Topical Questions 2023-05-11
2023-05-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
In a supplementary question, the MP expresses pride in the coronation and asks for agreement with sentiments about British traditions.
I of course echo my right hon. Friend's comments about the coronation and thank the dedicated servicemen, police officers and public servants who made it such a success. Does he agree with me and many of my Dudley constituents that we should never be shy about being proud of our country's fantastic traditions and institutions?
I align myself entirely with the sentiments of my hon. Friend and the people of Dudley, and indeed the people of the whole United Kingdom. We witnessed the biggest military parade since the coronation of Her late Majesty, and it was a spectacular tribute to the values we all hold so dear.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP mentions local council election results and criticizes the Deputy Prime Minister for losing his local Conservative council.
First, may I offer my congratulations to the right hon. Gentleman, who is proving that being ginger is no barrier to becoming Deputy Prime Minister? I hope to take his example with me very soon one day, and in the meantime I look forward to facing him at Deputy PMQs to a bigger crowd in the future. I also want to offer my heartfelt commiserations to the right hon. Gentleman, who lost his local Conservative council this week.
The right hon. Lady started off so nicely—you never know, one day the Labour party might even allow a woman to lead it. In Hertsmere and nationally it is the same picture: while we in the Conservative party are focusing on delivering for the British people, Labour is working out grubby, dodgy deals with other parties. We are focused on the British people; they are focused on their own political interests.
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Assessment & feedback
Criticism Of Opposition
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP discusses voter ID regulations causing chaos and confusion at polling stations, citing an incident with a 93-year-old cancer sufferer who was excluded from voting.
The only grubbiness that I have seen over the last few years has been about dodgy personal protective equipment contracts. I hope the Deputy Prime Minister will start to get a grip of that, because the local elections last Thursday revealed a lot about not only the British public's rejection of the mess created by the Conservatives over the last 13 years, but the impact of the Government's new voter ID regulations, which caused chaos and confusion at polling stations. Oona Preece, a 93-year-old cancer sufferer, was excluded from voting in the local elections last week.
Of course, I will look into Oona's case, but I am not quite sure where the right hon. Lady and Labour Members have been, because I did not find any of the scenes that she describes in my constituency and nor did colleagues across the country. It was competently done, and actually it has aligned us with many other countries around the world such as Canada. It is a perfectly sensible reform.
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Assessment & feedback
The Deputy Prime Minister discussed voter ID but focused on its international alignment rather than addressing issues of exclusion or chaos.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP compliments the Secretary of State on the coronation and asks about steps to improve access to public sector procurement for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland.
May I first associate myself with the Secretary of State's remarks about the coronation? I think we can all agree that it was a fantastic event. I add my thanks to the security personnel and armed forces who kept us safe on the day. What steps is the Department taking to improve access to public sector procurement for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in Scotland?
My hon. Friend knows the answer to this question all too well, having been on the Procurement Bill Committee. We are creating access to public procurement for small and medium-sized enterprises as never before. Alas, the Bill will not apply to Scotland because the Scottish Government refused to take part in it. That is a great shame, because it means that small and medium-sized enterprises in Scotland will be deprived of the opportunities that those south of the border will get.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer mentioned steps being taken but avoided addressing how these affect SMEs specifically in Scotland due to the Scottish Government's refusal to participate.
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expresses heartening remarks on resilience but criticizes the old dogma and asks when the Government will give priority to British industry, agriculture, and workers.
I was heartened earlier by the Secretary of State's comments about resilience. As he knows, this is part of an international wake-up call, especially in the EU and the United States. Unfortunately, that was slightly undermined by the comments of his Minister, who was straight back to the old, tired dogma. Does the Minister recognise that local and national Government have a crucial role as a customer for firms that need regular orders and work flow? When will our Government catch up with other countries all round the world and give priority to British industry, British agriculture and British workers?
One of the things that depressed me about leaving the Ministry of Defence was the fact that I would no longer be across the Dispatch Box from the right hon. Gentleman and his worthy campaign to make certain that, in defence in particular, orders go to UK companies. He is right, and the Government absolutely accept that many areas of our national life must, for defence and security reasons, be provided by UK companies. However, there are huge advantages to working internationally as well, including in the sphere of defence.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister acknowledged the need but did not specify when or how prioritization would occur beyond mentioning existing efforts in defense.
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Government agencies such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, the Passport Office, Natural England and the Environment Agency are taking major decisions that affect constituents and businesses. Delays and inefficiencies have caused problems.
Delays and inefficiencies in government agencies like DVLA, Passport Office, Natural England, and Environment Agency affect constituents and businesses. Will the Minister outline what actions are being taken to improve efficiency and accountability?
We constantly have efficiency reviews, work closely with the Treasury for customer service improvements, and managed £3.4 billion in savings last year.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions not outlined
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Office of Government Property is expected to reissue updated guidance on the disposal of public assets. Current policy allows police authorities to sell disused stations below market value for community benefits.
Thanking Ministers for supporting my campaign, can you advise when the Office of Government Property will issue its updated guidance on disposing public assets for community benefit?
I am happy to look into her suggestion and support local communities and value for money.
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Assessment & feedback
No timeline provided
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
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Context
Local civil servants have been working positively with the MP to deliver services, especially during local elections.
Can my right hon. Friend join me in thanking local civil servants for their hard work delivering services, particularly during recent local elections?
We endorse the MP's statement and appreciate the work of civil servants at both local and national levels.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Five hundred people have died since the inquiry was set up, with one death every four days on average.
Following Sir Brian Langstaff's second interim report, can you provide basic factual information about steps taken by the Government and a timeframe for action?
We have received the second interim report on compensation. We are working at pace, with meetings scheduled with Ministers to formulate a constructive response.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific factual information provided
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister is asked to update the House on the Government's commitment to support veterans from Northern Ireland.
Will the Minister for Veterans' Affairs provide an update on the manifesto commitment to support veterans who served in Northern Ireland?
The Government is committed to fulfilling our manifesto commitments, ensuring legacy issues are addressed with victims at the center.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific steps outlined
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister was previously asked to deal with the contaminated blood report 'at pace'. A month later, he is repeating this phrase.
A month ago, the Minister promised to deal with the contaminated blood report 'at pace'. Can he now provide a specific timescale?
We have received the second interim report and are working through it, ensuring it receives the attention required.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeframe provided
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The Three network faced issues during a previous emergency test, affecting some alerts.
I am pleased the emergency test was up and running, with 93% of people managing to receive signals. However, there were issues with the Three network that need addressing. Will another test be conducted to ensure at least 99% of alerts are successfully delivered?
Following my meeting with the chief executive, I am confident that the network has taken necessary steps to resolve issues. Therefore, no further test is needed.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to another test despite request
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
Brian, a constituent, lost his mother in the contaminated blood scandal and has yet to receive proper compensation.
My constituent Brian's family is one of many struggling due to the contaminated blood scandal. Families want immediate action rather than promises of future assistance. Will compensation be paid now to those infected or affected by the scandal?
The interim compensation of £100,000 was paid last year. However, we need time to work through recommendations in the report.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify timeline for full compensation payments
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Some constituents in remote rural areas did not receive emergency alerts, especially those not using Three.
What assurances can be provided to constituents in remote rural areas who never received their alert and are not with the Three network?
Issues in more rural areas due to signal penetration problems. Extending mobile technology roll-out is part of government plans.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address non-Three users' current issues directly
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
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Context
Data from 2022 shows high prevalence of mental health disorders among serving military personnel and veterans, particularly depression and alcohol misuse.
What steps are Ministers taking to ensure serving military personnel and veterans have access to tailored mental health support?
Op Courage provides £22 million annually with 19,000 referrals in its first year, addressing unmet need. Message is always: 'Come forward, help is available.'
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
Data from the local elections last week suggests some people were turned away, affecting voting opportunities.
Has an assessment been made of the number of people who did not get to vote in recent local elections? Is there a number that would indicate needing to reconsider or abolish the policy?
This is a matter for the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. No problems in my constituency despite predictions by others.
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Assessment & feedback
Shifted focus to Secretary of State instead of addressing issue directly
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
Consultation closed on 4 September regarding sustainable and local food procurement by the Government.
May I return to my earlier question? Cabinet Office should engage more with DEFRA for better public food procurement. Will the Minister speak to DEFRA about ensuring a sustainable trajectory?
I am always talking to DEFRA colleagues. Crown Commercial Service is looking into involving SMEs in public food procurement.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to direct engagement on the consultation topic
Response accuracy
Q18
Direct Answer
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Context
Belfast is known as the cyber capital of the world, suggesting strong foundation for further investment.
Will the Cabinet Office and Secretary of State build on Belfast's strong cyber industry to invest and create more jobs with existing skills?
Impressed by strength of the cyber industry in Northern Ireland, particularly Belfast. Government remains committed and further investment is assured.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy