Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The wealth of billionaires has increased significantly, while average working households face the lowest living standards since the 1950s. Reports suggest that some Members of the House of Lords are exploiting tax loopholes.
While hard-working families struggle to make ends meet, the wealthy are playing by different rules, with reports suggesting exploitation of non-dom status loophole. Does the Prime Minister agree that no billionaire should qualify for special tax treatment while constituents face soaring levels of inequality and poverty?
Inequality today is lower than in 2010, and 1.7 million fewer people are in poverty now compared to 2010, including many in Scotland. We have put in place record support for families dealing with the cost of living, particularly with energy bills, showing the power of the United Kingdom Government.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address whether billionaires should qualify for special tax treatment while constituents face inequality and poverty.
Acknowledging Improvements In Inequality But Avoiding Addressing Specific Ask
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Q2
Partial Answer
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The UK aims to end new HIV transmissions by 2030, partly due to the opt-out testing programme. The questioner seeks commitment for expanding this programme.
Thanks to the Government's efforts, we aim to be the first country to end new HIV cases by 2030. Given our opt-out testing programme success in high prevalence areas, will the Prime Minister meet me and Terrence Higgins Trust to discuss extending this programme to other areas?
The Government remains committed to ending new HIV transmissions by 2030. Provisional data shows success of opt-out testing programme. The Department is evaluating impact with a view to expansion. Ministers will update the House on progress.
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Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging commitment and programme success, did not commit directly to meeting the questioner or Terrence Higgins Trust.
Highlighting Existing Commitments Without Specific Action
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Q3
Partial Answer
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A terrorist suspect escaped from Wandsworth prison despite being a flight risk. The questioner asks why the suspect was not held in a category A prison.
Daniel Khalife, charged with terrorism and a flight risk, escaped from Wandsworth prison despite not being in a category A prison. Why wasn't he held in a category A prison?
The Justice Secretary has launched an internal investigation into how this could happen and an independent inquiry is also underway to learn lessons and prevent future occurrences.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address why Khalife was not held in a category A prison, instead focused on ongoing investigations.
Redirecting Focus To Ongoing Investigation
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Recent issues in the criminal justice system, including prison escapes and probation failures, have raised concerns about resourcing.
The Government faces criticism for ignoring warnings on criminal justice system issues such as Wandsworth prison conditions. Despite these concerns, why does the Prime Minister keep ignoring warnings until it is too late?
Over the last few years, 4,000 new prison officers have been recruited. Staffing levels at Wandsworth are up by 25% in six years, and £100 million is being invested to improve security with measures like X-ray body scanners.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address why PM ignores warnings until it is too late; instead highlighted recent measures taken.
Highlighting Recent Measures Without Addressing The Specific Ask
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Some Members face sanctions, intimidation, or threats from the Chinese state. The questioner asks whether a specific issue was raised during Foreign Secretary's visit to China.
When the Foreign Secretary visited China recently, did he raise the specific case of an alleged spy arrested in March? Did he mention this case specifically?
The Foreign Secretary raised these issues with the Chinese Foreign Minister, including raising significant concerns. The Government's approach to China protects our country and values, aligns with allies, and engages where it makes sense.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly confirm or deny if the specific case was raised; instead described general approach.
Describing General Approach Without Addressing The Specific Ask
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Q6
Partial Answer
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The Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament reported that the UK lacks a clear strategy on China, undermining national security. The Prime Minister has previously dismissed these concerns.
What the Prime Minister says now is at odds with the ISC report which found no clear strategy on China and left the UK handicapped in managing its future security. Will he commit to a full audit of UK-China relations as demanded by many?
The Prime Minister dismissed the ISC report and instead highlighted new measures such as the National Security Protective Authority staffed by MI5, supporting businesses against cyber risks from China.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to a full audit of UK-China relations
Changing The Subject To Criticise Labour'S Record
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Q7
Partial Answer
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The Home Secretary celebrated her first anniversary, but issues persist: 40,000 people crossed the channel in small boats this year, costing £6 million daily for hotel bills. There are concerns about terrorists exiting prisons.
In the past year, 40,000 individuals have entered Britain via small boats at a cost of £6 million per day on hotels. The Prime Minister is failing to stop these boats and protect national security. How can anyone trust him?
The Government announced reforms for over 100,000 homes but criticises Labour's inconsistency on house building and union paymasters.
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Assessment & feedback
Addressing the immigration and security issues
Changing Topic To Economic Policies
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The government is blamed for economic issues, school budget cuts, and national security breaches. There are concerns about the trustworthiness of the Prime Minister.
The Government's policies have caused significant damage to families due to their economic decisions, cutting school budgets, and ignoring warnings on national security. How much more damage will people tolerate before a general election?
The Government is delivering for the country, such as attracting £600 million in new investment and rising wages. Criticises Labour's promises to union paymasters.
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Assessment & feedback
Responding directly to economic damage or public dissatisfaction
Changing Topic To Economic Achievements
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Q9
Partial Answer
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Sudden closure of NHS dental practices can strain local resources, leaving patients without access to care.
When NHS dental practices close unexpectedly, as in Harrogate recently, what measures will the Prime Minister take to ensure continued patient access?
The Government invests £3 billion annually in dentistry, there are no geographical restrictions on dental practice choice, and ICBs should work with NHS England to reallocate funding.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for immediate patient access during sudden closures
General Statement About Investment
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Q10
Partial Answer
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Concerns over the future commitment of the Conservative party to maintain the state pension triple lock beyond the next general election.
Will he commit his party to maintaining the state pension triple lock beyond the next general election—yes or no?
The Conservative party introduced and delivered a £3,000 increase in the state pension since 2010; there are 200,000 fewer pensioners in poverty today.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to maintain triple lock beyond next election
Highlighting Past Achievements Without Committing To Future
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Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
MP references past statements about protecting pensions and the benefits of remaining in the UK.
I do not think we heard a yes there, Mr Speaker. You will imagine my shock—my utter surprise—that we appear to have consensus once again between the Conservative party and the Labour party on this most important of issues, despite the promises that were made to the people of Scotland in 2014 and despite clear statements from the likes of Gordon Brown that the only way to protect pensions was to remain within the UK. How hollow those words are now. Who does the Prime Minister think will scrap the state pension triple lock first, his Government or the Labour party's Government?
Thanks to the actions of this Government, pensioners in Scotland are receiving record increases in their state pension—£870 this year—and extra support with the cost of living this winter. This is the Government who introduced and remain committed to the triple lock, but the hon. Gentleman raises a good point. Pensioners in Scotland should know that the reason they can rely on the state pension, not just today but for years to come, is the strength of our Union and the strength of our United Kingdom Government.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not specify who will scrap the triple lock first or when it might happen.
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Q12
Direct Answer
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Context
DigiFest, a local event showcasing tech talent and aiming to create 10,000 jobs in Eastbourne.
Beautiful Eastbourne is perhaps best known as a top visitor destination, but there is important work being done to put us on the digital map. DigiFest, the first local event of its kind, is coming to the Welcome Building next week. It will showcase some pretty stellar local tech talent and open doors of opportunity, with an ambition to create 10,000 local jobs in this sector. Will the Prime Minister applaud event organisers Chalk Eastbourne and Switchplane, and lay out what the Government are doing to ensure Great Britain—and Eastbourne—is one of the best places in the world to be involved in this continually groundbreaking sector?
The Government have a mission to make the UK the most innovative economy in the world and the growth of our tech industry is one of the key ways we will achieve that. I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in thanking and paying tribute to Chalk Eastbourne for its terrific organisation of DigiFest. This is a great example of how, in local areas, we can bring together people to create jobs and opportunity, and ultimately drive the growth that our country wants to see.
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Q13
Partial Answer
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22,000 people waited more than four months to start urgent cancer treatment, longer than the maximum 62-day pledge.
Last year, after being referred by their GP, 22,000 people waited more than four months to start urgent treatment for cancer—a terrible wait that is twice as long as the Government's maximum 62-day pledge; a cancer target they have not met once since 2015. We all have loved ones whose lives have been turned upside down by cancer and we all know that every day counts. Waiting reduces the chances of survival. Will the Prime Minister tell people waiting anxiously to start their cancer treatment when this cancer target will be met?
It is absolutely right that we do everything we can to speed up cancer diagnosis. The pandemic has had a significant impact on cancer recovery: as the right hon. Gentleman will know, before the pandemic there were about 200,000 cancer referrals a month, but during the pandemic the figure dropped to about 80,000, and now, as those referrals come through, that is having an impact. However, we are ensuring that there are hundreds more oncologists and radiologists working this year than last year, and rolling out more than 160 community diagnostic centres. As the right hon. Gentleman says, early diagnosis is key, which is why, although there is work to do, cancer treatment today is at record levels. We are making progress, and the 62-day backlog is now falling. Recently the NHS wrote to all trusts, streamlining our targets, clinically advised, and now all the focus is on meeting them as quickly as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not provide a specific timeline for clearing the 62-day backlog.
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Q14
Direct Answer
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In 2017, the Bolton police station custody suite was closed. Now it has been reopened.
In 2017, the Bolton police station custody suite was closed by the police and crime commissioner and the then chief constable, because they had given up on arresting criminals. The new chief constable is delivering on the people's priorities, so that emergency calls are answered promptly, crimes are investigated and arrests are made, which means that the newly reopened custody suite is always full. Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking Greater Manchester police? Does he think that that approach ought to catch on throughout the country?
I am delighted with the improvements that have been made by Greater Manchester police; the Home Secretary met the chief constable recently. They have made significant improvements in, for example, answering 999 calls, and have seen almost a 50% year on year increase in the number of charges recorded. I very much welcome the force's focus on getting the basics on crime and antisocial behaviour right. It is a model for police forces across the country.
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Q15
Partial Answer
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The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions stated the pensions triple lock was not sustainable, conflicting with No. 10's commitment.
I thank the Prime Minister for his response to the hon. Member for Aberdeen South (Stephen Flynn), but I am still confused on this matter. Just yesterday, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said that the pensions triple lock was not sustainable, and the Chancellor's economic advisers have suggested that it is time to review the policy, but those at No. 10, when questioned, have said that they are committed to it. Which is it?
This Government are committed to the triple lock; it was this Government who introduced the triple lock. The hon. Lady might want to have a word with her own deputy leader, who did not provide much clarity on the matter. What we all remember, when it came to pensions, is Gordon Brown's 75p a week increase.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not clarify conflicting statements and only pointed to previous Labour government actions.
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Q16
Direct Answer
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AI is transforming sectors such as life sciences, automotives, and financial services.
Week in week out, as I meet businesses in my constituency, I hear about how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work in sectors such as life sciences, automotives and financial services. Does my right hon. Friend agree that artificial intelligence will transform the way in which humanity will live in the 21st century? Through his upcoming global AI summit, will he ensure that appropriate guardrails are put in place to protect society as we become world leaders in this technology?
My hon. Friend is right to highlight the incredible power of AI to transform not just businesses and our productivity, but public services such as health and education. However, we do need guardrails to allow us to make the most of the opportunities of AI, and to address risks. We have a responsible, proportionate regulatory approach that balances risk with innovation, and I look forward to working with international partners at our upcoming AI safety summit on how we do that at a global level.
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Q17
Partial Answer
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The question addresses a proposed massive expansion of Luton airport from 18 million to 32 million passengers annually, which will affect thousands of residents in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. There are concerns about environmental impact and climate change advice.
Luton airport is trying to expand its capacity massively, from 18 million passengers per year to a whopping 32 million. That will blight the lives of thousands of residents across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire—especially those in north St Albans, who live under the flightpaths—but it will also fly in the face of advice from the Government's own climate advisers. It has been reported that the Prime Minister is getting ready to ignore his climate advisers. Is that true?
No; but I would say that my approach to reaching net zero is not one that requires people to give up doing the things that they want to do and enjoy, such as flying. The right thing to be doing is as we are doing: investing in and funding new technologies, such as sustainable aviation fuel, because that is how we will decarbonise aviation during the transition to net zero, rather than forcing people to give everything up.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner specifically asked whether the government was planning to ignore its climate advisers regarding Luton airport's expansion. The answer did not address this specific issue.
Changed Subject To Broader Approach On Decarbonising Aviation
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Q18
Partial Answer
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The question refers to a drug strategy put in place during the Prime Minister's time as Chancellor that included funding for new technologies and approaches such as sustainable aviation fuel. A White Paper on possession was issued over a year ago, but no legislation has been forthcoming.
When the Prime Minster was Chancellor of the Exchequer, he put the full might of the Treasury behind the 10-year drug strategy, which, with its Adder Project, is now turning lives around across England and Wales. A key part of that strategy was developing a new approach to possession. He will know from his own constituency that in towns such as Andover in mine, possession is a huge concern, particularly to the parents of young people who spend time in the town centre. The Home Office issued a White Paper on this over a year ago, and the consultation closed in October last year. Will the Prime Minister commit in the forthcoming King's Speech to legislation that will deal finally with this pernicious problem?
I thank my right hon. Friend for all of his work and attention in this area; it was good to work with him on Project Adder in particular. He is right to highlight the fact that drugs destroy lives and families, hitting the most vulnerable in our society the hardest. The 10-year drug strategy, which he helped put in place, is ambitious and backed with a record £3 billion of funding. As he highlighted, we have consulted on a new drug possession offences framework, and I assure him that Ministers will keep him and this House updated on future plans.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for a specific commitment regarding legislation in the King's Speech, but no clear timeline or commitment was given.
Changed Subject To Overall Drug Strategy
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Q19
Direct Answer
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The question concerns a school facing an inconclusive survey regarding reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, leading to the closure of part of the building and disruption for staff and pupils.
In the last few hours I have been contacted by the headteacher of St James's Church of England Primary School in Blackburn, who is desperately seeking help after a reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete survey conducted on 7 September was inconclusive. The urgent intrusive inspection that was supposed to follow has not been arranged by the Department for Education. The potentially affected part of the building has been closed off, with children crammed into the dining room and learning at the tables. Staff are unable to access facilities and the whole school is hugely inconvenienced. The headteacher has been unable to meet the Department for Education, so can I implore the Prime Minister to get the Secretary of State for Education to investigate this urgently?
Of course I am sorry for the disruption at schools as we work hard to identify those affected, but the DFE is fully funding the inspection process, ensuring that we are now rapidly inspecting and surveying all potentially affected schools and paying for that work. Also, with the increase of up to 80 dedicated caseworkers, St James's Primary School, like others, should have a dedicated point of contact to work through those issues. I will ensure that the Secretary of State and the Department are in touch with the school and the hon. Member for an update.
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Q20
Partial Answer
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The question relates to the progress made in dementia diagnostics and treatments, including a new diagnostic test expected as early as January. The Government's major conditions strategy includes dementia.
Personally, I know the stark impact of dementia and the effect that it has on the families of our 1 million citizens who live with it. It was my honour last week to sponsor Alzheimer's Research UK to highlight the recent progress on a new diagnostic test and new drugs that could be available as early as next January. I welcome the inclusion of dementia in the Government's major conditions strategy, but will my right hon. Friend ask his Secretary of State to convene a dementia medicines taskforce so that we can take advantage of this progress in research? Will he consider Alzheimer's Research UK's request for a dementia champion?
I start by thanking my hon. Friend for his work in this important area. Regulators are working closely with industry to evaluate new dementia medicines, because of course we want patients to benefit from rapid access to safe and effective treatments. We are also strongly committed to funding dementia research, including doubling the amount allocated to £160 million a year by next year, and last year we launched the Dame Barbara Windsor dementia mission, backed up with new funding, which will work with industry to develop biomarkers and data and digital science innovations and to strengthen our trials in dementia. I look forward to hearing more suggestions from my hon. Friend on that.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner specifically asked for a taskforce and champion, but the answer did not commit to these specific actions.
Changed Subject To Broader Commitment To Funding Research
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Q21
Partial Answer
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The question criticises the Prime Minister for allowing people to die on NHS waiting lists, referencing similar issues under a previous Conservative government.
In the 1990s, under the Conservative Government, people were dying because of the length of time they were on NHS waiting lists. In 2023, we are seeing an increasing number of people dying while they are on NHS waiting lists before getting treatment. Is the Prime Minister ashamed that people are dying needlessly on his watch?
Of course, the number on waiting lists has been impacted significantly by the pandemic, but that is why we have put record funding in place to help to address that, including innovations such as surgical hubs, same-day emergency care, virtual wards and such like. I would gently point out to the hon. Gentleman that, in England, part of the reason that waiting lists are not coming down as fast we would like is the strike action by doctors—something that is supported by him and his colleagues, who have stood on the picket lines ensuring that patients cannot get access to care. It is also him and his party who are saying that they will repeal the laws we have put in place that will guarantee patients safe access to medical treatment in the event of industrial action. If he wants to make this issue emotional, he should tell people why he believes that patients should be deprived of access to lifesaving care because of industrial action.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner specifically asked about the Prime Minister's response to deaths on NHS waiting lists, but the answer shifted blame onto strikes and opposition policies.
Changed Subject To Strike Action
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