PMQs 2023-05-10

2023-05-10

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Clive Lewis Lab
Norwich South
Context
A Norwich Army veteran had to extract his own teeth due to lack of dental care, highlighting the ongoing issue in Norwich and Norfolk despite previous promises.
I am concerned about my constituent who had to pull out 18 of his own teeth because he could not access a dentist. Despite repeated promises from the Prime Minister, Norwich and Norfolk remain dental deserts. Does the PM agree that only a change in government will improve this situation?
I am very sorry to hear about your constituent's case. There are record sums going into dentistry and 500 more NHS dentists working today due to contract reforms that have increased activity by 10%. The Department of Health and Social Care is talking about further reforming the dental contract.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address the specific ask or acknowledge Labour's potential solution.
Changed Subject To Positive Nhs Statistics
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Gagan Mohindra Con
South West Hertfordshire
Context
A constituent receiving cancer treatment at Mount Vernon Hospital will face additional transport costs due to the expansion of Sadiq Khan's ultra-low emission zone.
My constituent Gordon is undergoing cancer treatment at Mount Vernon Hospital. Due to Sadiq Khan's new low emission zone, Gordon faces a £12.50 daily charge or must buy a compliant vehicle. Does the PM agree that Labour's London Mayor is stretching household budgets further?
I am sorry to hear about your constituent Gordon. Transport in London is devolved to Sadiq Khan, who is expanding the zone against resident and business views. His plan raises costs for hard-working families.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address the specific ask or provide a direct response on whether he agrees with criticism of Labour's policy.
Redirecting Blame To London Mayor
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
Last week, the Prime Minister had to correct misleading claims about employment numbers. Keir Starmer seeks an update on these inaccuracies now that the local elections have resulted in significant losses for Tory councillors.
The PM corrected misleading claims about employment last week and lost 1,000 Tory councillor jobs this time. Can he provide a further update on these inaccuracies?
Let me pass on my best wishes to Mae Muller for Eurovision. With regard to local elections, Tony Blair's advice applies: policy counts at a general election.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address the specific ask or provide an update on employment figures.
Redirecting To Another Topic
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister lost a thousand seats in local elections, following previous losses in political contests. Keir Starmer questions the PM's mandate given this track record.
After losing a thousand seats and multiple political contests, who does the PM think he has a mandate from?
It is rich to hear about mandates from someone who broke all election promises. The right hon. and learned Gentleman was for nationalisations, NHS outsourcing, universal credit, and tuition fees before opposing them.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address the specific ask or provide any information regarding his mandate.
Criticizing Opposition'S Record
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
People want the Government to focus on cost-of-living issues, but the PM has no answers. Keir Starmer asks if he will continue ignoring these concerns or implement an immediate council tax freeze as Labour would.
With people wanting the Government to focus on the cost of living and the Prime Minister having no answers, is he planning to ignore last week's message or announce a council tax bill freeze?
The right hon. and learned Gentleman's councillors focus on cost-of-living issues. Perhaps they could reduce council tax to levels in Conservative-run areas. We are halving people's energy bills and freezing fuel duty.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not directly address the specific ask of a council tax bill freeze.
Suggesting Alternative Solutions
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
People believe the Government should address cost-of-living issues, but they are ignoring them. Keir Starmer asks why the PM will not implement a council tax freeze as Labour would.
To quote a more electorally successful predecessor, 'nothing has changed.' The Prime Minister is still blaming others and refusing to act on the cost of living. Why won't he do what a Labour Government would and freeze council tax bills?
A quick history lesson: We inherited from Labour a large deficit, higher unemployment, and empty coffers. After that, Labour wanted a longer lockdown and now oppose protesters.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address the specific ask or provide any information regarding council tax freezes.
Criticizing Past Labour Policies
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The UK faced a cost of living crisis with rising bills, and the public rejected the government's policies. The Prime Minister insisted on protecting non-dom tax status.
I am concerned about the government's refusal to prioritize freezing bills over protecting oil and gas profits. I questioned why the Prime Minister insists on safeguarding his precious non-dom tax status rather than scrapping it to train more doctors and nurses, despite previous statements by Alistair Darling highlighting a £2 billion shortfall in funding.
The plan suggested would discourage doctors and nurses from coming, as previously stated by Alistair Darling. There is a £2 billion shortfall in funding mentioned by him during Labour's tenure when they bankrupted the economy.
Assessment & feedback
Scraping non-dom tax status to fund NHS workforce training
Undermining Credibility Of Previous Statements
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The government faced a cost of living crisis with tax rises and growing waiting lists, but they were smiling about success. The Prime Minister had previously boasted about not having working-class friends.
This is the result of a tired government fronted by a Prime Minister who boasts he has never had a working-class friend. He smiles through the cost of living crisis while waiting lists grow and crime, house building, and schools are neglected. How does he think the Tories can provide solutions when they have been told they are part of the problem?
When younger, we all say silly things. The right hon. Gentleman was talking about abolishing the monarchy when he was 40 years old.
Assessment & feedback
Addressing public dissatisfaction and providing solutions to issues mentioned in the question
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
Context
Surrey Day celebrates local high streets, but independent shops face difficulties due to high rents and business rates. The Government's role in supporting these businesses is questioned.
Saturday marks Surrey Day, celebrating the county's high streets with events like those in Guildford. However, concerns about empty shops arise from high rents and business rates making it tough for independent retailers to compete. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this Government must do everything possible to support our high streets as part of economic growth?
My hon. Friend is correct about the importance of high streets in local communities, not just in Surrey but across the country. We are abolishing business rates for eligible businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, investing billions through the high streets fund and towns fund to support local areas.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Stephen Flynn SNP
Aberdeen South
Context
The Prime Minister's position on non-dom tax status has been questioned, and there are concerns about police actions during protests.
If the Prime Minister was to pull out placards saying 'Save our Non-Doms' from his Land Rover's boot, would he expect arrest? This highlights a debate over protesters' rights versus public disruption control.
The right hon. Gentleman thanks the police for their hard work during events like the coronation and believes they should have powers to protect public from serious disruption, while acknowledging disagreement with his position. The question is what the Leader of the Opposition thinks.
Assessment & feedback
Clarification on supporting police actions against protests
Redirecting
Response accuracy
Q11 Direct Answer
Stephen Flynn SNP
Aberdeen South
Context
Discussions are ongoing about the right to protest versus maintaining public order. This includes strikes by nurses, doctors, firefighters, and republican protests.
Nurses, doctors, firefighters, and republicans all have fundamental rights to protest in a democracy. Is the Prime Minister saying that future protests can only occur on his terms?
It is also right for people to go about their daily lives without serious disruption. The police should have powers to stop those preventing that, as seen in TV reports of disrupted school and hospital appointments.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12 Direct Answer
Context
The Australian Prime Minister visited to meet apprentices, see the submarine programme and reaffirm AUKUS commitment. The programme will deliver thousands of jobs in Barrow.
Welcoming the Australian PM to meet apprentices, see the submarine programme, and affirm AUKUS commitment which will deliver thousands of jobs in my constituency and keep our nation safe. This is an international effort needing whole-of-Government approach. Will my right hon. Friend visit Barrow to see the programme and discuss leveraging opportunities for generations?
My hon. Friend is a fantastic advocate for his local industry and community. SSN-AUKUS submarines will be built in Barrow, home of British submarine industry. It will create thousands of new jobs not just in Barrow but across the UK with billions invested to modernise the enterprise.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Edward Davey Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Context
Many lifelong Conservative voters turned to the Liberal Democrats due to dissatisfaction with government's failure in holding water companies accountable for raw sewage dumping into rivers and beaches.
Last week, many lifelong Conservatives voted for the Liberal Democrats because of the Government's failure to hold water companies accountable for dumping raw sewage. Last year, executives received £15 million bonuses despite damaging our natural environment. Three have turned down their bonuses but should not have been entitled in the first place. Will PM ban sewage bonuses so dumping stops?
I struggled to hear the full question, which does not matter because Liberal Democrats often say different things locally and nationally. He also mentioned a broken promise on tuition fees.
Assessment & feedback
Banning sewage bonuses
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
Conservative councillors won a majority in Mansfield District Council elections, but constituents are frustrated with unfulfilled government pledges.
I highlighted the success of Mansfield's local election results for Conservative councillors and expressed pride in the team. However, constituents expect the Government to deliver on key promises to support growth and investment in the east Midlands region, which historically has received less funding than other areas. Will the Prime Minister reaffirm his commitment and reassure my constituents that he will back their economic development?
My hon. Friend is a tireless advocate for the east midlands. In particular, I welcome the devolution deal agreed among the four local authorities in the region, which I know he has campaigned for. Like him, I look forward to those new devolved institutions being established as soon as possible to drive economic growth in his community.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific commitment or figure about additional investment in the East Midlands
Changed Subject To Devolution Deal
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
The Prime Minister's daughter has been described as a climate champion, but the Rosebank oilfield project would reportedly blow climate targets and have severe environmental impacts.
I referenced the PM's statement that his daughter is a climate change advocate in their household. The Rosebank oil field development would release more emissions than 28 of the world's poorest countries combined and costs taxpayers £4 billion to transfer funds to a Norwegian company. It does not contribute to energy security as most of the oil will be exported. Will he give this project approval if it undermines climate goals?
As acknowledged by the independent Climate Change Committee, we will need fossil fuels for several more decades during our transition to a greener future. It makes no sense not to invest in home-grown resources that can create jobs here instead of importing foreign fossil fuels with higher carbon emissions. This is an economically illiterate policy—expected from the Green Party.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether Rosebank will be approved or not
Criticised The Questioner'S Party Shifted Focus To Economic Arguments
Response accuracy
Q16 Direct Answer
Context
The Government previously committed to developing a horticulture strategy but there have been speculations that this might be abandoned due to recent supply-chain challenges.
In June, the Government promised to present a horticulture strategy to boost British horticultural production. Supply chain difficulties highlighted earlier in spring underscored its importance. However, there has recently been speculation about abandoning this strategy. Can the Prime Minister reassure us that the Government remains committed to expanding this crucial industry?
I thank my right hon. Friend for his work in championing this area. We are supporting the horticultural sector through a £168 million investment to drive innovation and support food production. Additionally, we passed the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 7 2023 to take advantage of our Brexit opportunities and unlock new technology potential.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Context
No information given, but there is concern about government commitments to companies at the Teesworks industrial site.
Has the Prime Minister or any of his Ministers provided assurances to BP, Equinor, or other companies regarding contracts for the Teesworks industrial development site?
Contracts at the site will be a commercial matter for the involved companies.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide any concrete commitment or information about contracts
Stated That It Is A Commercial Matter
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Context
Some Oxfordshire farmers are concerned about the readiness of new schemes under DEFRA's agricultural transition plan to make up for basic payment scheme shortfalls.
Our farmers provide food and support our countryside. However, there is concern that new schemes under DEFRA's Agricultural Transition Plan may not be ready for farmers to access, creating a shortfall from the Basic Payment Scheme. Will my right hon. Friend urge his colleagues in DEFRA to roll out remaining Sustainable Farming Incentive standards quickly? Can he also consider double-stacking SFI and Countryside Stewardship payments to ensure Oxfordshire's farmers get needed support?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. We aim to continue supporting farmers in producing healthy nutritious food. We are progressing with the Environmental Land Management Scheme, fine-tuning it to better serve farmers. There will be flexibility in Sustainable Farming Incentives to ensure that Countryside Stewardship schemes can be used on the same plots of land.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific rollout timelines or double-stacking payments
Stated They Want Flexibility But Did Not Confirm Specifics
Response accuracy
Q19 Direct Answer
Context
The Forthside development on former MoD land has stalled due to a dispute over decontamination costs.
Stirling's Forthside site has a promising potential development but is stuck due to disputes about land decontamination costs. I will work with anyone to get it unblocked and moving forward. Will the Prime Minister meet me and Stirling Council representatives to resolve this issue?
We have invested in Stirling previously to unlock investment and drive growth. I will ensure that the hon. Gentleman gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to make progress.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q20 Direct Answer
Context
The questioner shares the PM's optimism about technology, especially AI, but raises concerns over associated risks without halting research altogether.
My right hon. Friend and I share a profound optimism regarding technology's potential to revolutionise public services and private sectors. However, we both acknowledge the inherent risks of artificial intelligence. While there are unrealistic calls to pause all AI research, it is crucial for us to work with our international allies so that emerging global norms reflect our values. Does he agree?
My hon. Friend speaks knowledgeably on this issue and I absolutely agree. Halting AI development would be impractical, but it's right to establish appropriate guardrails while exploiting opportunities. We are having conversations not only with companies involved but also with international allies. More progress can be expected in the coming weeks and months.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Context
An eat out to help out scheme increased demand in restaurants by 216% in August 2020. Over 17,500 retail chain stores closed that year, affecting nearly 35,000 employees.
Following on from the Prime Minister's earlier answer, as he knows, an eat out to help out scheme was introduced in August 2020. It increased demand for eating in restaurants by some 216% compared with 2019. With figures now showing that over 17,500 retail chain stores closed in 2020 alone, affecting nearly 35,000 employees, has the Prime Minister considered a similar scheme for bricks and mortar retail—bricks versus clicks, if you like—as part of a wider plan to regenerate local high streets and town centres?
The way we are supporting high streets and town centres is through making sure we cut business rates in England—obviously, the Scottish Government will receive Barnett consequentials from those actions—and now hundreds of thousands of local businesses on our high streets do not pay any business rates at all. On top of that, through the levelling-up fund, towns fund and others, we are investing directly in local communities, including the hon. Gentleman's own, where council leaders described our investment of £90 million as very welcome and a real boost for economic recovery.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address considering a similar scheme specifically
Response accuracy
Q22 Direct Answer
Context
The PM was asked to congratulate the winning team of Stockton Town football club's northern premier league east play-off final, which Long Eaton United won.
My right hon. Friend recently scored a very rare own goal by backing Stockton Town football club in a northern premier league east play-off final, which eventually saw Long Eaton United win on penalties. In the interests of good sportsmanship, will he congratulate Ian Deakin and his team on their resounding victory, wish Long Eaton United luck and every success in the league for next season, and join me at Grange Park to cheer them on?
I join my hon. Friend in congratulating her local football team and all involved in their stunning success. I am not sure if I will be able to join her in the immediate future, but I look forward to seeing them go from strength to strength, much as the fortunes of my own team, sadly, are not in the place I would like them to be.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Jamie Stone Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Context
A former Scottish Government Minister tore up a proposal for highly protected marine areas in the Scottish Parliament. The proposal is controversial all over Scotland.
The Prime Minister may well have seen the astonishing sight of a former Scottish Government Minister standing up in the Scottish Parliament Chamber and tearing up—literally, ripping into pieces—the Scottish Government's highly protected marine area proposal. The proposal is deeply controversial all over Scotland, and has even been compared with the second highland clearances. Is now not the time for the UK Government to step in and work with the devolved— Mr Speaker, I will not be silenced, because this matters deeply to my constituents. Is it not time for the UK Government to step in and work with the devolved Administrations, to come up with a conservation scheme that works and is acceptable to our fishing communities all around the UK?
The hon. Gentleman makes an excellent point and is a passionate champion, as he should be, for his local fishing communities. He is right to highlight the concerns that have been raised not just by them but by members of the SNP about the potentially damaging impact of plans to introduce the highly protected marine areas in the way that they are. I would encourage the SNP Government to continue working with the Scottish fishing industry and coastal communities to understand their concerns. As we have seen them recently U-turn on other poorly thought-out decisions, hopefully they can re-look at this one, too.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly suggest UK intervention, instead encouraged SNP to reconsider
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Context
The PM was asked about the civil unrest in Pakistan, including the detention of Prime Minister Imran Khan. There are concerns about his right to a fair trial.
The United Kingdom has a strong, deep, multidimensional relationship with Pakistan. There are over 1.5 million British Pakistanis here and many of them are dual nationals, as am I. The Prime Minister will have seen the scenes coming from Pakistan—the civil unrest where people have lost their lives due to the detention of Prime Minister Imran Khan. There are real concerns about the circumstances of his detention and the right to a fair trial. In the past, the United Kingdom has sent observers to hearings around the world to ensure that natural justice is done. Has the Prime Minister considered that? If not, will he consider it?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. The UK of course has a long-standing and close relationship with Pakistan—this weekend especially, as Commonwealth partners. The arrest of the former Prime Minister is an internal matter for Pakistan. We support peaceful, democratic processes and adherence to the rule of law, and we are monitoring the situation carefully.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether observers will be sent
Response accuracy
Q25 Direct Answer
Carolyn Harris Lab
Neath and Swansea East
Context
A charity in the MP's constituency reported real stories of children going to school with inadequate footwear, eating cereal without milk due to financial constraints.
A little boy has gone to school today in shoes that do not fit him, because his parents cannot afford new ones. A little girl had water on her cornflakes because her mum had no money for milk. Those are real stories from Faith in Families, a charity in my constituency that deals with poverty every day. Poverty that is causing prolonged shame and leading to a mental health crisis. Faith in Families is worried about these kids. I am worried about these kids. If the Prime Minister is worried about these kids, what is he going to do about it?
We do not want any child to grow up in poverty. That is why I am proud that there are 1.7 million fewer people living in poverty today than in 2010, because of the actions of this and previous Conservative Governments. That includes hundreds of thousands of children. We are providing incredible support to the most vulnerable in our society as we speak. Just last week, the first of our cost of living payments went out—£900 to help the most vulnerable families in our society. Those are our values. We will keep supporting them as inflation remains high.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q26 Partial Answer
Context
The PM was asked about the increase in council tax rates, with Wales seeing a staggering 67% rise since 2010.
Earlier, the Leader of the Opposition sought to draw attention to council tax rates and increases, offering some crocodile tears in the process. I draw to the Prime Minister's attention that, whereas we have seen a 43% increase in council tax rates since 2010 in England, the increase in Wales has been a staggering 67%. Therefore, is it not the case that we should be looking at what Labour does rather than what Labour says?
My right hon. Friend has made an excellent point. The Leader of the Opposition is very fond of telling us that Labour in Wales is the blueprint for how he would like to run the country, but, as we have seen, all that it means is higher bills for hard-working British families.
Assessment & feedback
Criticising Opposition'S Actions In Wales
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
Context
The Drax power station has been burning nearly 20,000 tonnes of trees daily over the past two years, releasing significant carbon emissions. The company receives £1.5 million in subsidies per day until 2027.
Over the last two years, the Drax power station in Yorkshire has burned an average of nearly 20,000 tonnes of trees every single day, releasing an equivalent amount of carbon into the atmosphere. During that time, while our constituents have struggled with their heating bills, the private company running Drax has received £1.5 million of subsidy through the Government's energy policy every single day. That is set to continue until 2027. Will the Prime Minister step in and review this grotesque distortion of energy policy, which incentivises deforestation while making no contribution to tackling the climate emergency?
While I cannot comment on the contract details of one particular company, what I can comment on is our record on this issue. Since the benchmark was established, emissions in this country have fallen by nearly 50%, and we have also grown the economy by two thirds—although I know the SNP Government are not as focused on that as we are. At the same time, because of the way in which we regulate new and renewable energies, we have seen the price of renewables such as offshore wind decline from £140 an hour to about £40. That shows a regulatory system that is working in delivering lower-cost, renewable energy to British families.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address the specific request for a review of Drax's subsidy and policy alignment with climate goals
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q28 Direct Answer
Alberto Costa Con
South Leicestershire
Context
The Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill seeks to mandate microfibre and microplastic filters in washing machines, with France having already implemented such legislation.
Plastic pollution is a scourge of modern-day society. My Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill—a ten-minute rule Bill—seeks to ensure that microfibre, microplastic filters are fitted in all commercial and domestic washing machines, and France, among other countries, has already passed such legislation. Will the Prime Minister, who has already done an enormous amount to tackle plastic pollution, organise a meeting between me and the stakeholders—particularly washing machine manufacturers—and the Secretary of State to discuss this very important issue?
We want to tackle microplastic pollution wherever possible, which is why we introduced a microbeads ban and a tax on plastic bags. I am aware that my hon. Friend has campaigned for filters in washing machines, but, as he will know, they can be costly to install. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has outlined plans for the use of more filters, but I will ensure that my hon. Friend gets the meeting he needs with the relevant Minister to discuss this important matter further.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q29 Partial Answer
Stephen Morgan Lab
Portsmouth South
Context
The government has missed targets on teacher recruitment, housing pledges, and now the GP target of recruiting an additional 6,000 GPs.
The ditching of the Government's pledge to recruit 6,000 more GPs is yet another example of the Tories' overpromising and underdelivering. With teacher recruitment targets missed and housing pledges shelved, why does the Prime Minister think that the only target he has actually met was the loss of 1,000 Tory councillors last week?
Perhaps the hon. Gentleman can tell us which of the many promises that the Leader of the Opposition made to him when he was campaigning he is happiest that he has U-turned on.
Assessment & feedback
Criticising The Opposition
Response accuracy
Q30 Partial Answer
John Hayes Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Context
Lincolnshire's roads are critical for food transportation, but highway authorities struggle with inadequate local government and police funding.
It is through Lincolnshire's roads that foodstuffs grown in our fine county are transported across the nation, but the highways authority struggles to fund the roads because of the skewed funding formula devised by a previous Labour Government. So many of our public services suffer in the same way, policing included. Will the Prime Minister agree to review the local government and police funding formulas as a matter of urgency so that Lincolnshire can have a fair deal?
My right hon. Friend is entirely right to stand up for the particular needs of his rural community. Like him, I recognise that the costs of providing services are often higher in rural areas, and it is right for us to reflect that in funding formulas where we can do so, but I will ensure that he, too, gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss this important matter further.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not specify an urgent review of the funding formula but committed to further discussion.
Promising A Future Meeting
Response accuracy
Q31 Partial Answer
Context
A total of £887,000 worth of prepayment meter vouchers remain unclaimed in Alison's constituency and over £16.5 million across Scotland.
A total of 13,450 prepayment meter vouchers with a value of over more than £887,000 have gone unclaimed in my constituency, while £16.5 million is unclaimed across Scotland. The Prime Minister's energy bills support scheme is failing if money that could be helping our vulnerable constituents is resting in his Government's account. I recall that he is not very familiar with the way in which prepayment meters work, but what will he do to ensure that every single penny goes out of the Government's coffers and into the meters of those who really need it?
I am grateful that the hon. Lady, for a change, acknowledged the support that the Government are providing to families up and down the country. In designing those schemes, particular attention was given to how to get support to people with prepayment meters. Ministers are always engaged with stakeholders to make sure that there is awareness of those schemes, and I will make sure that we keep up those efforts so that people get the help that they need and deserve.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not commit to specific actions beyond general stakeholder engagement.
Acknowledging Support But No Concrete Plan
Response accuracy
Q32 Direct Answer
Context
The Labour party voted to increase Morecambe Town Council expenditure from £200,000 historically to £2 million.
It is very interesting that the Leader of the Opposition talks about keeping council tax low, when the Labour party voted to increase Morecambe Town Council expenditure from £200,000 historically to £2 million. On that basis, I would like to meet the Prime Minister to see if we can find Government time to discuss a cap on parish councils to stop them from this sort of abhorrent behaviour.
My hon. Friend is right to highlight that council tax in Labour areas is higher than that in Conservative areas, which is not right at a time when there are pressures on the cost of living. I look forward to meeting him to discuss his plans to keep British families' household bills as low as they can be.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q33 Partial Answer
Context
Dozens of Sudanese doctors working in the NHS were stranded, with the Prime Minister taking a direct role in their return.
Dozens of Sudanese doctors, who have been working in the NHS, were stranded and not allowed to return here. Last week, the Minister for Development and Africa, the right hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr Mitchell), told us here that the Prime Minister took the decision to get them back. Why had such a straightforward decision not been made much earlier by the Home Secretary or the Foreign Secretary? Is it because the Prime Minister is an obsessive micromanager? Or is it that his Ministers are just not up to the job? Which one is it, Prime Minister?
The right hon. Gentleman is completely wrong to describe as straightforward a complex and dangerous evacuation in a war zone. Actually, everyone involved deserves enormous credit for conducting what was the longest and largest evacuation from Sudan by any western country. During that process, it was right that we moved deliberately and carefully, to ensure the security of everyone involved and to prioritise British nationals and their dependants. Now that the operation is complete, we can look back and thank everyone for what was an incredibly successful operation.
Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address why he personally intervened earlier but defended the process of the evacuation.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q34 Direct Answer
Luke Evans Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Context
Since 2010, violent crime has dropped by 38% and neighbourhood crime by over 50%, but fraud cases have risen. Many constituents struggle with the impact of fraud.
Since 2010, violent crime has dropped by 38% and neighbourhood crime has dropped by over 50%, but one crime that has gone up is fraud. Many of us have dealt with constituents who have struggled with fraud. What is the Prime Minister going to do about it?
Some 40% of all crime is now fraud, damaging people's wellbeing and finances. The Home Secretary and I recently launched a new plan with significant investment, hundreds of new officers, and action on social media companies to tackle fraud.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q35 Partial Answer
Context
A 16-year-old boy was charged with the murder of Renell Charles, a 16-year-old with potential who was killed in Walthamstow. The family is heartbroken.
On Friday, a young man with brilliant potential, Renell Charles, who was 16, was brutally murdered on his way out of school in Walthamstow, in my constituency. Yesterday, a 16-year-old boy was charged with his murder. Renell's family are heartbroken—
The House expresses sympathies and condolences for Renell Charles's murder. Knife crime has fallen by almost 10% and serious youth violence by 24% in the last few years, thanks to giving police powers like stop and search and confiscating around 90,000 weapons.
Assessment & feedback
The specific measures for tackling youth violence and ensuring street safety were not fully detailed.
Response accuracy