PMQs 2023-09-06

2023-09-06

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Louie French Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
Context
The Labour party's ULEZ expansion in Greater London will impose daily charges of £12.50 for driving, affecting many working-class people.
Does the Prime Minister agree that it is unacceptable that Londoners and those in surrounding counties face this regressive tax? Will he do everything that he can to help working people?
I agree with my hon. Friend. It is disappointing that last week the Labour leader allowed the Labour Mayor to introduce ULEZ, charging hard-working people £12.50 every time they start their car, adding to the burden of the cost of living. All I can say is that while we focus on helping hard-working families, all the Labour leader does is punish them.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not commit to taking action against ULEZ but criticised Labour instead.
Criticised Labour
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The roof of Singlewell Primary School in Gravesend collapsed in May 2018. The Prime Minister halved the budget for school maintenance.
Does the PM agree with his Education Secretary that he should be thanked for doing a “good job”? Will the PM do everything to help parents, support teachers and get children back to normal school life as quickly as possible?
I know how concerned parents, children and teachers are, and I want to start by assuring them that the Government are doing everything that we can to fix this quickly, and minimise the disruption to children's education. We make no apology for acting decisively in the face of new information.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not commit to addressing RAAC issue without delay but acknowledged Government's actions.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Labour school rebuilding programme was scrapped by the Conservatives. The Prime Minister is accused of taking a “sticking plaster approach”. NAO report says he cut £869 million.
Why does he not commit to publishing the requests from the Department for Education for the school rebuilding programme and what risks he was warned of before he turned them down?
The right hon. and learned Gentleman has now brought up twice the Labour school rebuilding programme, so let us just look at the facts surrounding it, because we do know the truth about that programme.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not commit to publishing requests but criticised Labour's programme.
Criticised Labour
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Conservative Government scrapped the Carmel College building list in 2010, leaving children in a crumbling school.
Why does he not commit to publishing the requests from the Department for Education for the school rebuilding programme and what risks he was warned of before he turned them down?
This is exactly the kind of political opportunism that we have come to expect from Captain Hindsight here. Before today, he has never once raised this issue with me across the Dispatch Box.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address the risks and requests but attacked Labour instead.
Criticised Labour
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Ferryhill school building list was scrapped by the Conservatives, leaving children in a crumbling school.
Is the Prime Minister not ashamed that, after 13 years of Tory Government, children are cowering under steel supports stopping their classroom roof from falling in?
This is exactly the kind of political opportunism that we have come to expect from Captain Hindsight here. Before today, he has never once raised this issue with me across the Dispatch Box.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not take responsibility for consequences but criticised Labour instead.
Criticised Labour
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
Keir Starmer criticized the government's handling of school closures in Bradford, highlighting a Catholic school that was on Labour's building list but has since been left with inadequate facilities due to cuts.
Holy Family Catholic School in Bradford was on Labour's building list in 2010. The Government scrapped it and now children there are in crumbling schools. Does the Prime Minister admit he cut budgets ignoring warnings?
The Department for Education increased capital budget by 25%, investing £7 billion, tripled funding for special educational needs and disabilities, improved further education estate, and invested £5 billion to help pupils recover lost learning from covid.
Assessment & feedback
Did not admit cutting budgets despite warnings
Increased Capital Budget Invested In Special Educational Needs
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
Starmer criticized the PM for his approach to economic policy, suggesting it is out of touch with millions of working people. He highlighted that schools previously slated for rebuilding have now become dilapidated due to government cuts.
The Prime Minister's claim that everything is fine contradicts many experiences of working people. In Essex, Labour planned six school buildings in 2010 but the Government scrapped them, leaving children in crumbling schools. The PM thinks his tax rises are for other families and cuts are for others to endure.
Record amounts of funding going into schools, reforms impacting disadvantaged children. Noted improvements in energy bills, inflation, small boat crossings, and economic growth since last meeting.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the PM's disregard for ordinary people's wellbeing
Economic Growth Small Boat Crossings
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
A Labour-run Birmingham City Council has gone bankrupt, prompting a question about the competence of the opposition party.
Against economic improvements, people in west midlands are disappointed by Labour-run Birmingham City Council going bankrupt. Does the Prime Minister agree this shows Labour incompetence?
My hon. Friend is right; Labour in London are charging hard-working people with ULEZ, and now we see failures in Birmingham losing control of taxpayers' money and driving finances into the ground.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address PM's view on bankruptcy due to incompetence
Labour Incompetence
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Stephen Flynn SNP
Aberdeen South
Context
Flynn noted the anniversary of a previous government's short tenure, highlighting rising unemployment figures, higher food prices, mortgage rates, and stagnant economic growth since then.
Today marks a year since Elizabeth Truss took office. Despite her speedy departure, unemployment is up, food prices are high, mortgage rates have risen, and economic growth is stagnant. When will the PM take action?
We had the fastest recovery of any European economy after covid; figures demonstrate this fact.
Assessment & feedback
Did not mention unemployment, food prices, mortgage rates or growth stagnation
Fastest Recovery
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Stephen Flynn SNP
Aberdeen South
Context
Flynn criticized the Prime Minister's inaction on cost-of-living issues, noting the PM's plan is to do nothing regarding energy bills, mortgage bills, and food prices.
On his winter cost of living proposals, the PM does nothing for energy, mortgages or food bills. Is the Education Secretary right that everyone is doing nothing?
Half a typical family's energy bill has been paid over past year, support worth £1,500 benefiting Scotland. Mortgage charter covers 90% of market, saving hundreds per month. Energy support secured for Scottish oil and gas industry.
Assessment & feedback
Did not fully address inaction claims regarding food bills or mortgages
Energy Bill Support Mortgage Charter
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Greg Smith Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Context
Smith's constituency sees numerous planning applications for solar farms and battery storage on agricultural land despite the Prime Minister's pledge to protect farmland.
I was delighted when the Prime Minister said last year that, on his watch, we would “not lose swathes” of farmland to solar applications, yet my constituency sees a constant flow of planning applications for solar farms and battery storage plants on food-producing land. Can I ask my right hon. Friend: when will his pledge become a reality?
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. Solar is one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation, so it is right that we try and see more of it across the country, but we do need to protect our most valuable agricultural land so that it can produce food for the nation and increase our food security. That is why, thanks to our changes, the planning system now sets this out explicitly with a clear preference for brownfield sites. Of course, we want to do more to encourage barn-top solar, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will be updating the House with further information on that policy in due course.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about when the pledge will become a reality was not addressed.
Changing Subject To Broader Context Vague Commitment To Provide More Information Later
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
Bridgen raises concerns about the economic and social impacts of lockdown measures and the furlough scheme.
Last week, the Prime Minister stated that he was “proud” of his furlough scheme. I wonder if he is equally proud of the £400 billion he put on the national debt and the inflation it has caused. Is he proud of the jobs lost, businesses closed and lives crushed due to the lockdowns? Is he proud of the increased NHS waiting lists, premature deaths and the 1 million young people now needing mental health support? Finally, is he proud of the excess deaths affecting every one of our constituencies that nobody wants to talk about, and will he give an undertaking to the British public—a solemn under-taking—that they will never be inflicted upon them again?
As the hon. Gentleman knows, there is a formal inquiry regarding covid, which will examine all the decisions that were made, including lockdown, and the impacts of them. But with regard to the furlough scheme, I am proud that, at a time of extreme anxiety in the country, facing an unprecedented situation, this Government put their arms around the British public to ensure that we protected 10 million jobs. As the report from the Office for National Statistics showed last week, those actions, combined with all the other things we did to support the economy, ensured that we had the fastest recovery through the pandemic of any European nation.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about providing a formal commitment was not addressed.
Changing Subject To Broader Context Pointing To Ongoing Inquiries
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Neil Hudson Con
Epping Forest
Context
Hudson raises concerns about various animal welfare issues in his constituency, including pet theft and illegal export of horses.
As we are a nation of animal lovers, the Conservative Government's record on animal welfare is a source of great pride, but, sadly, too many abuses remain—from pet theft, the smuggling of puppies and heavily pregnant dogs and dogs with their ears horrifically cropped to the illegal export of horses to Europe for slaughter. These issues are personal to me as a veterinary surgeon and to my constituents, especially animal theft and livestock worrying. Can the Prime Minister reassure the House that animal welfare is a key Government priority, and that he will bring forward the necessary legislation to tackle these issues as soon as possible?
May I thank my hon. Friend for both raising this issue and also his work and expertise in the area? I am proud that, thanks to the actions that previous Governments have taken on things like cat microchipping, the ivory ban and raising the maximum sentence for animal cruelty to five years, we are now the highest ranked G7 nation on World Animal Protection's animal protection index, but we are determined to go even further and deliver on our manifesto commitments individually during the remainder of this Parliament.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about bringing forward legislation was not addressed.
Vague Commitment To Do More
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Rachel Hopkins Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Context
Hopkins inquires about a reported breach of the code of conduct by the Prime Minister related to his wife's shares.
The Prime Minister has said he will lead a Government of honesty, accountability and integrity, so can he explain how he was found to have breached the code of conduct, this time for failing to declare his wife's shares in a childcare agency that received a monetary boost from measures in his Budget?
If the hon. Lady reads the full transcript and the full findings, she will see a detailed explanation of what happened, which the commissioner described as a “minor and inadvertent” breach, given that at the time I was not aware of the policy that was being discussed with me, and corrected it later on and could have corrected it with slightly different language. She will also know that I am not the only person across these Dispatch Boxes that has had the same thing happen to them.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about providing an explanation was addressed vaguely.
Minimalist Response
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
Penrose proposes carbon competitiveness measures from the commission he chairs, aiming for net-zero emissions without deindustrialising.
May I interest the Prime Minister in proposals from the commission for carbon competitiveness, which I chair, that would deliver net zero cheaply and without deindustrialising our economy? It would help British manufacturers facing imports from countries with lower energy costs, make our exports more competitive everywhere, and cut fuel duty at home. We have strong backing from Britain's heavy industries, and cross-party support from the excellent hon. Member for Aberavon (Stephen Kinnock), whose name is also on the Order Paper. Would the Prime Minister consider adding his name to our list of supporters as well?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend and the commission for carbon competitiveness for the report that he has worked on and highlighted, and the Government are absolutely committed to putting in place the necessary policies for UK industry to decarbonise successfully. As he will be aware, the Government recently consulted on addressing carbon leakage in particular, with a range of potential options. We are in the process of considering those responses, and will issue a formal response in due course.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about adding support was not addressed.
Vague Commitment To Consider
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Fleur Anderson Lab
Putney
Context
Anderson campaigns for a plastic ban on wet wipes due to environmental concerns, and inquires about the delay.
Every year, billions of wet wipes go out into our rivers and oceans, and clog up our sewers. I have been campaigning for years to ban plastic in wet wipes. The Government have finally promised to ban plastic in wet wipes, but that was five months ago and there has been nothing since then. Will the Prime Minister today finally give a date for when that ban will come into force and make a difference to our environment, or is this another broken promise from his zombie Government?
In the comprehensive “Plan for Water” that was published by the Environment Secretary in April, we confirmed our intention to ban wet wipes containing plastic, subject, as is legally proper, to a public consultation. That consultation will be launched in the coming months, in autumn this year, and I know Ministers will keep the House updated on progress.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about providing a date was not addressed.
Vague Commitment To Launch Consultation
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Context
Question highlights inconsistencies in regulations between EU markets and small boat manufacturing for illegal migration.
I would like to offer some assistance on the small boats issue. Has my right hon. Friend considered the incongruity of the fact that a UK dinghy manufacturer trying to sell into the EU market would have to apply the CE marking, customs codes and could be stopped and checked, and a similar situation applies with GB-NI trade? But none of that applies when huge dangerous cut-and-shut dinghies are taken from Turkey across the EU border. Is my right hon. Friend as confused by the EU's double standards on this?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that we must do all we can to stop the boats and tackle illegal migration. We know that the export of small boats across parts of Europe is a vital element of the smuggling gangs' tactics. That is why, specifically, we are stepping up joint operations with Turkey—I raised this with the President when we spoke—so that we can tackle organised immigration crime and disrupt the supply chain of boat parts used for dangerous crossings.
Assessment & feedback
The specific question about double standards between EU regulations and small boat manufacturing was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Context
In Plymouth, a mass shooting occurred two years ago resulting in five deaths. The Government have consulted on firearms reform but measures might be watered down due to pressure from the shooting industry.
Two years ago in Plymouth, we lost five people in the worst mass shooting for a decade. The Government consulted on firearms reform but after pressure from shooting groups, even sensible measures look like they could be watered down. Will the Prime Minister bow down to lobbyists or stand with grieving families and stronger gun laws?
I know how important this issue is to the hon. Gentleman, following the horrific shooting in his constituency, and my thoughts are with all those who were killed. Firearms are subject to stringent controls and these are kept under review. We have taken action on information sharing between GPs and the police, improving statutory guidance for proper assessment of firearm applications including social media checks.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about not bowing down to lobbyists was not directly addressed.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Context
The questioner plans to introduce a Bill requiring the provision of automated external defibrillators in new housing developments.
I am bringing forward a ten-minute rule Bill to provide for automated external defibrillators in all new housing developments of 10 dwellings or more. Will my right hon. Friend support that provision, and engage relevant Cabinet colleagues to ensure life-saving equipment is commonplace?
My hon. Friend highlights the importance of these lifesaving devices. The national planning policy framework already expects planning policies and decisions to promote public safety, but recently a million-pound fund was launched placing around 1,000 new defibrillators in communities across England.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for support on the proposed legislation was not directly addressed.
National Planning Policy Framework
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Andy McDonald Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Context
A free school in Middlesbrough has yet to receive a new building despite admitting students since 2019. The questioner calls for action from the Prime Minister.
In 2019, the Outwood Academy Riverside free school application was approved with its first intake arriving the following year. There have been further intakes each year but no new building. With pupils shunted around old buildings and talk of levelling up hollow, will the Prime Minister and his Education Secretary sort this out?
I am happy to ensure that the hon. Gentleman gets an answer to his specific question on that school, but more generally I am proud of what we are doing in Teesside and Tees Valley with extra funding for education, resulting in increased standards in reading and maths.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about the permanent facility was not directly addressed.
Proud Of What We Are Doing
Response accuracy
Q21 Direct Answer
Priti Patel Con
Witham
Context
The RAAC issue affects schools in Essex, and the questioner seeks full funding for both capital and revenue costs to address this.
Aware of how the RAAC issue has affected schools in Essex. We have a high number impacted. The Government are doing everything to get children back to school. Will he commit to fully funding both capital and revenue costs associated with getting children back into school?
First, I thank my right hon. Friend for her constructive engagement. I pay tribute to her school leaders and local authority. The Chancellor has said new funding will be provided to schools dealing with this issue. We are increasing dedicated caseworkers from 50 to 80, have project directors regionally on the ground supporting, and more than doubled survey firms.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Stephen Kinnock Lab
Aberafan Maesteg
Context
Steel workers in the constituency are frustrated with government's lack of action on steel investment, while other European governments are providing support for decarbonisation. The local Tata Steel plant is crucial.
Steel- workers in my constituency have watched in frustration as other Governments have pumped investment into decarbonisation while successive Tory Governments have sat on their hands. When will the Prime Minister finally conclude the talks with Tata Steel? Can he guarantee that level of investment will match what other European Governments are doing on decarbonisation? And will he guarantee that the conclusion will be based on serious engagement, comprehensively with the steel unions?
Steel is absolutely vital to the UK. This matter is of course of interest to the hon. Gentleman, but I have also discussed it extensively with my hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe (Holly Mumby-Croft), and that is because the industry supports local jobs and economic growth. Conversations with specific companies, such as Tata, are ongoing, but they are understandably commercially sensitive. We share the ambition of securing a decarbonised, sustainable and competitive future for the industry in this country. In the meantime, we are supporting the sector with our energy-intensive industries exemption, which provides discounted energy bills. We also have the industrial energy transformation fund, which supports steel companies with their energy bills and the transition through capital to a greener future.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific timelines or guarantees on investment levels matching other European countries
Response accuracy
Q23 Direct Answer
Context
Two weeks ago, the Government announced that Bolsover School in Mark Fletcher's constituency had been successful in its bid to establish a sixth form.
Two weeks ago the Government announced that the Bolsover School's bid for a sixth form in my constituency has been successful. Across the country, some 52% of school leavers at 16 years old go on to a sixth form, but in Bolsover it is 23%, in Clowne it is 22%, and in Shirebrook it is 7%. Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking the Redhill Academy Trust, Matthew Hall, the headteacher of Bolsover School, and all those who have helped to bring a sixth form to Bolsover?
I congratulate Redhill and everyone involved with the successful bid for the new sixth form in Bolsover. I am delighted that the bid was successful. I know that my hon. Friend shares my desire to ensure a world-class education for every single one of our young people across the country, because that is the best way to provide them with the opportunity for a better life. The new programme of sixth forms will deliver that in his constituency and many others across the nation.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Context
The north-east has been underfunded for decades, with major infrastructure projects like HS2 not coming to the region and delays in decisions such as A1 Northumberland dualling.
The north- east has been underfunded in terms of transport investment for decades. HS2, which was meant to be an economic development and connectivity lifeline, is now not coming anywhere near, the A1 Northumberland dualling decision has been delayed yet again, and our regional rail services are still running on outdated infrastructure and rolling stock. With all that in mind, will the Prime Minister commit the funding to reopen the Leamside line from Gateshead to County Durham to take pressure off the east coast main line and aid economic wellbeing and the movement of passengers and freight services in the north-east of England? Or is levelling-up just rhetoric?
Obviously, it would not be right for me to comment on specific projects, but to give the hon. Gentleman a sense of our commitment, what I can tell him is that in real terms since 2010 we have spent over a third more in central capital investment in northern transport every single year compared with Labour's last six years in government. That is what we are doing for northern transportation. Specifically, when it comes to reopening and restoring railway lines, where was the first one that we did? From Ashington to Blyth.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit funding specifically to the Leamside line, instead giving general figures of investment in northern transport
Response accuracy
Q25 Direct Answer
Context
The questioner is working with the UK Ambassador for Mental Health to establish early intervention mental health hubs across the country. The pilot programme seems stalled between departments.
I have a cheerful question that I know my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will find impossible to resist. He will be aware of the work that I have been doing with No. 10's UK Ambassador for mental health, Dr Alex George, to establish early intervention mental health hubs across the country. We have got the pilot, which seems to be lost somewhere between the Treasury and the Department of Health—I know he will sort that problem out—but will he meet Dr Alex George and me to discuss it further? These hubs will make a massive difference in constituencies across the country. We all know the problems with child and adolescent mental health services and the perverse situation where children and young people have to get progressively worse before they get the treatment they need. I know that the Prime Minister will be very supportive of this one, Mr Speaker.
I know that my hon. Friend is rightly a passionate advocate for improving mental health support for young people, which is something I know we are doing, and I am proud of our record, particularly in increasing the number of mental health support teams who work with schools and expanding community services. I know that the Department of Health and Social Care is looking at the role that early support hubs might play in this plan, but I am happy to meet my hon. Friend personally to discuss how we can push this through.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q26 Partial Answer
Mary Glindon Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Context
The Prime Minister is being urged to subscribe to the Horizon programme in order to support vital research and innovation.
We have heard far too much lately about ministerial posteriors and little about prosperity for the country. Even in these dying days of a lame-duck Government, will the Prime Minister stop prevaricating and subscribe to the Horizon programme for the sake of vital British science, innovation and cancer research?
This Government are investing record sums in British science and research and development, because we believe that is critical to a brighter economic future and spreading opportunity. Our priority and preference is to associate to Horizon, but we want to make sure that that is on terms that are right both for the British taxpayer and for British science and research. I can commit to the hon. Lady that we have been extensively involved in discussions. I hope to be able to conclude those successfully and, when we do, I hope she will be the first to stand up and congratulate the Government.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm subscription but stated preference and commitment to terms being right for taxpayers and research
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
Context
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Caroline Dinenage raises the issue of childhood cancer diagnoses and survival rates.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, but it also marks two years since the death of my constituent Sophie Fairall. She was only 10 years old. Every day in the UK, 10 young people will be diagnosed with cancer, and two of those will not survive. Those who do face a lifetime of side effects from treatments that are just not designed for small bodies. When will the Prime Minister publish a childhood cancer action plan?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue. I extend my sympathies to her constituent's family, as she raised. She is right to continue campaigning in this important area. I hope she will understand that I cannot pre-empt the specific contents of the strategy, but I can tell her that it will draw on previous work, including submissions from childhood cancer charities and stakeholders to our recent calls for evidence. Of course, we want to hear from them to highlight and get a sense of the issues that she specifically raised, but I will ensure that we write to her to give her a sense of the timing.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific date for publication of the childhood cancer action plan
Response accuracy
Q28 Partial Answer
Chris Law SNP
Dundee Central
Context
The Scottish Government spends £84 million annually to mitigate the impact of Westminster's welfare policies, such as the bedroom tax and two-child benefit cap. The SNP is critical of Labour for supporting these policies.
Every year the SNP Scottish Government mitigates against cruel Westminster policies by spending £84 million on hard-working families affected by the bedroom tax and over £6.2 million to cover the two-child benefit cap. Given that the Leader of the Opposition supports these Tory welfare policies, does the Prime Minister agree that only the SNP can address such issues?
I do not agree. The question was directed at the Leader of the Opposition, and I would avoid commenting further on that matter. Our welfare system aims to be compassionate while supporting those who can work into employment. We provide thousands of pounds in support for energy bills and other expenses to people in Scotland.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address the specific mitigation measures or funding amounts mentioned by the SNP.
I Do Not Agree. The Question Was Directed At The Leader Of The Opposition, And I Would Avoid Commenting Further On That Matter.
Response accuracy