PMQs 2023-01-25

2023-01-25

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
One in six women in the UK has experienced economic abuse. This is not just about financial restrictions, but also about limiting access to resources such as food, housing, and work.
Shockingly, one in six women in the UK has experienced economic abuse, which goes beyond money control to restrict access to other resources like food, housing or work. It affects constituents across all districts. What plans does the Prime Minister have to review government departments and policies for potential loopholes that abusers exploit?
The Government is committed to tackling violence against women and girls. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 was passed, introducing new offences such as coercion and coercive control, stalking, and others.
Assessment & feedback
Plan to review government policies for any vulnerabilities exploited by abusers
Committed
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
The Dudley area received £25 million from the towns fund but missed out on levelling-up funding. The local high street is struggling.
Although Dudley did not make it into the latest round of levelling-up funds, we have received £25 million in towns deals and secured projects like a leisure facility and transport interchange since 2019. However, our high streets are suffering. Will the Prime Minister meet me and the Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council to discuss strategies for success in future funding rounds?
My hon. Friend is a great advocate for his constituents, securing £25 million from the towns fund. There will be disappointment regarding the levelling-up fund but all bids can receive feedback to strengthen future funding applications.
Assessment & feedback
Meeting to discuss strategies for success in future funding rounds
Disappointment Feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
Zara Aleena was murdered by a racist, woman-hating thug. The inspectorate report revealed serious failings in the probation service that could have prevented her death.
The Prime Minister has accepted the chief inspector's findings regarding Zara's murder case. However, these failures stem from systemic issues due to staffing vacancies and excessive workloads within the probation service. Does he accept those findings as well?
Immediate steps are being taken to address risk assessment training, mandatory checks with police and children's services before recommending electronically monitored sentences, and swift recall processes for offenders.
Assessment & feedback
Systemic issues in probation service due to under-staffing and overwork
Immediate Steps
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
Probation services have failed due to under-investment and a botched privatisation. These issues are systemic, leading to fatal failures like Zara Aleena's case.
The Government has accepted findings from the report on Zara's murder case. Does he also accept what Zara's family says about blood being on the hands of the Government over these failings?
£155 million a year of extra investment is being put into the probation service to improve supervision of offenders. There has also been an increase in the number of senior probation officers.
Assessment & feedback
Government responsibility for fatal failures and impact on Zara's family
Investment
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister has accepted findings from the report on Zara Aleena's case but is lecturing about protection measures.
Given the tragic failure in protecting Zara, I do not think the Prime Minister should boast about protection measures for women. Does he agree that any politician who avoids taxes they owe is unfit to handle taxpayer money?
The issues in question occurred before I was Prime Minister. The usual appointments process was followed for the Minister without Portfolio appointment.
Assessment & feedback
Agreement on tax avoidance and moral authority to manage public funds
Before Pm Appointments
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister has accepted findings from the report on Zara Aleena's case but is lecturing about protection measures. Keir Starmer questions his fitness to handle public funds.
Given the tragic failure in protecting Zara, I do not think the Prime Minister should boast about protection measures for women. Does he agree that any politician who avoids taxes they owe is unfit to manage taxpayer money?
The issues occurred before I was PM. The usual process for appointment of Minister without Portfolio was followed.
Assessment & feedback
Fitness to manage taxpayer money due to tax avoidance allegations
Before Prime Minister Appointments
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister previously commented on the tax affairs of the Conservative Party chair but later stated that there are serious questions to be addressed.
Last week, the Prime Minister told the House that the chair of the Tory party had addressed his tax affairs “in full” and there was “nothing” to add. This week, after days of public pressure, he now says there are serious questions to answer. What changed?
Since I commented on this matter last week, more information, including a statement by the Minister without Portfolio, has entered the public domain, which is why it is right that we do establish the facts. Let me take a step back. Of course, the politically expedient thing to do would have been for me to say that this matter must be resolved by Wednesday at noon, but I believe in proper due process.
Assessment & feedback
The change in stance and specifics of what changed were not addressed
Proper Due Process
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister has faced criticism for his handling of tax avoidance issues within the Conservative Party, including not taking immediate action against the party chair.
He cannot say when ambulances will get to heart attack victims again. He cannot say when the prison system will keep streets safe again. He cannot even deal with tax avoiders in his own Cabinet. Is he starting to wonder if this job is just too big for him?
The difference between the right hon. and learned Gentleman and me is that I stand by my values and my principles, even when it is difficult. When I disagreed fundamentally with the previous Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson), I resigned from the Government, but for four long years, he sat next to the right hon. Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn) when antisemitism ran rife and his predecessor sided with our opponents.
Assessment & feedback
Political Opportunism Petty Politics
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
Context
Off-rolling, the illegal practice of removing students from school rolls without proper procedures, is a significant issue affecting vulnerable children's education and safety.
For our most vulnerable children, school is often their principal place of safety as well as education, but as reported in my review of school exclusions for the Government in 2019, the unacceptable and illegal use of off-rolling is still shutting a worrying number of children out of the classroom, out of learning and out of the protection they need from gangs, violence and domestic abuse. What more can be done to ensure that we permanently exclude off-rolling from our schools?
My hon. and learned Friend raises an important issue. The Government are clear that off-rolling is unlawful and unacceptable in any form, and the Department for Education continues to work with Ofsted to tackle it. Where Ofsted finds it, it will always be addressed in the inspection report and it could also lead to a school's leadership being judged inadequate.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Stephen Flynn SNP
Aberdeen South
Context
The question relates to the Prime Minister's own integrity and tax affairs, referencing public statements about financial matters.
May I ask the Prime what advice he would have for individuals seeking to protect their personal finances? Should they seek out a future chair of the BBC to help secure an £800,000 loan, should they set up a trust in Gibraltar and hope that HMRC simply does not notice, or should they do as others have done and simply apply for non-dom status?
Let me share in the hon. Gentleman's expressions of sympathy to the families concerned and to the firefighter who is currently in hospital. I am sorry to hear that, and I wish him a speedy recovery.
Assessment & feedback
Financial advice question
Sympathy Statement
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Stephen Flynn SNP
Aberdeen South
Context
The Prime Minister has been criticized for his stance on tax avoidance issues within the Conservative Party, specifically regarding the chair of the party.
I am not sure what question the Prime Minister thought I asked, but that certainly was not it. Let us be clear about this: this is now a matter of the Prime Minister's own integrity and accountability. After all, when there were questions about the Home Secretary and concerns about her role in relation to national security, he chose to back her. Now, he is choosing to back the chair of the Tory party, despite a £5 million penalty from HMRC, and of course he is seeking to protect the former Prime Minister despite his cosy financial relationship with the chair of the BBC.
What I am standing up for is proper due process. That is why we have an independent adviser. It is right that the independent adviser conducts his investigation. That is how we will ensure accountability, and that is what I will deliver.
Assessment & feedback
Specifics about protecting individuals in controversial financial matters were not addressed
Due Process
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
Wales has a significantly higher number of patients waiting over two years for NHS treatment compared to England, despite having less than 5% of the population.
Despite having less than 5% of England's population, Wales has almost 40 times more people waiting more than two years for NHS treatment. Will the Prime Minister confirm that the UK Government remain concerned about the healthcare of the people in Wales?
As the hon. Gentleman highlights, the NHS right across our Union is facing pressure because of some of the challenges of flu and covid in particular causing high bed occupancy this winter. We are focused on delivering on the people's priorities and bringing down the backlog.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not confirm UK Government's concern regarding Welsh healthcare specifically, instead provided a general statement about NHS pressures.
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
Isabel Vaughan-Spruce was arrested while praying silently outside an abortion clinic in Birmingham.
We value freedom of religion or belief in this country. Will the Prime Minister commit himself to examining the laws of the United Kingdom to ensure that this country remains a beacon for freedom of religion or belief across the world?
Of course we believe in freedom of religious expression and belief in this country, but we are also balancing that with the rights of women to seek legal and safe abortions.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not commit to examining laws specifically for upholding freedom of religion or belief, instead balanced it with women's abortion rights.
Response accuracy
Q14 Direct Answer
Context
Russia is escalating the conflict in Ukraine, and Ukrainians need a full range of weapons to make gains on the battlefield.
The UK has shown great leadership on this issue. May I ask my right hon. Friend to use every means at his disposal, domestic and international, to honour the courage of the people of Ukraine, and to defend the whole world order?
I have made it clear that the UK and our allies must accelerate our efforts to ensure that Ukraine wins this war and secures a lasting peace. Last year the United Kingdom provided £2.3 billion in military aid to Ukraine, the largest package of support of any European nation.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Rupa Huq Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Context
There is movement with Russian oligarchs, but other regimes' relatives are using fronts to stash dirty cash.
When will the National Crime Agency be adequately financed so that we can be a world leader in anti-corruption?
We are currently legislating the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill, which puts in place many more measures to tackle issues raised. It introduces the economic crime levy providing considerable funding to tackle economic crime.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not specify a timeline for adequate NCA financing but mentioned ongoing legislation.
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Context
There are dozens of daily rail service cancellations by TransPennine Express causing misery for constituents.
Does the Prime Minister agree that enough is enough, and that if TransPennine Express does not get to grips with this we need to strip it of the franchise?
We have been clear that the current service is simply not acceptable. Rail North Partnership is working on a service improvement plan and my hon. Friend has weekly meetings with them.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not commit to stripping TransPennine Express of its franchise if issues persist, instead noted ongoing discussions.
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Olivia Blake Lab
Sheffield Hallam
Context
Refugees are gathered outside Parliament to highlight the impact of the hostile environment on the migration and asylum system.
Rather than cruel gimmicks such as Rwanda, is not the best way of deterring child crossings the introduction of safe and legal routes to claim asylum?
This is about fairness. We will break the cycle of criminal gangs causing untold misery by introducing legislation that makes it clear illegal entrants can be detained and swiftly removed to a safe third country.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not commit to safe and legal routes for asylum, instead focused on deterring illegal entries.
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Context
Concern over mental health patients being forced into accident and emergency departments, noting the need for specialist care.
The Prime Minister will be aware of my concern that mental health patients should not be forced into accident and emergency departments when what they really need is specialist care. Will he say more about the extra money that is being made available for urgent mental health care facilities and what impact he thinks that will have on the treatment of mental health patients and the general situation in A&E departments?
People in mental health crisis deserve compassionate care in a safe and appropriate setting. Too often, they end up in A&E when they should be receiving specialist treatment elsewhere. This week's announcement on mental health ambulances, crisis cafés, crisis houses and mental health urgent treatment centres will ensure that patients get the vital help that they need while easing pressures on emergency departments and freeing up staff time.
Assessment & feedback
Specific funding amounts or impact figures not provided
He Is Right To Highlight The Issue
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Tulip Siddiq Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
Context
Concern over unaccompanied asylum-seeking children going missing from hotels, citing the case of Lia Lesser, a holocaust survivor who came to the UK as an eight-year-old.
This week, as a trustee of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, I was honoured to hear from Lia Lesser, a holocaust survivor who came to this country by herself at the age of eight because her parents believed that the UK was a safe haven for vulnerable children. I also read the Government's own statistics that say 200 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children were missing from hotels in the UK. Ministers have admitted that they have no idea about the whereabouts of those children. Does the Prime Minister think that the UK is still a safe haven for vulnerable children?
Over the last few years, the United Kingdom has opened up its hearts and homes to hundreds of thousands of people from Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Hong Kong and provided refuge and sanctuary to many children in that process. Local authorities have a statutory duty to protect all children regardless of where they go missing from, and in that situation they work closely with local agencies, including the police, to establish their whereabouts.
Assessment & feedback
No direct answer on UK's safety for vulnerable unaccompanied child refugees given recent statistics
Local Authorities Have Statutory Duty Working With Agencies
Response accuracy
Q20 Direct Answer
Context
Concern over constituents in Southend and Rochford, welcoming the energy bills support scheme and asking for continued support.
Constituents in Southend and Rochford very much welcome the energy bills support scheme, which has helped 99% of households around the United Kingdom with rising fuel prices despite Putin's barbaric war in Ukraine. Will the Prime Minister assure my constituents and the House that he is committed to continuing to help with the cost of living not only this winter but next winter?
My hon. Friend is right about the Government's commitment to support all families with the cost of living: this winter, about £900 of support. Next year, as the energy price guarantee evolves, it will still be there with about £500 of support for families. That comes on top of record increases in the national living wage, worth about £1,600, and supporting our pensioners and the most vulnerable by inflating their benefits and pensions with inflation.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Clive Efford Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Context
Concern over UK sanctions enabling Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Putin-linked individual, to pursue legal action against British journalist Eliot Higgins in London.
In 2021, the Government enabled Yevgeny Prigozhin, the former chef to Putin and founder of the Wagner Group, to dodge UK sanctions to pursue a case in London against British journalist Eliot Higgins, who had exposed his link to the Wagner Group. The overriding of UK sanctions was approved by the Treasury when the Prime Minister was Chancellor. What values did the Prime Minister apply when he allowed a Putin warlord to use our courts to try to silence a British journalist and undermine UK sanctions?
I am proud of our record in leading when it comes to sanctioning those people connected with the Putin regime. I think, at last count, we have sanctioned over 1,000 people and frozen tens of billions of pounds of assets. I am aware of the case the hon. Gentleman has raised, and we are looking at it.
Assessment & feedback
No specific values provided for decision making on sanctions override
Looking At The Case
Response accuracy
Q22 Direct Answer
Context
Welcoming the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day and the commitment to build a learning centre.
May I echo my right hon. Friend's comments on the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day and welcome his renewed commitment today regarding the holocaust memorial and learning centre? Will he join me in encouraging Members from across the House to sign the Holocaust Educational Trust's book of commitment, which will be in Parliament today and tomorrow, and pledge to remember the holocaust, fight antisemitism and support the important work of the Holocaust Educational Trust?
I thank my hon. Friend. We will legislate to help build the holocaust memorial and learning centre next to Parliament to serve as a powerful reminder of the holocaust, its victims and where prejudice can lead if unchallenged. I also join her in thanking the Holocaust Educational Trust for its fantastic work and in encouraging all Members to sign the book of commitment.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Andrew Slaughter Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Context
Concern over the execution of Alireza Akbari, a British-Iranian dual citizen, by the Iranian regime.
A week ago my constituent Alireza Akbari was executed by order of the regime in Iran. In the three years preceding and the days following his murder, the UK Government made little effort to protect the life or protest the death of a British national. Tomorrow Mr Akbari's family and I meet the Foreign Office Minister, Lord Ahmad. They want to hear what help the Government can offer them at the time of their greatest suffering. Today this House wants to hear from the Prime Minister what sanction he will impose on the regime beyond the trifling steps taken so far. First and foremost, will he show some courage, follow the lead of the United States and the European Parliament and proscribe the entire revolutionary guard corps as a terrorist organisation?
The regime is prolonging the suffering of the family, and it is sadly typical of its disregard for basic human dignity. I spoke about my views on Iran when I was before the Liaison Committee, and Iran must now provide answers about the circumstances of Alireza Akbari's death and burial. We have actually pressed the Iranian regime formally through their chargé d'affaires in London and the Foreign Ministry in Tehran.
Assessment & feedback
Specific sanctions not detailed beyond 'pressing the regime'
Regime'S Disregard For Basic Human Dignity
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Context
The MP highlights the transformational impact of levelling-up funds in her constituency, Hyndburn and Haslingden.
I thank the Prime Minister and the Chancellor for visiting Hyndburn and Haslingden last week to hear about the transformative difference that the levelling-up funding will make. This is a historic investment, with over £40 million secured. Does he agree that we are delivering on exactly what was promised in 2019 to the areas that were most forgotten, such as Hyndburn and Haslingden? Will he visit once works are completed to see the difference himself?
My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for her local community, and the results showed when the Chancellor and I were lucky enough to visit her last week. As she and many of the people we spoke to pointed out, this was an area that had been forgotten and neglected for decades, but it is this Government who are putting in the investment, spreading opportunity, making jobs and making sure that people can feel enormously proud of the place they call home.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about visiting once works are completed was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Context
The MP raises concerns about the state of the UK's armed forces, citing statements from the Chairman of the Defence Committee and the Secretary of State for Defence.
Does the Prime Minister realise that most people in my constituency think it is his role to keep our country safe? Is he aware that in all the years I have been in Parliament, I have never heard of a situation where our Army and armed forces are so run down that the Chairman of the Defence Committee and the Secretary of State for Defence both say that our armed forces have been hollowed out and are unfit to put a division into active service? What is he going to do about that?
The hon. Gentleman seems to forget the fact that we have invested an extra £24 billion in our armed services. That is a record uplift in defence spending and ensures that we are one of the leading spenders on defence in NATO. We will continue to ensure we have one of the best-equipped fighting forces anywhere in the world. As we can see from the recent announcement on tanks, we continue to lead the world when it comes to standing up for not just our safety, but the safety of our allies around the world.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner's specific ask about actions in response was not directly answered with concrete steps.
Response accuracy
Q26 Direct Answer
Context
The MP discusses the tragic incident involving a firefighter in Scotland and expresses concerns about green belt development.
As a former firefighter, I am sure the whole House will pray for the firefighter in Scotland who is today fighting for his life. Our emergency services go one way, into the danger, while we go the other way. Our thoughts and prayers should be with them. Dacorum Borough Council, the Conservative-led council in my constituency, has done a fantastic job of building new houses, including social housing and council houses. Can the Prime Minister assure me that we will not be pushed into the green belt any more than we already have been and that we can protect the Chilterns in my constituency?
I join my right hon. Friend in praising his local council for ensuring we build homes in the right places so that our young people can fulfil the dream of home ownership. He is also right to say that this Government will always protect our precious green spaces. The recent changes in our planning reforms will ensure that we can protect the green belt everywhere. His local community and others will benefit from those protections as we keep our local areas beautiful.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
Context
The MP cites reports from UK in a Changing Europe about the negative impact of leaving the EU on the cost of living.
UK in a Changing Europe reports that, at the end of 2022, 60% of voters said their cost of living had increased and 38% said that their personal finances had been negatively affected by our not being a member of the European Union. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts a 4% reduction in GDP, only two fifths of which has already happened, so surely the Prime Minister will agree with me, the electorate and the experts that Brexit has served only to exacerbate the cost of living and economic challenges facing these islands?
Russia's illegal war in Ukraine and the impact it has had on energy supplies has nothing to do with Brexit. What we are doing is ensuring that we can support families with those cost of living pressures. That is why we provided £900 of support this winter for energy bills, and that is why we are increasing the national living wage to record levels. We will continue to stand behind Britain's families until we can bring inflation back down to where it belongs.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner's specific ask about Brexit was deflected by attributing economic pressures to Russia's war in Ukraine.
Deflecting The Issue
Response accuracy
Q28 Partial Answer
Context
The MP expresses concern over potential job losses at a chicken factory in Llangefni.
I know the Prime Minister will share my concern at the news this morning that 730 people may lose their jobs at the 2 Sisters chicken factory in Llangefni, one of the largest employers on Ynys Môn. What support can the Government offer both to my constituents who are affected by this devastating news and to the wider the community at this difficult time?
I am very sorry to hear about the job losses my hon. Friend raises. My thoughts are with those affected and their families. I know how distressing that will be for them. I am pleased to say that the Department for Work and Pensions has procedures in place to support communities when situations like this arise. We will work very closely with her to do what we are doing everywhere across the country, which is providing good well-paid jobs for everyone, because that is the best way to build a happy and secure life.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about support procedures was not directly answered with concrete measures.
Response accuracy
Q29 Partial Answer
Carolyn Harris Lab
Neath and Swansea East
Context
The MP raises concerns about the financial difficulties faced by the sport and leisure sector due to rising energy costs.
Exercise is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing, but with spiralling energy costs many venues, such as the Freedom Leisure centres in my constituency, are struggling to cope. While some sectors will receive extra support, the sport and leisure industry will not. If the Prime Minister agrees with me that the sector is vital to the long-term health of our communities, why are his Government not providing it with the financial support it needs to thrive?
Of course I agree with the hon. Lady that exercise and leisure centres are important. That is why we provided significant support to them during covid and beyond. With regard to energy prices now, the Chancellor set out the new relief scheme that will run after the current one expires. It provides considerable support to all sorts of organisations up and down the country. I am sure it will benefit many businesses and organisations in her constituency.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about lack of financial support was not directly answered with concrete measures.
Response accuracy