Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Prime Minister stated 'record numbers' of people in work, but official figures show a decrease since the pandemic. The number is currently 122,792 less than before.
At Question Time last week, the Prime Minister referred to 'record numbers of people in work.' However, according to the latest official figures, there are actually 122,792 fewer people working now compared to just before the pandemic. Will he properly correct this incorrect statement and reassure the House that his administration is not slipping into the same bad ways as previous ones?
There are near record numbers of people in work and on payroll, thanks to actions taken by this Government. We are very proud of our record.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not correct the specific incorrect statement from last week about 'record numbers' but defended the overall employment situation.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Non-compliant hand car washes contribute to £1.8 billion industry with hidden criminal activities like money laundering, fraud, drug dealing, labour abuse, and tax avoidance, resulting in a loss of half a billion pounds annually.
Behind the cheap and quick option of non-compliant hand car washes is hidden criminal activity and significant financial losses to tax revenue. Does the Prime Minister agree that it's time for mandatory regulation instead of relying on voluntary schemes to protect people?
We expect all businesses to follow the law, including fair pay and working conditions. We are tackling exploitation in labour markets by increasing funding for enforcement bodies to over £35 million annually. The position of hand car washes is under review.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address the question about moving from a voluntary scheme to a mandatory one but discussed general expectations and actions against exploitation.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Following the Prime Minister's comments on home ownership, Keir Starmer asked about mortgage payers affected by increased rates due to recent economic measures.
The question was how many mortgage holders are paying higher amounts since the economy was impacted last autumn. The answer that the Prime Minister avoided giving is 850,000 people affected by increased mortgage rates. Does he know how many more will face this issue by the end of this year?
Thanks to our actions, public expectations for inflation have eased and consumer confidence is at its highest since Russia invaded Ukraine. We can reduce debt and bring interest rates down with clear plans that deliver lower inflation compared to Labour's approach of more debt.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister changed the subject from mortgage rates to broader economic conditions and confidence levels.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Following the Prime Minister's earlier response, Keir Starmer re-emphasised that nearly a million people are paying more on their mortgages due to Tory economic policies.
The question was how many more people this year will be paying higher mortgage amounts. The answer, which he avoided giving again, is 930,000 people. By the end of this year, nearly 2 million homeowners will face the cost of Tory recklessness with every payment. How long does it take for an average saver to accumulate a £9,000 deposit?
We introduced 95% mortgage guarantee schemes and helped social housing residents through first homes and shared ownership programmes. Last year saw the highest number of first-time buyers in 20 years.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister changed the topic from deposit savings to mortgage assistance initiatives and record home purchases.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Keir Starmer pointed out that Tory policies are making home ownership more difficult for many, especially with the scrapping of housing targets.
Every week, the Prime Minister pretends everything is fine when it clearly isn't. £9,000 would take four years to save for an average person. The Conservatives find this funny while people struggle. Why doesn't he admit his mistake and reverse the scrapping of housing targets?
I promised to put local people in control of new housing and delivered within six weeks as Prime Minister. The right hon. Gentleman wants top-down housing targets, but previously said that local communities should have more power.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address the mistake or reversal request; instead, he discussed his promise to give locals control and challenged Labour's past stance on local control.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Local communities struggle to build houses needed by local people due to high mortgage costs, rent increases, and lack of affordable housing. Previous government's failure is highlighted.
With debt doubled since 2010, growth down, tax up, the economy crashed, the Government are going to need a bigger note. Why does he not stop the excuses, stop blaming everyone else, and just build some houses instead?
Our memories are not that short. We all know what happened when Labour was last in power: there was “no money left” for the country. Let us talk about the Labour record on house building. In London, the former Conservative Mayor built 60,000 affordable homes in his first five years in office. How many has the current Labour Mayor managed? Half of that.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Building houses instead of excuses and blame
Changed Subject To Past Performance
Did Not Address Specific Ask
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The King's coronation will be watched by millions, marking a new chapter in history. Also highlighting the economic challenges faced by families.
Looking beyond elections tomorrow, with 300 million people tuning in for the coronation weekend, it is also a reminder of the loss of Queen Elizabeth II and an opportunity to remember her service. Will the Prime Minister join me in honouring our late Queen and wishing the new King a long and happy reign?
As I said at the outset, we are all very much looking forward to the coronation. It will be a very special moment in the history of our country, and I know that we will join the country in celebrating it. But before we get to the coronation weekend, we have an important day tomorrow.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Honouring the late Queen and wishing the new King well
Changed Subject To Elections
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Labour-run Kirklees Council reneged on a deal for the national rugby league museum, declared a climate emergency but has poor recycling rates. There are issues with green belt building, demolition of marketplaces, littering, fly-tipping, and tree cutting.
Labour-run Kirklees Council has reneged on deals, declared a climate emergency but has the worst recycling rate in the country. It is blighted by litter, fly-tipping, and now proposes to chop down mature trees in urban areas—
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is typical Labour: saying one thing and doing the other. That is why, in Kirklees and elsewhere, people should vote Conservative tomorrow.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Addressing issues with Kirklees Council's actions
Changed Subject To Voting
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
▸
Context
In 2010, David Cameron convinced Nick Clegg to adopt a pledge on university tuition fees. A similar situation might be developing between the Conservatives and Labour.
In 2010, David Cameron convinced Nick Clegg to adopt his pledge on university tuition fees. Does the Prime Minister intend to take the credit for convincing the leader of the Labour party to do likewise?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for the question. Under this Government, a record number of people from disadvantaged backgrounds are going to university. That is because of the efforts we have made to put more money into supporting those people and communities.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Intention to convince Labour's leader
Changed Subject To Record On University Support
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, and Labour do not believe in abolishing university tuition fees.
For the avoidance of any doubt, the Liberal Democrats do not believe in abolishing tuition fees, the Conservatives do not believe in abolishing tuition fees, and of course the Labour party does not either. Is it not the case that the main Westminster parties do not offer young people any hope at all?
I gently point out to the hon. Gentleman that, actually, somebody from a disadvantaged background is far more likely to go to university in England than they are in Scotland.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Acknowledging lack of hope for young people on tuition fees
Changed Subject To Comparison With Scotland
Response accuracy
Q11
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Conservative police and crime commissioners in Dorset have delivered many improvements, while Labour ones see higher recorded crime rates.
The Conservative police and crime commissioner in Dorset has delivered 174 new police officers, quadrupled the rural crime team, and made Dorset the sixth safest county. Given that recorded crime is 34% higher under Labour police and crime commissioners, does the Prime Minister agree that only Conservatives can be trusted to keep local communities safe?
My hon. Friend is right. It is a simple statement of fact: crime is lower in areas that have Conservative police and crime commissioners. I am delighted that Dorset has been selected as one of the areas to pilot our new immediate justice scheme, which will deliver swift and visible punishment.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The government's refugee ban Bill and Home Office statements have been criticised for their language. The Minister for Immigration made controversial remarks about the values of people from Sudan.
I am concerned about this Government's vile and immoral refugee ban Bill and the toxic language coming from the Home Office which are not even dog-whistle politics but a giant hard-right foghorn, blasting out a poisonous “them and us” narrative. The Government plumbed new depths last week when the Minister for Immigration claimed that people trying to come to the UK tend to have completely different values. Can the Prime Minister explain what he thinks is so different about the values held by the people of war-torn Sudan?
This country has a proud history of welcoming almost half a million refugees over the past several years, and we will always continue to do so. However, our ability to help is hampered by tens of thousands of people illegally crossing the channel every year. We must break the cycle of criminal gangs and target resources on those who most need them.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Creation of a Sudanese family visa scheme
Response accuracy
Q13
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Thanks to the government's funding, Conservative-led Solihull council is regenerating Kingshurst village centre. Opposition parties are accused of talking down economic opportunities.
Thanks to this Conservative Government and £1.8 million from the brownfield land release fund, Conservative-led Solihull council is getting on with regenerating Kingshurst village centre, creating space for new businesses and new homes. When it comes to economic regeneration, none of the Opposition parties has a viable plan—Greens, Liberal Democrats or Labour—and a Labour candidate scared local people into thinking that the development will not go ahead despite spades in the ground. Does the Prime Minister agree that while the Opposition talk down opportunity and job creation, Conservative-led Solihull council delivers for our people?
I agree with my hon. Friend. The local Conservatives in Solihull are delivering dozens of new family homes, flexible commercial space and an integrated health, social care and community hub. Only the Conservatives can deliver for this area.
▸
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q14
Direct Answer
▸
Context
A constituent reported erratic and sudden behavior from their Tesla in autopilot mode, which is still in beta. The constituent requests a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss urgent critical safety reviews.
Mr Speaker, imagine seeing the car in front of you swerving erratically or braking suddenly for no reason, risking your car slamming into the back and endangering those daft enough not to wear seatbelts. These are not actions of a drunk or reckless driver but my constituent's experience using Tesla in autopilot mode—software that is still in beta phase but deemed suitable for public roads. Will the Prime Minister meet me to discuss issues with Tesla's autopilot, and will he instigate an urgent critical safety review?
I am sorry to hear about what happened to my hon. Friend's constituent. I will ensure that he gets a meeting with the Transport Secretary to discuss the safe regulation of autonomous and self-driving vehicles.
▸
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Labour-run City of Lincoln Council decided to cancel the Christmas market behind closed doors, damaging its reputation and support for local businesses.
Labour-run City of Lincoln Council has destroyed the 40-year reputation of our city's Christmas market and the Christmas cheer that Lincoln benefits from annually. The dereliction of its role, in choosing to take the easiest option by cancelling the market behind closed doors and in secret, shows Labour's neglect and disregard for small local businesses, charities and entrepreneurs, and for voters. Labour councillors in Lincoln should be ashamed of their actions.
I share my hon. Friend's disappointment that there will no longer be a Christmas market in Lincoln, ending its 40 years of history. It is clear that for the city, only Conservatives can deliver better.
▸
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Ahead of local elections, concerns are raised about the low percentage of those without valid ID applying for a voter authority certificate. The Labour party raises questions about disenfranchisement.
Ahead of tomorrow's local elections, I have been campaigning in Medway and Swindon. The word on the doorstep is that people are ready for a change, and will be switching their votes from Conservatives to Labour. However, only 4% of those without valid ID have applied online for a voter authority certificate. Will the Prime Minister commit to a post-election review of how many people have effectively been disenfranchised by his Government's response to the virtually non-existent problem of voter fraud?
Mr Speaker, 98% of people already possess a suitable form of voter ID. The Government made available free alternative ID for those who do not have it. Pilots demonstrate that it has not significantly impacted turnout and indeed was introduced by the Labour party in Northern Ireland.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to a post-election review
Response accuracy
Q17
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Since being elected in 2019, the MP has received complaints from constituents about speculative developments on green-belt land. Lib Dem-controlled Three Rivers District Council is accused of delaying its local plan.
Ever since being elected in 2019, I have been inundated with correspondence from my constituents in South West Hertfordshire, rightly complaining about huge speculative developments on our beautiful green-belt land. Lib Dem-controlled Three Rivers District Council continues to dither and delay its local plan. Does the Prime Minister agree that the choice tomorrow is simple: vote Conservative to protect our green belt or vote Lib Dem for massive developments on unspoilt land?
My hon. Friend raises an important point. It is always the same with Liberal Democrats, saying one thing and doing another—we have all seen it. Conservatives are the party of local decisions taken by local people and will protect the green belt.
▸
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A constituent faced a life-threatening condition due to lack of NHS dental appointments.
Unable to secure an NHS dental appointment, my constituent Ray was forced to go private. It was then discovered that he had a large, aggressive tumour in his face and jaw, and 16 hours of gruelling surgery was required to remove it. If he had not been able to afford it, Ray might not be with us now. Does the Prime Minister accept that NHS dentistry is in crisis, and will he meet me and the British Dental Association to ensure that no one loses their life because they could not get a dental appointment?
I am sorry to hear what happened to the hon. Lady's constituent. That is why the NHS has recently reformed dental contracts to improve access. We now invest more than £3 billion a year, and there are more than 500 more dentists working in the NHS this year than last year. Discussions are ongoing between the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS around dentistry, and DHSC is planning to outline further reform measures in the near future.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific meeting with BDA was not confirmed
Discussions Are Ongoing
Response accuracy
Q19
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Need to fund planning authorities properly for efficient housing development.
Every single young person who gets on the housing ladder under a Conservative Government makes our communities more sustainable. Does my right hon. Friend agree that in order to build the right type of housing and speed it up, we need to fund planning authorities properly through innovative funding?
My hon. Friend, as ever, makes an excellent point. That is why the reforms that we introduce will provide incremental resources to planning authorities to make sure that planning decisions can be taken quicker. Also, we have strengthened the ability of local communities to put in place local plans.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Schools provide essential services due to energy costs burdening families.
The recent ITV documentary, “Life and Debt: Stories from the Edge”, followed Halifax mum Izzy. Her prepayment energy bills have tripled, and she relies on a local primary school, Ash Green, which is providing free breakfasts, budget cooking classes and a hardship fund for its families. When headteacher Mungo Sheppard is asked whether he worries about the children at his school when he goes home at night, he says: 'All the time. It never leaves you'. Does the Prime Minister think it is right that things are so bad that schools are having to become the fourth emergency service for the families they support?
Because of the actions we have taken, a typical family, including those like Izzy's, will be seeing half of their energy bills paid for by the Government. That support is worth £1,500, and it was extended in the most recent Budget.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Direct question about schools being emergency services was not addressed
Actions Taken To Help Families
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
▸
Context
World Press Freedom Day highlights the need for defending media freedom worldwide.
As my right hon. Friend will be aware, today is World Press Freedom Day. At a time when the need for professional and factual journalism has never been greater, will he reaffirm the Government's commitment to defending media freedom worldwide? Will he redouble the efforts of the Government to obtain the release of Evan Gershkovich and Vladimir Kara-Murza in Russia, and of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong?
The Government are committed to defending media freedom worldwide, because thriving independent journalism is one of the cornerstones of democracy. We absolutely condemn the politically motivated sentencing of journalists across the world.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific release efforts were not detailed
Government'S Commitment
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Northumbria police has lost 1,000 officers since 2010.
I want to thank our police forces, who I know will be working hard across the country this weekend to support the coronation events, but police numbers in the north-east are down 8% since 2010. I know that the Prime Minister is keen on his maths, so here is a sum: if Northumbria police has lost 1,000 police officers since 2010, but gained the funding to put back 615, by how much have the Conservatives short-changed the north-east?
As we saw last week, there is now a record number of police officers across the country thanks to the actions of this Government, and crime is 50% lower than it was when we took office. The hon. Lady talks about investing in the north-east.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Actual funding shortfalls not addressed
Record Number Of Police Officers
Response accuracy
Q23
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Progress on the Northumberland line is being discussed.
I was pleased to welcome the Secretary of State for Transport to Newsham recently to see the progress on the Northumberland line. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this Conservative Government—this Conservative Government only—are committed to the development of that line, keeping levelling up on track?
My hon. Friend has been a fantastic champion for the restoration of the line. Indeed, it was one of the first deliveries from the restoring your railways fund.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q24
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Over 3.6 million women born in the 1950s had their state pension age increased without prior notice, causing significant financial hardship.
My constituent unknowingly gave up work at 60 due to an increase in her pension age and ended up with no income, unable to pay bills or maintain housing. Will the Prime Minister commit to fair and fast compensation payments for 1950s women affected by this injustice based on recommendations from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman?
This issue is under ongoing discussion, but I cannot comment further. We will respond appropriately to any recommendations made by the Ombudsman.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or timeline for compensation payments
Ongoing Process
Cannot Comment
Response accuracy
Q25
Partial Answer
▸
Context
During asbestos awareness month, concerns are raised about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Will the Prime Minister support Mesothelioma UK's campaign to establish a register of all workplaces with asbestos and set a timetable for its eradication?
Current laws mandate the assessment, risk management, and removal of asbestos if it cannot be safely managed. Campaigning on this issue is encouraged.
▸
Assessment & feedback
National register and timeline for eradication
Current Laws
Encouragement To Campaign
Response accuracy
Q26
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A constituent was hospitalised after swimming in polluted water near Shepperton. The cause was attributed to sewage discharge by Thames Water.
Why does it appear acceptable for water companies to continue polluting rivers when they pose significant health risks, as evidenced by the recent incident involving Thames Water?
The Conservative Party has increased enforcement powers, fines, investment in infrastructure, and monitoring to address sewage overflows. The Liberal Democrats' opposition is criticised for their lack of support on these plans.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Explanation and justification of continued river pollution
Criticism Of The Liberal Democrats
Mentioning Enforcement Actions
Response accuracy
Q27
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Reservoirs and desalination plants are needed for water security, but their implementation is limited by geography.
Is there a national strategy and plan to increase water catchment capacity and enable cross-water company transfers to match regional demand?
Water companies publish management plans showing how they will secure supply, and consultations are ongoing. Close collaboration with South West Water is ensuring precautionary measures against potential shortages this year.
▸
Assessment & feedback
National strategy for increasing water catchment capacity
Ongoing Consultation
Localised Action
Response accuracy