Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents in Corringham have petitioned to keep the last bank open, highlighting its importance for local businesses and residents.
I met a group of residents who have raised a petition to keep the last bank in Corringham town open. The viability of our town centres often depends on the presence of a small number of anchor businesses such as a post office or a bank. Can my right hon. Friend tell the House what action the Government can take to ensure that at least one of those organisations maintains a high street presence to support businesses and residents alike, particularly when they have received significant Government support?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this issue. Banks are a cornerstone of our high streets. Of course, it is ultimately a commercial decision for banks, but I think it is right that they take into account the views of local communities. I am sure the bank in question will have heard his remarks to the House and I trust that it will take appropriate action.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions not detailed beyond commercial decisions
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
13 years of Conservative policies have left homeowners concerned about mortgage costs, with many families facing mortgage deal expirations.
Families are sick with worry about the cost of the Tory mortgage bombshell. Do the Tories still claim to be the party of home ownership? I am glad to see the right hon. Gentleman here today. I think I am right in saying that I have the pleasure again next week—two weeks on the trot.
May I begin by associating myself with the right hon. Lady's remarks about Lord Bob Kerslake? I knew him from my time in Downing Street. He was a stalwart public servant and he will be missed by many on both sides of this House. It may come as a surprise to the right hon. Lady, but some leaders trust their deputies to stand in for them. When it comes to mortgage rates, I support the independence of the Bank of England in taking the necessary measures to control inflation. Just ask the International Monetary Fund what we have done to support them. It has said that we have taken “decisive and responsible action” to bring down inflation and we will continue to do so.
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Assessment & feedback
Question about Tory impact on mortgage costs
Discussed Imf Support For Government Actions
Mentioned Leaders' Trust In Deputies
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Renter security has been compromised with higher mortgage costs impacting them directly, given most renters live in homes with buy-to-let mortgages.
Buy-to-let properties are missing out on support. No-fault evictions are up by 116% this year. Are buy-to-let properties included in the mortgage support package—yes or no?
Under this Government, thanks to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, we have introduced legislation for the first time to support renters and to give them greater security of tenure. Of course, the Chancellor will take all necessary measures to stand behind mortgage holders and take necessary measures for renters.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific inclusion of buy-to-let properties not detailed
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
No-fault evictions have increased, with no ban in sight despite government promises.
Will he tell us if the Prime Minister has the spine now to stand up to the vested interests in his own party and finally deliver its promise to ban no-fault evictions?
I do not think the Prime Minister is going to take any lectures on weakness from the Labour party. The last time the leader of the Labour party tried to sack the right hon. Lady, she walked out with a promotion. We will continue to stand behind renters and to support them.
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Assessment & feedback
Prime Minister's stance on banning no-fault evictions
Mentioned Labour Reshuffle
Discussed Promotion Of The Right Hon. Lady
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Jessica and her four children were evicted, living in cramped conditions with limited space for sleeping.
Jessica and her four children from Plymouth were evicted from their home in April. They are temporarily living with Jessica's mother in a cramped house where the two eldest children are sleeping on blow-up beds in the front room, surrounded by their belongings—hardly the decent, secure life that the right hon. Gentleman's Government promised. Do families like Jessica's not deserve better?
I will tell the right hon. Lady what we are doing for families like Jessica's: we are increasing the national living wage. It was the Conservative party that introduced the national living wage, not the Labour party. It is this party that has doubled—the personal allowance, cutting taxes for those people, and it is this party that has lifted a million people out of unemployment.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific support for Jessica's family
Mentioned National Living Wage
Discussed Tax Cuts
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour party is concerned about the low number of council houses being built and the lack of support for people in temporary accommodation.
I asked a question about no-fault evictions; I was very clear on what the Labour party would do, but I cannot see us getting through a single one of these encounters without the Deputy Prime Minister blaming the Opposition for his Government's own record. When asked yesterday about the record low number of council houses being built, the Housing Minister said she did not recognise that statistic. When asked about support for people in temporary accommodation, she said it was not her brief—the brief of the Housing Minister. If council housing is not her responsibility, whose is it?
The Labour party may have failed to notice that it is actually under this Government that more council houses have been built than when they were in office; it is under this party that we have record levels of housing being built. We stand very proudly on the record of this Government.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner's specific ask about who has responsibility if council housing is not the Housing Minister's responsibility was avoided.
Blaming The Opposition
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour party is concerned about house building collapsing to its lowest level since the war, soaring rents and mortgages, plummeting home ownership, and a million people trapped waiting for council houses.
Talking about broken promises, house building is set to collapse to its lowest level since the war, rents and mortgages are soaring, home ownership is plummeting and over a million people are trapped waiting for a council house. There is one simple solution to this problem, and everyone knows it, so when will the right hon. Gentleman finally stand up for the national interest instead of the Tory party's interests and build more houses?
The right hon. Lady may not have listened to the answer I gave and just moved straight on to the next pre-scripted question, but we have built more houses under this Government than the Labour party. I am afraid it is the same old thing from her: she stacks up the endless job titles, she takes the union cash and she constantly talks Britain down.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner's specific ask about when to take action on house building was avoided.
Criticising The Labour Party
Changing Subject
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner wants to discuss rental reforms and the Renters (Reform) Bill.
I might respectfully say to the deputy leader of the Labour party, the right hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Angela Rayner), that if she wants to know what we are doing on rental reform, she can look at the Renters (Reform) Bill that this Government are introducing.
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to speak up for the Slapton line. It is one of the most beautiful roads in the country. I understand that the Slapton Line Partnership, which includes Natural England and the Environment Agency, is working closely with the local community on the plans.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner's specific ask about rental reforms was avoided.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour party is questioning which quote on the NHS's use of private sector services was made by the PM and which by the Leader of the Opposition.
I begin by thanking all the staff in our health services across these isles. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the health services in the UK, I want to reflect on two quotes from two people. The first is: 'it's about using the private sector more…something that we, actually, should be very comfortable with.' The second is: 'A number of people do go as NHS patients to the private sector…and we could do more of it'. Can I ask the Deputy Prime Minister: which quote is from the PM, and which is from the Leader of the Opposition?
May I begin by saying genuinely how sorry I was to hear that the hon. Lady will be standing down at the next election? She and I joined the House at the same time, and I know she has contributed much to her party and to this place.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner's specific ask about which quote was made by whom was avoided.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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The Labour party is concerned about the negative impact of Brexit on the NHS, specifically in terms of doctor shortages.
I thank the Deputy Prime Minister for his kind words. We did join this place at the same time; I am pretty sure we will be leaving at the same time, too. The No. 1 problem that faces the health service across these isles is workforce, and research shows that Brexit has worsened the UK's shortage of doctors. European nurses registering to work in the UK fell by 90% after the Brexit referendum. What more will it take for both him and the Labour party to admit the damage that Brexit is causing our health services?
It all started off so nicely. I do not know whether the hon. Lady has been listening to what the Government have announced this week, but we announced an additional £2.4 billion for our groundbreaking NHS workforce plan. It is the first time in the NHS's history that that has happened.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner's specific ask about acknowledging Brexit impact on NHS was avoided.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservative party is concerned about the RAF's plans to move a dog's grave, while also dealing with the issue of migrants being housed near the base.
Tonight, at West Lindsey District Council's planning meeting, the RAF will apply for listed building consent to move the grave of Wing Commander Guy Gibson's dog. Apparently, the Home Office is content for 2,000 migrants to be cooped up next to 1,000 of my constituents living near or on the base, but the RAF thinks it intolerable that it should leave the grave of a dog that has lain in peace for 80 years. More importantly, will the Home Office start listening to us? If it insists on this proposal on illegal migrants, will it put them on a discrete part of the base and let us get on with £300 million of levelling up with a hundred buildings—many of them listed—a 2 mile-long runway and a spaceport, and let the dog lie in peace?
My right hon. Friend knows that we have to take action to address the unacceptable cost of housing migrants in hotels. I thank him for the constructive approach he has taken to RAF Scampton playing a role in respect of that.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner's specific ask about relocating migrants was partially addressed without concrete commitments.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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The health service in Northern Ireland faces severe challenges exacerbated by a lack of sufficient funding, according to the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council.
May I extend appreciation to all dedicated NHS staff and ask about the government's willingness to engage on ensuring public services get necessary funding? The Department of Health has been allocated £7.3 billion—an increase of £20 million above 2022-23, but this is insufficient given the absence of a Northern Ireland Executive.
I am happy to give assurance. The Department of Health has been allocated £7.3 billion—an increase of £20 million above 2022-23, but the absence of a Northern Ireland Executive exacerbates challenges.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not fully addressed; no commitment on engaging and ensuring funding.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
High-factor sunscreen is exempted from VAT in other EU countries, but the Treasury opposes this exemption. With a heatwave expected, Maggie Throup, a melanoma survivor, urges removal of VAT on these products.
Will the Government remove VAT on high-factor sunscreen to save lives and support the NHS celebrating its 75th anniversary?
My hon. Friend raises dangers of melanoma. I am conscious of need to wear sun cream but will not trespass on Treasury decisions in this setting, knowing the Chancellor has heard her representations.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment on removing VAT was given.
Treasury Decision
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The government faces criticism for high inflation, interest rates, energy prices, food shortages, strikes in public sectors including NHS, and graduate debt issues.
Will the Deputy Prime Minister admit his Tory Government's failure on these issues?
Rather than focusing on playing politics, we are delivering for the British people. The SNP has three failing First Ministers, two unfinished ferries, and a failed deposit return scheme in Scotland.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address failures or election calls; deflected to SNP's record instead.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
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Conservative Governments have a proud record of supporting the UK's steel industry, but production halved under Labour.
Does my right hon. Friend reaffirm the Government's commitment to sustainable long-term steelmaking in this country?
I am happy to reaffirm this Government's commitment. We have made meaningful offers of support to Tata and British Steel, with a Secretary of State visit to see work under way.
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null
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Q16
Direct Answer
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Context
Work on the Sutherland spaceport is well under way and ahead of schedule. The north coast space cluster involves enterprise agencies and companies.
Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that this can build on skills from Doonreay and establish international links with US companies?
I completely agree. The development is a key part of growing UK's launch capabilities, with expected £20 million investment creating 40 jobs in first three years and working through technology safeguards agreement.
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Assessment & feedback
null
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Q17
Partial Answer
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The new long-term workforce plan welcomed, particularly for more places in dental schools. Access to dentistry is an issue for constituents.
Would my right hon. Friend consider merits of opening new dental schools like Keele University?
As ever, my hon. Friend makes a strong case for his constituency. We are assessing capacity at existing dental schools to see whether they can accommodate the expansion in training places, retaining an open mind about further education facilities.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment on opening new dental schools was given; assessment is ongoing.
Assessment
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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The MP noted emails from constituents unable to get appointments or care. The NHS faces under-investment according to a think-tank report.
It was a pleasure to join colleagues for the NHS 75th anniversary parkrun, but my joy was short-lived when I returned to find emails from desperate constituents who cannot access necessary services. Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that after a decade of under-investment, our health service faces managed decline or needs a Labour strategy to put it back on its feet?
Mr Speaker, I do not agree with that characterisation. This Government has record funding for the NHS; record doctors and nurses; records scans and operations. The only record from the Opposition is in Wales where they have the worst A&E waiting times.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about under-investment and Labour strategy was not directly addressed with facts or figures
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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The MP's constituents in Weymouth and Portland are concerned about a migrant barge accommodating illegal migrants without consultation.
My constituents and I are getting tired of being told placing a migrant barge in our port is in the national interest. It accommodates 506 illegal migrants, testing resources. Will my right hon. Friend stop it and ask the Home Secretary to do likewise?
I am happy to engage with him, and I am sure the Home Secretary is too, to ensure we can find a satisfactory solution in his constituency that protects constituents' interests.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about stopping the barge was not directly addressed; offered engagement instead of commitment
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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The MP referenced a coroner's finding that gambling disorder was the cause of Luke Ashton's suicide, placing over 1200 bets before death.
Last week, the coroner found that gambling disorder caused Luke Ashton's suicide. At no point did the operator intervene. Does he agree that commitments in the gambling White Paper to curb advertising and promotions do not go far enough?
I share her concerns about gambling inducements. We have a good set of proposals in the gambling White Paper and committed to 15 specialist units across England by 2024 for those with gambling addiction.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about commitments going far enough was not directly answered; referenced existing measures instead
Response accuracy
Q21
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the presence of Gibraltar's Chief Minister in the Gallery.
May I draw attention to the fact that we have the Chief Minister of His Majesty's Government of Gibraltar in the Gallery? Will he assure me that UK-EU negotiations on the border between Gibraltar and Spain will protect Gibraltarian opinions, security, and economic interests?
I am very happy to give my hon. Friend exactly that assurance. This Government will always stand up for the people of Gibraltar and their right to determine their own future.
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Q22
Direct Answer
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The MP highlighted the rarity of sarcomas, with around 15 people diagnosed daily in the UK.
Sarcomas are cancers that can affect any part of the body. Awareness is low and this is Sarcoma Awareness Month. May I ask him to meet me and families affected so we can discuss what more the Government can do to raise awareness and fund research?
I am very happy to give that commitment, probably best on behalf of Health Ministers. I have a great awareness of it and will continue to raise its profile.
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Q23
Partial Answer
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The MP highlighted the installation of Dr Fiona Hill as Durham University's new chancellor, starting in Bishop Auckland and working up to White House roles.
I had the pleasure of going to the installation of Dr Fiona Hill as its new chancellor. She will champion social mobility. Will he encourage the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to work with me on this?
I join my hon. Friend in relaying the Government's congratulations to her. I will ensure the Secretary of State hears his representations.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about encouraging the Secretary of State was not directly addressed; offered representation instead
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Q24
Partial Answer
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The MP highlighted universities' world-leading research at risk due to delays in Horizon negotiations, quoting a Nobel laureate's criticism of the delays.
Universities are home to world-leading research and innovation. Thousands of jobs and expertise are now at risk because of Government dithering over Horizon negotiations. Why do they not get on with it?
Since we agreed the Windsor framework, we have had very constructive discussions on Horizon but will wait until we get the best deal for British people and universities.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about commitment and timeline was not directly addressed; referenced ongoing discussions without a clear commitment
Response accuracy
Q25
Direct Answer
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The MP is promoting a local tourism initiative called 'A Year of Reasons to Visit the Moorlands'. The initiative highlights various attractions and businesses in her constituency, including Hetty's Tea Shop.
I am running a campaign called “A Year of Reasons to Visit the Moorlands”. Each week, for a year, I am focusing on one of the many reasons to visit the moorlands. So far I have included Hetty's Tea Shop in Froghall, the Heaton House Farm wedding venue, some brilliant artists and Alton Towers, and this week is league club day. May I invite my right hon. Friend and you, Mr Speaker, to visit my constituency to see one of the reasons for yourselves?
I should be delighted to do so. I think that Hetty's Tea Shop may be more my cup of tea than Alton Towers, but I am sure I can arrange a visit.
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Q26
Partial Answer
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The MP is advocating for the delivery of a world-class site for the Eden Project in Dundee to boost local investment and jobs. Previous promises made by the UK Government on supporting this project.
I think everyone in this House can recognise that my city of Dundee is a city to be proud of. It has world-leading universities, pioneering businesses and a determined SNP city council leading the way, and there is a real ambition to deliver for the future. We want to continue our journey, and the potential delivery of a world-class site for the Eden Project in our city will help to cement its reputation, bring further investment and jobs, and boost our local economy. Can the Deputy Prime Minister confirm that the UK Government will deliver on previous promises and finally commit to supporting capital funding for that project in my city?
I am a big supporter of the Eden Project, and I hope very much that we can have one in Dundee. Of course the United Kingdom Government always stand ready to support people in Scotland, and to support people in Dundee.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to capital funding not confirmed
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q27
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the success of the new medical school at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, and expresses her desire to meet with Health Ministers to discuss doubling the size of this programme.
As the child of two NHS doctors, the sister of an NHS doctor and the wife of an NHS doctor, may I, too, say thank you to everyone who works in our NHS? Will my right hon. Friend send particular congratulations to the students at the new medical school at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, who will graduate as doctors in a couple of weeks? This is the first time we have ever trained doctors in Essex, and it has been hugely successful. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss doubling the size of our medical school?
I am very happy to offer my sincere congratulations to those students, who thoroughly deserve their graduation ceremony. I know what a difficult course is required for someone to qualify as a doctor. Health Ministers would be happy to meet my right hon. Friend to discuss exactly that proposal.
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Q28
Partial Answer
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The MP raises a case where a family is being financially burdened by an unscrupulous clause in a tenancy agreement after the tragic loss of their son. She calls for inclusion of a clause to outlaw this practice.
One of my constituents, who was a first-year university student, tragically took his own life in May. He had signed a private sector tenancy for his next year's accommodation, with his parents as guarantor. The tenancy includes a clause which states that the responsibilities of the guarantor are unaffected by the death of a tenant, and the lettings agency is disgracefully insisting on enforcing that abhorrent requirement. My constituents not only have to live with the devastating loss of their son, but face terrible financial hardship because of this cruelty. Will the Deputy Prime Minister support my call for the inclusion of a clause in the long overdue Renters (Reform) Bill to outlaw that practice and protect bereaved families?
What the hon. Lady has described sounds totally abhorrent, and I shall be very happy to look into the details and discuss what measures might be brought forward to address it.
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Assessment & feedback
Support for clause not confirmed
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q29
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP questions the track record of every Labour Government since World War II, highlighting their negative impacts on employment and financial stability.
At a time of record employment, an unemployment rate nearly half that of the EU average and strong inward investment, can my right hon. Friend explain why every single period of Labour government since the second world war has ended in economic failure, with sterling weaker and unemployment usually higher?
My hon. Friend is entirely right. I might add that Labour Governments also spend every last penny in the Treasury. I well remember the note saying that there was no money left when we entered government. We should never allow that to happen to the British people again.
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Q30
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticises the Prime Minister for his absence during key votes and his handling of recent committee proceedings. She mentions high NHS waiting lists and rising mortgage costs.
Our absentee Prime Minister did not turn up for the Owen Paterson vote, he did not turn up for the Boris Johnson vote, he will not stand up to the MPs who called the Privileges Committee a kangaroo court, and yesterday he embarrassed himself by acting like a stroppy schoolboy in front of the Liaison Committee. With NHS waiting lists at a record high and the Tory mortgage penalty hitting my constituents hard, he has bitten off more than he can chew, has he not?
I am not sure that there was a question in that; I might respectfully say that it was a rant. I will proudly defend this Government's record. We have grown the economy in the past two years faster than any other country in the G7, with record low levels of unemployment and fewer people in workless households, all of which would be put at risk if the Labour party ever entered power.
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Assessment & feedback
It Was A Rant
Proudly Defend
Response accuracy