Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
UK used to lead in psilocybin research but has fallen behind due to lack of attention from Home Office. American, Canadian and Australian patients can access treatment that British cannot.
The UK used to be a world leader in psilocybin research but, despite the calls of the Home Affairs Committee, leading researchers, charities, veterans' organisations and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, we have shamefully fallen behind on breakthrough treatments for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, causing misery to millions of people in our country. Can the Prime Minister explain why this policy remains the responsibility of a Home Office that cannot give it the attention it deserves, and why it is okay that American, Canadian and Australian patients can access treatment that British patients cannot?
I completely sympathise and understand why people suffering from distressing conditions will want to seek the best possible treatment available, and I thank the hon. Lady for raising the issue. We are committed to ensuring that the UK is a world-leading jurisdiction for pharmaceutical, clinical and other medical research, and we have asked the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to review barriers to legitimate medical research involving controlled drugs such as psilocybin. Our response to the council's recommendations will be published as soon as possible.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or timeline for prioritising psilocybin research was not provided
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
My constituency has a long history of farming. Food security is critical for national security.
My constituency has a long and proud history of farming, with generations of the same families helping to feed our nation. Not since world war two have we been so aware of how important food security is to our national security, so will the Prime Minister update the House on what his Government are doing to support our fantastic farmers?
As I set out at the NFU conference just a couple of weeks ago, we will always back British farmers for continuing to produce fantastic food. We are accelerating that plan, with the largest package of grants ever. Indeed, one of the new schemes opens just today, supporting farmers with up to £125,000 towards the purchase of new equipment and technology. Our schemes in England are all about more choice, not less. Unlike Labour in Wales, we will never introduce top-down, arbitrary targets that damage farm incomes, damage our food security and take farmers back to square one.
▸
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Sarah Everard was abducted and murdered by a serving police officer. The Angiolini report highlights issues with police vetting.
Three years ago, Sarah Everard was walking home when she was abducted and murdered by a serving police officer who should have been trusted to keep her safe. As a father, I cannot imagine the pain her parents, her family and her friends are going through in this difficult anniversary week. Lady Angiolini's report exposes the appalling failure in police vetting and in misconduct processes, and I am very troubled by its conclusion that there is 'nothing to stop another Couzens operating in plain sight'. How can that be the case, three years on from this horrendous crime?
Can I first say that I am sure all Members of the House will have been thinking about Sarah Everard in recent weeks? It was, as the right hon. and learned Gentleman said, an absolutely shocking case, and the abuse of power in particular was appalling. That is why we took action quickly to strengthen police vetting and strengthen the rules for rooting out officers who are not fit to serve, and conducted the largest ever screening of all serving officers and staff. We are now ensuring that any officer who has been charged with a crime will be suspended from duty automatically until their case is concluded, and we will thoroughly consider all the report's recommendations and respond in full.
▸
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Independent reports since 2012 have raised serious failures in police vetting.
The Prime Minister mentions vetting and I just want to press him on that, because serious failures in police vetting were raised in independent reports as long ago as 2012, 2019, 2022 and 2023. That is why Labour has been arguing for mandatory national vetting standards that would stop anybody with a history of domestic abuse or sexual offending being allowed to join the police in the first place. Why are mandatory national vetting standards not already in place?
It is vital for public confidence that those who are not fit to wear the badge are rooted out of the police and not able to join in the first place. That is why the College of Policing updated its statutory code on vetting, and that happened quickly. In addition, the policing inspectorate carried out a rapid inspection of all forces' progress against the previous findings and, in addition to that, an entire check against the national police database was carried out for all serving officers and staff.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or timeline for implementing mandatory standards was not provided
Updated Statutory Code
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Indecent exposure is a gateway to more serious crimes, as shown by cases like Sarah Everard's.
I am obviously very familiar with codes in criminal justice systems, but—[Interruption.] This is too serious for that. There is a world of difference between a code and binding mandatory standards which do not have legal effect, and that should trouble Members across the House. Couzens' history of sexual offending stretched back many years. On four occasions, despite allegations of indecent exposure, he was not sacked. We know that indecent exposure is a gateway to more horrific crimes, as was tragically shown to be the case not only in Sarah Everard's case but in that of Libby Squire, but it is not treated with the seriousness required. The Angiolini report recommends reviewing all indecent exposure allegations against serving officers in order to identify, investigate and remove those officers from service. Given the obvious urgency of this recommendation, can the Prime Minister give a categorical assurance that it will be implemented immediately?
The Home Secretary addressed this specifically when he made his statement. Indecent exposure, just like any other kind of sexually motivated crime, is abhorrent and we expect police chiefs to take it extremely seriously. We fully expect police chiefs to suspend an officer charged with any kind of sexually motivated crime. It is worth pointing out that, in addition to the new powers that the Home Secretary outlined about automatic suspension, chief constables have existing powers to suspend any officer in their force when allegations are made, and we fully expect them to use those powers.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or timeline for immediate review was not provided
Expect Police Chiefs To Take It Seriously
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question stems from the low conviction rate for rape cases, which is reported to be only 2.4% within a year of reporting.
Sarah Everard's murder should have been a watershed moment for policing reform, for the criminal justice system and for violence against women and girls, but the sad reality is that victims of rape who come forward have just a 2.4% chance of their perpetrator being caught and charged within the year. How does the Prime Minister expect women to have confidence in the criminal justice system when almost all rapists do not see the inside of a courtroom?
As we acknowledged a couple of years ago, we need to do more to improve rape outcomes in the criminal justice system. The rape review action plan has increased average sentences by a third since Labour was last in office and police referrals have doubled along with charges. Last year there was a 50% increase in rape convictions, and now rapists will serve every day of their sentence.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify when or how recommendations would be implemented
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question addresses the lack of confidence women have in the current criminal justice system regarding rape cases.
We all want more victims to come forward, but we have to be honest that unless things change, the criminal justice system will continue to fail them. That is why we are committed to introducing specialist rape and sexual offences teams in every force to give victims specialist support and confidence that their experience will be investigated properly. When will the Prime Minister commit to doing the same?
We have already implemented the rape review action plan, ending digital strip searches of victims' mobile phones, ensuring better use of pre-recorded cross examination, rolling out Operation Soteria across all police forces, and significantly increasing the number of independent advisers. There is more specialist training in all police forces for these prosecutions.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify timeline or commitment to introducing teams
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question relates to the confidence women have in their safety at Westminster, particularly following the publication of the Angiolini report.
At the moment, as everyone in this House knows, we are failing in ensuring a safe workplace here in Westminster. When will the Prime Minister make time for the vote on banning from Parliament those MPs who face allegations of sex offences?
It is absolutely right that we ensure our communities are safe for women and girls, which is why we passed the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, set up a new victim support line, quadrupled funding for victim support, and invested in practical things like CCTV and better streetlighting. This Government have a strong track record on ensuring that women across this country feel safe.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Shifted focus to overall safety measures without addressing the specific vote request
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question concerns the challenge of high energy bills for constituents, with providers making large profits.
Does he agree that reductions in wholesale prices should be passed on to consumers and that standing charges should be brought down? Will the Government hold utility companies to account for their actions?
My hon. Friend is right to highlight high energy bills; we stepped in with support that paid around half of a typical household bill at its peak. The energy price cap will fall by almost £250 in April, bringing relief to many families. We introduced the energy profits levy on windfall profits and are cutting taxes and putting more money into family bank accounts.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question addresses the reported anger within the Scottish Conservative party over plans to tax North Sea energy industries.
Is the Prime Minister in danger of turning his colleagues into nationalists by taxing Scotland's natural resources for a tax cut in England?
Obviously, I would not comment on the Budget. However, it was clear last week that there has only ever been one party consistently standing up for the North Sea energy industry in Scotland: the Scottish Conservatives.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from the UK government using Scotland's energy resources to fund tax cuts and nuclear power stations in England, which could negatively impact Scottish jobs.
Why has the Conservative party used Scotland's natural resources for tax cuts and nuclear power funding in England? This costs up to 100,000 jobs. Will you call a general election?
The government has cut taxes for everyone in Scotland since January, whereas the SNP proposed tax increases. This Conservative Government will continue cutting taxes for hard-working Scots.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Question about the election was ignored
Focused On Tax Cuts Instead Of Calling An Election
Response accuracy
Q12
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Sub-postmasters who were not prosecuted but faced financial penalties need proper compensation.
Should we do everything possible to right wrongs done to postmasters through the Horizon scandal and provide full financial compensation?
Justice is being delivered, with legislation to overturn convictions paving the way for swift payment of compensation. The postal Minister is closely examining issues raised.
▸
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q13
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Families in Northern Ireland are frustrated by the lack of cooperation from the Irish Government on conducting public inquiries.
Will the Prime Minister continue to press the Irish Government for more cooperation, especially regarding facilities needed for families to pursue justice?
The Secretary of State has raised specific issues with the Irish Government. I spoke to the Taoiseach about this, hoping for further cooperation on Omagh and other cases involving Irish jurisdiction.
▸
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q14
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Ukrainian government officials express frustration over the slow pace of developing a defense manufacturing capability with UK companies.
How can we unblock bureaucracy to develop a defense manufacturing capability together with Ukrainian partners?
Our cross-Government taskforce supports the armed forces of Ukraine, leading industrial co-operation. We conducted a successful trade mission last year, and will continue collaborating with Ukrainian allies.
▸
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A report predicts increasing wealth inequalities by the end of this decade, raising questions about the effectiveness of levelling up policies.
Does the Prime Minister accept that his levelling-up agenda has failed or was it never intended to succeed?
Inequality has actually declined under this Government. The north receives some of the highest per capita levelling-up funding, and we are reinvesting HS2 funds into transportation for northern communities.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Question about failure was ignored
Focused On Successful Funding Instead
Response accuracy
Q16
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Labour party voted down the Rwanda Bill in the House of Lords, which sparked criticism from David Evennett.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the performance of the Labour party in voting down our Rwanda Bill in the House of Lords was a disgrace? It is only the Conservative Government and the Conservatives who have a plan for dealing with illegal immigration and the people smugglers. Action on illegal immigration is a top priority in my constituency, and Labour has no policy or plan on this at all.
My right hon. Friend makes an excellent point. He knows, as I know, that if we want fully to stop the boats, we need to have a working deterrent, so if someone comes here illegally, we must be able to remove them to a safe third country alternative. That is why the Rwanda scheme is so important, and why we are determined to see it through. Just in the past week, an independent report was published that talked about the Labour party's policies in this area. It made it crystal clear that Labour does not have a plan to stop the boats. In fact, its idea would see the UK accept hundreds of thousands more migrants.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question is about the Prime Minister's economic policies and their impact.
Which part of his economic legacy is the Prime Minister most proud of? Is it presiding over the highest tax burden since the second world war, or is it delivering the slowest real wage growth since the Napoleonic war?
Saving 10 million jobs in the pandemic with the furlough scheme.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Economic legacy and its impact on tax burden and wage growth
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q18
Direct Answer
▸
Context
There is a consensus on the need to build new houses, but where these should be built remains contentious.
The Prime Minister will know that there is consensus across this House on the need to build new houses. Where that consensus breaks down is where those houses should be built. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that, wherever possible, new houses should be built on brownfield sites, not on green spaces, not on green fields, and certainly not on prime farmland?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right: sustainable planning must be at the heart of our planning system. That is why we are committed to meeting the needs of communities by building homes in the right places and, as he says, making best use of brownfield land. We have made it clear that that is what the priority should be and we have put extra funding aside to unlock those sites. Our recent changes to the national planning policy framework provide clearer protection for the green belt, making it clear how future housing supply should be assessed.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
▸
Context
In some jurisdictions, Ministers routinely publish their tax returns.
In some jurisdictions, Ministers routinely publish their tax returns. The Prime Minister voluntarily published his UK tax return last year. Does he agree that Ministers of the Crown should publish their tax returns as a matter of course, and has he ever filed any returns in the USA that have not been published?
I do not think that would be proportionate or appropriate. In keeping with long-standing tradition, I voluntarily published my tax returns, as did the Chancellor.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Publishing all future tax returns
Not Addressing Publishing Future Returns
Response accuracy
Q20
Direct Answer
▸
Context
There is a need to support the domestic production of SAF for aviation.
Last year, a number of us were on the first transatlantic flight powered by sustainable aviation fuel. This week, the International Airlines Group made its first major purchase of that fuel, but that fuel is coming from the United States and it is important that we have a SAF industry in this country. Will the Prime Minister tell the Treasury and the Department for Transport to accelerate the work that they are doing to put in place the right framework and the right support mechanisms to ensure that we have a SAF industry for our aviation sector for the future?
I thank my right hon. Friend for championing this cause, which is absolutely right, and reassure him that we are committed to ensuring that the SAF mandate is in place in 2025. That will require about 10% of jet fuel to be made from sustainable feedstock by 2030. I am pleased to tell him that, to get there, we have provided £135 million to 13 different UK sustainable aviation fuel projects to kickstart our domestic industry and, importantly, as he also knows, we have committed to introducing a revenue certainty mechanism to support SAF production in the UK as soon as practically possible.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Prime Minister is invited to walk the Roman walls in Chester.
As our 2,000-year-old Roman walls are an important historic monument of world renown, will the Prime Minister join me in Chester to walk the walls and explore how the Government can support the upkeep of these important structures, which, unlike the Conservative party, are stable, solid and in no danger of imminent collapse?
I join the hon. Lady in paying tribute to the history of her local community. I am pleased that the city of Chester is benefiting from so much investment from the Conservative Government, so that it can maintain its local infrastructure.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Visiting Chester to discuss support for historical monuments
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A temporary 40 mph speed limit was poorly implemented, leading to unfair fines.
Five weeks ago, Conservative MPs from across south-east London and Kent wrote to Transport for London and the Labour Mayor of London to call on them to do the right thing following the botched implementation of a temporary 40 mph speed limit on the A20 near Sidcup, which has seen thousands of drivers unfairly issued with fines and points on their licence. It has left many drivers, including carers, emergency service workers and teachers, at risk of losing their licences and jobs, despite travelling less than 50 miles an hour in the zone. Does he agree that TfL, the Met police and Sadiq Khan must come clean about the number of fines, and cancel these issued points?
I thank my hon. Friend for the question. I understand the concerns that local drivers have over this ongoing TfL issue. Although, we are doing everything we can to back motorists across the country, it is disappointing that the Labour Mayor and, indeed, Labour-run Wales are hammering drivers at every opportunity, whether that is with temporary speed limits, blanket 20 mph zones, or the ultra low emission zone expansion.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Addressing the number of fines and cancelling issued points
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The NHS lacks uniform policy for the screening of suspected spiking victims at A&E, which undermines efforts to provide justice.
To strengthen current spiking legislation, forensic evidence is essential. The NHS does not have a uniform policy for the screening of suspected victims of spiking at A&E. We can pass all the laws we want in this place, but to achieve justice that forensic evidence is vital. Will the Prime Minister commit to ensuring that hospital emergency departments have a statutory obligation to take forensic samples from these victims?
I agree with the hon. Lady that spiking is an appalling, violating crime which seriously undermines public safety, particularly the safety of women and girls, and we want to ensure that the existing laws recognise the threat that spiking poses. That is why at the end of last year we announced a raft of new measures to confront spiking and support victims, including changing the law to make it clear without any doubt that spiking is illegal, as well as other measures such as an online reporting tool, investing in research and rapid testing kits, and training for bar staff. I will ensure that we look into the issue she raises and write back to her.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to statutory obligation for forensic samples at A&E
Response accuracy
Q24
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Flood and storm damage has caused significant infrastructure problems in the constituency of Mansfield, which is a major concern for residents.
This winter there has been significant flood and storm damage to the infrastructure in and around my constituency of Mansfield, including our roads, drains, and flood infrastructure. It is among the highest concerns that residents raise with me on a regular basis. I am really grateful that from next year in particular very significant infrastructure funding is coming our way, but what can my right hon. Friend do to help fix this for my constituents now?
I am pleased that in 2020 we announced that we would double our flood investment to a record £5.2 billion. In Nottinghamshire, since 2010 we have invested over £50 million to protect 15,000 properties. I know that currently there is a programme in Mansfield that is looking at surface water and drainage improvements, but I will ensure that I talk to the Chancellor, and that we have a strong economy to keep investing in local infrastructure in my hon. Friend's area.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide immediate solutions for current flood damage issues
Response accuracy