cases show managers still silencing whistleblowers.
We need reform. I saw at first hand how important reform is during my time running the Crown Prosecution Service, but I also saw how hard it is, particularly on cultural issues. It requires brave and difficult decisions. Eleven years ago, as Health Secretary, the now Chancellor said: 'The era of gagging NHS staff from raising their real worries about patient care must come to an end.' Eleven years on from that and 10 months on from the Lucy Letby case, there are still clear examples of NHS managers still gagging staff and then being moved on, instead of being moved out. Will the Prime Minister now commit to ensuring that those who gag and silence whistleblowers will no longer be able to work in the NHS?
Of course the behaviour that the right hon. and learned Gentleman describes is wrong and, I believe, already illegal under our laws, but we will ensure people have the ability to raise concerns. One thing that I know has given many of those who have been impacted by the scandal some reassurance is the appointment of Sir Robert Francis to be chair of the inquiry.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to ensuring no one can continue working in NHS if they gag whistleblowers.
Already Illegal
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
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Victims of the infected blood scandal have been waiting for compensation, and there is cross-party consensus on delivering it by year-end.
Sir Brian's report is a victory for all those campaigners and victims who fought so hard for this moment, including my right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Dame Diana Johnson), but it is also one of profound pain, anger and sadness for so many. There is a chance for us to make real progress on this issue and we must do that with victims in mind. Given the degree of cross-party consensus that we have already seen on apologies and compensation, and given the Government's promise to ensure compensation by the end of the year, will the Prime Minister also now promise to deliver on all the recommendations in the same timeframe, by the end of the year?
Of course we want to deliver on the recommendations as quickly as practically possible. Indeed, our expectation is that we can do that before the end of the year. As I said, Sir Robert's appointment will bring a wealth of experience; it is crucial that the chair has the knowledge, expertise and familiarity with the issues.
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Q9
Direct Answer
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The public voted for a government that promised continuity with previous conservative policies, but instead faced high immigration and economic challenges.
In 1997, the public voted in what they were told would be a sort of continuity Conservative Government—the same policies, but with different faces. Instead what they got was record immigration, constitutional vandalism and a broken economy. Does the Prime Minister agree that, with the economy now roaring back to life under a Conservative Government, the last thing we need is a return to the failed Labour recipe of high taxes, open borders and employment laws that destroy jobs?
My hon. Friend gives a superb and passionate economic diagnosis. He is right: inflation is now back to normal, and indeed lower than that of France, Germany and the United States. Inflation is at its lowest level in years, our economy is growing faster and wages are rising, which is why we need to stick to the plan that is working.
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Q10
Partial Answer
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The question was prompted by speculation in public discourse and media regarding when the next general election would take place.
Mr Speaker, speculation is rife, so I think the public deserve a clear answer to a simple question. Does the Prime Minister intend to call a summer general election, or is he feart?
As I have said repeatedly to the right hon. Gentleman, there is—spoiler alert—going to be a general election in the second half of this year. At that moment, the British people will in fact see the truth about the right hon. and learned Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Keir Starmer), because that will be the choice at the next election.
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Assessment & feedback
The exact timing of the general election was not provided, only a broad timeframe in the second half of the year.
Under Review
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Q11
Partial Answer
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The question was prompted by comments made by a former Prime Minister, David Cameron, about the potential negative impact of restricting legal migration.
I was taken aback this week when a former Prime Minister spoke some sense. Alas, it was, indeed, David Cameron. What he said in relation to graduate route visas was that if any restrictions were implemented, it would lead to job losses, university closures and a reduction in research. Universities Scotland outlines that £5 billion of economic value is at risk. So, may I ask the Prime Minister: does he agree with the Foreign Secretary?
The Foreign Secretary also said that the levels of legal migration to this country are too high. That is what I also believe, which is why it is right that we are taking decisive action to bring down the numbers. And that plan is working. In the first three months of this year, the visas issued are down by 25% and migration is on its way to being returned to more sustainable levels.
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Assessment & feedback
The impact of restrictions on graduate route visas was not directly addressed.
Under Review
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Q12
Partial Answer
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The question was prompted by funding changes affecting the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in north Shropshire, which treats veterans from across Britain.
On the Welsh borders, we are incredibly proud of the Veterans' Orthopaedic Centre at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in north Shropshire, which treats veterans not only locally, including from my constituency of Clwyd South, but from across Britain. Will the Prime Minister help resolve the centre's current funding crisis, caused by changes in the NHS funding formula last year?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important issue. We are committed to making the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran and to ensuring that they have access to the appropriate physical and mental health support that they deserve.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific measures or funding commitment was not provided, only general commitment.
Under Review
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Q13
Partial Answer
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The question was prompted by cases of carers being penalised for going above the arbitrary earnings limit, leading to them having to repay significant amounts.
I also join others in remembering all the victims of the bombing at the Manchester Arena. Amanda claimed carer's allowance when caring for her mother, but the Department for Work and Pensions is now hounding her to pay back £1,200. Karina, whose daughter requires round-the-clock care, has been hit by a bill for £11,000. Victoria is being forced to pay back £100 a month.
The Government recognise the contribution and sacrifices that carers up and down the country so often make to care for others. That is why we have increased carer's allowance by almost £1,500 since 2010.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or changes to support carers without penalising them were not provided.
Under Review
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Q14
Partial Answer
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The question was prompted by concerns that local authorities are sometimes using inferior materials, leading to the need for repeated road repairs.
I, too, welcome back my hon. Friend the Member for South Thanet (Craig Mackinlay). The £8 billion made available by the Government for the repair of roads and potholes is very welcome; however, some local authorities, such as Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, which serve my constituency, sometimes use inferior material, so the works need to be done again in a few months' time. That is an issue that applies to many constituencies across the country.
I am proud that we have announced an additional £8 billion for roads resurfacing over the next decade—money made available through the reallocation of HS2 funding. That will mean fewer potholes and smoother, safer roads across our country.
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Assessment & feedback
Tough quality specifications were not explicitly mentioned.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Thewliss received a threatening email regarding Michael Franzese, who is promoting misogynist influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate.
I received an email calling me 'fucking parasite', 'rat', and 'piece of shit'. This was in response to challenging the appropriateness of US citizen Michael Franzese advocating for misogynists. Will the Prime Minister extend hate preacher bans to include misogynists?
Those who divide us and intimidate others have no place in our society, and we will use the full force of the law and immigration regime to ensure security and cohesion.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify if misogynists would be banned like hate preachers
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Q16
Partial Answer
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Whittingdale's constituents face long travel times for treatments due to the proposed closure of St Peter's Hospital.
My constituents are promised a new hospital but may have to travel up to 30 miles for some treatments if St Peter's Hospital closes. Will Ministers tell the ICB to withdraw this proposal and commission an independent assessment?
My right hon. Friend met recent Ministers on this issue, the ICB extended its consultation by three weeks, and I will ensure my right hon. Friends are updated.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to instructing Ministers or conducting independent assessment
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Q17
Partial Answer
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A constituent has waited over two years for a knee operation and feels neglected by the NHS.
My constituent applied to move from her council home due to stair-related pain and waits for an operation. She has become progressively worse and feels forgotten. Does PM agree his Government are failing, and Labour will bring down waiting lists?
We are putting in more money and rolling out elective surgical hubs to reduce waiting lists. The reality of the Labour party is poor NHS performance in Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether his Government was failing or agreeing with Labour's assessment
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Q18
Partial Answer
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Forty years ago, Thatcher described high inflation as a destroyer of industry, jobs, and savings.
Forty years ago, Mrs Thatcher said high inflation destroys industry, jobs, and savings. Does PM agree that this is true today? What assessment does he make of the economic announcement for Gedling constituents?
We have halved inflation, mortgage rates and energy bills are down, taxes are being cut. Our plan is working; Labour's would impose £2,000 tax rises.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether PM agrees with Thatcher's view on inflation
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Q19
Partial Answer
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England's chief medical officer said reducing sewage is a public health priority.
Chief Medical Officer highlighted the problems of untreated sewage in rivers and seas. Water firms are asking for bills to rise by up to 91%. Can PM tell me why his Government allow companies to damage waterways, make profits, and harm people's health?
We have monitored 100% of overflows, invested record amounts in infrastructure, set strict targets, and introduced unlimited fines. Labour could not vote for its own policy.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why PM allows firms to damage waterways and profit excessively
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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NHS needs to be at the cutting edge of innovation and transformation.
The NHS needs to be innovative. I welcome the recent announcement on AI for radiotherapy delivery. Will PM commit to going further and faster with AI and medtech across the NHS, benefiting patients and clinicians?
We will roll out game-changing AI for radiotherapy departments. We recognise the potential and announced a productivity plan in the spring Budget.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to going further and faster with AI
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Q21
Partial Answer
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The Trussell Trust reported that more than 3.1 million emergency food parcels were handed out in the past year, nearly double from five years ago. Child poverty rates have risen sharply.
In my Streatham constituency, child poverty is extremely high, with absolute poverty among children rising by its highest rate in 30 years and a quarter of all children living below the poverty line. Two thirds of UK children in poverty live in families where at least one parent works. Does the Prime Minister have any plans to restore the child poverty unit or address calls for universal free school meals?
Nobody wants to see any child grow up in poverty. The record of this Government has reduced both the number of people living in poverty and children living in poverty due to measures to strengthen the economy. We have extended the holiday activity and food programme with £200 million funding and are investing £30 million in our national school breakfast programme until the end of the summer term.
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Assessment & feedback
Restoring the child poverty unit and addressing calls for universal free school meals were not specifically addressed, though measures to reduce overall poverty were mentioned.
Under Review
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Q22
Partial Answer
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The questioner notes the reduction in inflation as very welcome news for families facing cost-of-living issues.
Inflation has reduced, which is a positive development. What assessment does the Prime Minister have on how this will help businesses and families with their costs?
The difficult decisions taken by the Government have led to a return to normal inflation levels, which is welcome. We have also delivered significant tax cuts worth £900 to the average worker in our country.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific assessment of how reduced inflation will help businesses and families was provided, though it was acknowledged as positive.
Under Review
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Q23
Partial Answer
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Harland & Wolff is an iconic shipbuilding company in the UK, having invested millions to save four shipyards from administration.
Approval of Harland & Wolff's export development guarantee is crucial for consolidating progress. Will the Prime Minister ensure this approval is achieved?
The Government are committed to supporting the UK shipbuilding sector. We are working closely with Harland & Wolff on its request for a UK Export Finance-guaranteed loan, which is under consideration.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to ensuring approval was not given, though it is under consideration.
Under Review
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Q24
Direct Answer
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The new £15 million accident and emergency unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary recently opened, alongside other local investment initiatives.
Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking the team at HRI for opening a new A&E unit and welcome the recruited doctors and nurses? Also, does he agree that this shows delivery for constituents in the Holme and Colne valleys and Lindley?
I congratulate my hon. Friend on the new A&E unit at HRI, a real game-changer for residents. There are also levelling-up projects such as the open market in Huddersfield and the new teaching block at Greenhead College.
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Q25
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The ICC's chief prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders. The House opposes aiding Hamas but criticizes arms sales to Israel.
Will the Prime Minister uphold international law, drop the nonsense about robust licensing systems, and end arms sales to Israel? If the ICC issues arrest warrants, will he ensure those individuals are arrested upon entering the UK?
The Government do not see moral equivalence between a democratically elected government exercising lawful right to self-defence and terrorist group actions. The ICC's actions do nothing to get a pause in fighting or aid hostages.
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Assessment & feedback
Questions about ending arms sales to Israel were not directly addressed, focusing instead on moral equivalence.
Moral Equivalence
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Q26
Partial Answer
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The MP was in hospital due to complications from sepsis, which led to multiple limb amputations. He thanks the Speaker, Prime Minister, family members, and NHS staff for their support during his recovery.
Thank you, Mr Speaker. First, I thank you, Mr Speaker, for being there for me and for coming to visit. The other person in this Chamber I would like to thank is the Prime Minister, who has been with me throughout. To me, that shows the true depth of the character of the Prime Minister, and I thank him for that. There is a question here. Prime Minister, can we please ensure that we embed recognition of early signs of sepsis? It would not have worked for me—mine was too quick and too sudden—but many people do get a few days. If we can stop somebody from ending up like this, I would say that that is a job well done. I would also like to impress upon Health Ministers the importance of allowing the provision of appropriate prosthetics, particularly for multi-limb amputees, at the right time.
It is so wonderful to hear from my hon. Friend. I thank him for his kind words, but I also personally pay tribute to his family, who are here in the Chamber. Before I answer the substantive question he has raised, I also join him in paying tribute to the NHS workers who looked after him. My hon. Friend is right that sepsis is a devastating condition; we are working hard to raise awareness of it, and I know that he will play a leading role in doing that. Without getting into all the details, I will just say that he is right: as the NHS itself has recognised this morning, more needs to be done, and I can assure him that we will do that.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about prosthetics provision for multi-limb amputees was not addressed.
Without Getting Into All The Details
Response accuracy