Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The household support fund will be closed in March, affecting 12,000 children from low-income families in Rotherham.
I am concerned about the Government's decision to close the Household Support Fund this month. With the cost of living crisis ongoing and energy prices set to increase again, how can you justify taking food away from my poorest children?
We are ensuring no child grows up in poverty. We have provided cost of living support worth over £3,000 to a typical household this year, increased the national living wage and uplifted welfare for the next financial year. The government also funds free school meals for nearly 2 million children and introduced the holiday activities and food programme.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about closing the Household Support Fund, but the answer did not address this directly.
Provided Other Forms Of Support Instead
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Cuckooing involves criminals taking over homes to sell drugs or facilitate prostitution, targeting the vulnerable. It has occurred in Eastbourne and other places.
I am worried about cuckooing, where criminals target vulnerable individuals for drug sales and exploitation. It is not an offence but should be; it was not mentioned in the Criminal Justice Bill we debated last week. Will you meet me to discuss this issue further?
I agree that cuckooing is abhorrent and preys on vulnerable individuals. The Government engaged stakeholders about whether a new offence was necessary but concluded existing powers can be used effectively.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for a specific meeting to discuss the issue, but the answer did not confirm this.
Acknowledged The Issue But Avoided Committing
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Q3
Partial Answer
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The Prime Minister has sent three Home Secretaries to Rwanda under the asylum deal, which is not working.
If the purpose of the Rwanda scheme was to solve a political headache, it has been successful by sending three Home Secretaries there. Apart from Cabinet members, how many people has the Prime Minister sent to Rwanda?
We will do everything it takes to get this scheme working and stop boats. We have signed a new treaty with Rwanda which addresses previous concerns raised.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about the number of people sent, but the answer shifted to defending the scheme's effectiveness.
Changed Subject To Scheme Effectiveness
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Q4
Partial Answer
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The deal claimed to settle tens of thousands, then was whittled down to mere hundreds, now capped at 100. Article 19 suggests UK will resettle Rwandan refugees.
When the Government announced this scheme, they said it would settle tens of thousands but now admit only 100 are settled under a treaty that allows for resettlement from Rwanda to the UK. How many refugees from Rwanda will be coming here?
Madam Deputy Speaker, there is no incremental money for this scheme and it is about addressing legal concerns raised by the Supreme Court.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about numbers of refugees coming to the UK from Rwanda, but the answer did not provide a number.
Changed Subject To Funding And Legal Issues
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Q5
Partial Answer
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The deal was capped at Rwanda's capacity of 100, with the option for them to turn people away. The treaty also requires us to take refugees from Rwanda.
Migration has tripled under this Prime Minister's watch and he is making up numbers about Labour. Article 4 caps the scheme at 100; Article 5 allows Rwanda to turn asylum seekers away, and Article 19 obligates UK to take Rwandan refugees. How much did this deal cost?
There is no incremental money for the scheme; it addresses legal concerns raised by the Supreme Court and does not require additional funding.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about cost, but the answer did not provide a specific figure.
Stated No Incremental Money Without Providing A Total
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Q6
Partial Answer
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The question follows a debate on the UK-Rwanda asylum agreement. It refers to an annex in a document stating additional costs for accommodation and upkeep of asylum seekers sent to Rwanda.
I am concerned about Annex A which states that, apart from £140 million already provided to Rwanda, there will be further costs including accommodation and upkeep for five years if we send people there. Additionally, it was admitted this morning that anyone we send to Rwanda who commits a crime can be returned to us. Why does the Prime Minister think Mr Kagame agreed to hundreds of millions of pounds without providing any benefit?
The simple point is that if you believe in stopping the boats, as we on this side of the House do, you need to have effective deterrence and a returns agreement. The right hon. and learned Gentleman does not want to stop the boats and therefore does not support the Rwanda plan.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address why President Kagame agreed without any apparent benefit.
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Q7
Partial Answer
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The question refers to a previous debate on the UK-Rwanda asylum deal, suggesting that it is more about political gimmicks than practical solutions.
This treaty with Rwanda has significant flaws and appears like a political gimmick. The Prime Minister's repeated visits have led Rwandan authorities to anticipate further financial benefits without fulfilling any obligations. How does the Prime Minister justify this?
The right hon. and learned Gentleman is not interested in stopping boats, which is why he opposes the Rwanda plan. His shadow team even opposed deporting foreign national offenders from this country.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not explain how the deal justifies its purpose beyond political opposition.
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Q8
Partial Answer
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The question references the Home Office admitting to housing over 17,000 people in the asylum system without proper accommodation.
The Home Office recently admitted that 17,000 people are in the asylum system without adequate support. Why does the Prime Minister continue to defend a flawed policy that harms asylum seekers?
The right hon. and learned Gentleman used to describe the Rwanda policy as immoral, yet his team wears 'Visit Rwanda' badges. On economics, we are delivering tax cuts for millions while addressing migration control.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address issues with asylum seeker accommodation or defend the Rwanda plan's flaws.
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Q9
Direct Answer
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The question highlights roadworks causing significant traffic jams, often over weekends. There is a campaign to name and shame contractors breaching rules.
Contractors are frequently causing traffic jams due to excessive or unnecessary roadworks, sometimes using emergency powers inappropriately. The maximum penalty for such breaches is an £80 fine. Will the Prime Minister support better enforcement and higher fines?
My hon. Friend, we have allocated £8 billion to improve roads through HS2 plans. We are also introducing measures to reduce congestion from roadworks and propose higher fines for non-compliance.
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Q10
Partial Answer
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The question draws parallels between current Conservative leadership and Thatcherism, questioning the Prime Minister's electoral prospects.
As a fellow Thatcherite, is the Prime Minister worried about losing an election to another conservative leader? Also, how does he justify migration policies that contradict previous support for economic immigration?
Margaret Thatcher's view was to cut inflation then taxes before winning elections, which is my current plan. We welcome the most vulnerable but must also curb high levels of economic migration.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address concerns about electoral loss or fully justify restrictive policies.
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Q11
Partial Answer
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The question criticizes the government's approach to economic migration, suggesting it contradicts previous support for immigration benefits.
Why is it acceptable to ask people to care for our family members while disregarding theirs? How can you justify policies that contradict the positive impact of migration on communities?
We welcome those most vulnerable and have a proud track record. However, we must also take strong action to curb unsustainable levels of economic migration.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not fully justify restrictive policies in light of their positive impact on communities.
Response accuracy
Q12
Direct Answer
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Dorset Council is facing a potential decrease in funding per hour, raising concerns among local preschools about sustainability.
I welcome the Government's significant funding increase for two-year-olds' pre-schooling in 2023. However, the illustrative 2024-25 Department for Education funding to Dorset Council for two-year-olds' pre-schooling looks to be a net 17p per hour less than it is today, and that is giving West Dorset preschools some nervousness about their sustainability. Will my right hon. Friend support me to ensure that educational funding formulas will take into account the challenges of rural living and allow excellent preschools to continue?
In a couple of years' time, we will have increased spending to over £8 billion every year on free hours and early education, which will help working families with childcare costs; indeed, it is the single biggest investment in childcare in England ever. But my hon. Friend makes an excellent point, and that is why we will ensure that there is a discretionary supplement in the local authorities' local funding formula for rural communities to account for the smaller economies of scale, so that they can continue to deliver their vital work.
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Q13
Partial Answer
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The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee has called for a review of the Good Friday agreement to address structural weaknesses.
Nine months on from the Windsor framework, I thank the Prime Minister for his ongoing efforts to restore the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive. However, if and when the institutions are restored, they will still be plagued by the same structural weaknesses that have seen repeated collapses and unfairness on things such as designations. This week, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee published a report calling for a review of the Good Friday agreement. Many architects of the agreement, such as Tony Blair, John Major and Bertie Ahern, have recognised the case for reform. Will the Prime Minister commit to an early review of the agreement to improve its stability, effectiveness and fairness?
I recognise the hon. Member's campaigning on this issue and I have great respect for his position. Indeed, we have spoken on a number of occasions both here and on my visits to Northern Ireland. My focus right now is on getting the institutions up and running, and my overarching priority is to get public services in Northern Ireland back on track, which I know is an ambition that he and I share. Any reform of institutions is best dealt with with the support of all parts of the community.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to review
Focus Right Now
Best Dealt With
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Q14
Direct Answer
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Men's health issues, including suicide rates and prison statistics, are highlighted.
Yesterday, 13 men died by suicide; today, 88 men will die of heart disease; tomorrow, and every day, 90,000 men will wake up in prison; and today we have 2.2 million boys living at home with no dad. Thankfully, we have an excellent Cabinet Minister for women, and an excellent Minister for Women. Will the Prime Minister meet me to discuss the merits of a Minister for men and boys? As Warren Farrell has said, when one sex loses, “both sexes lose”.
My hon. Friend should be commended for his tireless campaigning on this issue. He is particularly right to focus on suicide, and I am grateful for his engagement with the suicide prevention strategy, which sets out the actions that we will take to reduce suicides in the coming years. It was thanks in part to his campaigning that on International Men's Day we announced that we are appointing the first men's health ambassador and launching a men's health taskforce.
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Q15
Direct Answer
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West Yorkshire has seen a significant increase in crime, including rape cases not reaching court.
Convicted criminals are being held in police station cells across West Yorkshire because the Government have completely failed to deliver more prison places. Two thirds of prisons are overcrowded, criminals are let out early—if sentenced at all—only 2% of rapists reach court, serious violence is up by 60%, knife crime is up by 70%, and nearly 65,000 cases are waiting to be heard. How can the Prime Minister reassure the residents of Wakefield that they are safe on our streets?
We have a clear plan to protect victims, punish criminals and cut crime. We are in fact investing £400 million more in prison places on top of the £4 billion that I announced as Chancellor, which is delivering 20,000 new cells. We are also making sure that rapists serve every day of their sentences and ensuring that life means life for the worst offenders—something that I hope the Labour party will be supporting soon.
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Q16
Direct Answer
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Charity It's Never You aims to support parents of terminally ill children.
My constituents Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis, who are in the Public Gallery, lost their son after a long battle with cancer, during which they visited him in hospital every day. They have set up a charity called It's Never You to help parents in that situation, and on Monday I intend to present a Bill that will ask the Government to report on what support can be given to those parents. I hope the Prime Minister might ask Ministers to discuss that with me so that we can find a way forward to help parents in that dreadful situation.
May I express my sympathies to my right hon. and learned Friend's constituents for what they have been through, and commend them for setting up the It's Never You charity? I will ensure that he and the organisers get the appropriate meeting with the Minister to discuss its important work.
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Q17
Partial Answer
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Energy prices are expected to remain high, leading to ongoing fuel poverty issues.
One in five of my residents lives in fuel poverty and, according to Cornwall Insight, this winter looks to be the most brutal yet, with the current trajectory in energy prices expected to be the new norm for the rest of the decade. As the Prime Minister will know, one of the best ways to support households is through the introduction of a social tariff. He promised a consultation by summer this year, but we are still waiting. When will the consultation be released?
We have also provided considerable support in the here and now for households with their energy bills: £900 of direct cost of living support this financial year on top of a record increase in benefits, along with winter fuel payments of up to £300 this winter for pensioners, because they are particularly vulnerable. We will continue to look at all the support we have to ensure that those who need it are getting the help they deserve.
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Assessment & feedback
Timing of consultation release
Providing Considerable Support
Here And Now
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Q18
Partial Answer
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South West Bedfordshire has the tallest wind turbine in England, largest battery in Europe, and most powerful wind turbine. Question asks about cheaper energy bills for locals.
During COP28, will you recognise South West Bedfordshire's contribution to energy security with these installations? Can we ensure my constituents get cheaper energy bills for hosting such infrastructure?
We are examining how local communities can benefit when new energy infrastructure is nearby, as part of our plan to increase energy security. I commend South West Bedfordshire's contribution to the UK's clean energy transition and decarbonisation efforts.
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Assessment & feedback
Ensuring constituents get cheaper energy bills
We Are Looking At How Local Communities Can Benefit
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Q19
Partial Answer
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Government failed to publish a spiking report by April, citing reconsideration of rationale for not introducing a specific spiking offence.
Will the Prime Minister clarify when and if the spiking report will be published? Does he agree that creating a specific criminal offence for spiking is necessary?
This issue has been reviewed by legal police colleagues. My understanding is that existing laws cover spiking offences. I will ensure the hon. Lady gets a letter explaining this position.
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Assessment & feedback
Creating a specific criminal offence for spiking
Existing Laws Cover Spiking
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Q20
Partial Answer
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Eastleigh Borough Council has a £670 million debt, recently refinanced a failed housing project for £148 million without building houses.
Will the Prime Minister ask the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to investigate Eastleigh Borough Council's financial decisions? May I meet with the relevant minister?
We have measures in place to prevent excessive local authority borrowing risks. My hon. Friend's concerns will be raised with the relevant Minister.
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Assessment & feedback
Investigation of Eastleigh Borough Council's financial practices
Measures To Prevent Excessive Borrowing
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Q21
Partial Answer
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13% of North Tynesiders are in fuel poverty, with legacy prepayment meters in 3,000 homes; poor energy efficiency ranking.
With no new funding announced by the Chancellor this winter and high fuel prices, what Christmas message does the Prime Minister have for constituents facing freezing conditions?
We provided substantial support to vulnerable families this year and winter, including energy efficiency programmes like the home upgrade scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
Christmas message for constituents in fuel poverty
Substantial Support Given
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Q22
Partial Answer
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International Criminal Court prosecutor concluded a visit to Israel and Palestine, stating that law must protect all.
What support will Britain offer the ICC to conduct investigations of all parties' actions in Israel, Gaza, and West Bank before and since 7 October?
We are a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court. All parties must respect international humanitarian law to avoid harming civilians.
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Specific UK support for ICC investigation
Strong Support But No Specifics
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Q23
Partial Answer
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TV licence fee is due to rise in April; concerns over rising childcare costs and BBC staffing issues.
With ongoing financial pressures, is it the right time for an increase in the £3.7 billion licence fee budget?
We have agreed a settlement with the BBC to freeze the licence fee until 2024. The BBC needs to be realistic about affordability.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timing of TV Licence Fee increase
Freeze Until 2024 But Considering Affordability
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Q24
Partial Answer
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Longton, the largest town in constituency, has not benefited from future high street funding or town deals.
Will my right hon. Friend ensure that Longton can have some investment from Government? Does he agree with investing part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund award?
My hon. Friend champions his local community well. The Department will take concerns about investment seriously.
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Assessment & feedback
Investment in Longton and heritage fund usage
Takes Concerns Seriously But No Specifics
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Q25
Partial Answer
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The MP highlighted sewage in local water bodies and criticised the government's lack of action on regulating water companies.
Why has the Prime Minister not backed Labour's plans for criminal liability for water company bosses who fail to clean up their act?
We have already brought in regulations that ensure there can be unlimited fines for water companies, and there have been dozens of criminal prosecutions. When we had a debate on exactly this plan, the Labour party did not show up to vote.
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Assessment & feedback
Criminal liability plans
Labour'S Absence In Voting
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Q26
Direct Answer
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The MP expressed gratitude for NHS staff and highlighted their work in accident and emergency units.
Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking our superb NHS staff in Bracknell, across Berkshire, Basingstoke and Frimley Park Hospitals?
NHS staff are at the heart of what makes our health service work. Without their skill, expertise and dedication there would not be an NHS. I was delighted to pay them my thanks last week.
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Q27
Partial Answer
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The MP highlighted the long delay in the government's response to the Hillsborough report and requested a full Hillsborough law.
When will the Government introduce not just a voluntary charter, an independent public advocate or a code of ethical policing, but a full Hillsborough law?
I am profoundly sorry for what the Hillsborough families have been through and my right hon. Friend the Justice Secretary will be making a full statement immediately after PMQs.
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Assessment & feedback
Introducing a full law
Justice Secretary'S Statement
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Q28
Direct Answer
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The MP criticised planned strikes by junior doctors during the festive period and asked about preventing these strikes.
What concrete steps is the Prime Minister taking to prevent the strikes, and will he bring forward minimum service legislation?
The Government have reached settlements with every other part of the public sector. We are grateful for constructive engagement from consultants and condemn the planned strike action by junior doctors. Minimum service levels have been introduced to ensure a safe level of care.
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Q29
Partial Answer
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The MP highlighted a constituent's struggle with the universal credit system, leading to financial and housing difficulties.
Does the Prime Minister realise the real consequences for real people of this broken system?
I am sorry about the circumstances and will ensure support is in place. Universal credit was implemented due to actions by my right hon. Friend, allowing support during the pandemic. It was opposed at every step by Labour.
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Assessment & feedback
Acknowledging consequences without specific action
Universal Credit Implementation History
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Q30
Direct Answer
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The MP requested the Prime Minister's support in highlighting local projects such as the Llanymynech-Pant bypass.
Will the Prime Minister join me in highlighting my right hon. Friend's work with the Famers Union of Wales?
My hon. Friend is an excellent campaigner for his constituents and we are delivering important projects such as the Llanymynech-Pant bypass. Today is officially Montgomeryshire Day.
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Q31
Partial Answer
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A constituent in Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare was attacked in a serious incident. The question raises concerns about the UK's declining global influence under the current Prime Minister due to climate failures.
I beg your indulgence briefly, Madam Deputy Speaker, to wish my constituent who was attacked in yesterday's serious incident in Aberfan a speedy recovery. I thank the emergency services and school staff for their swift and professional response. Britain is getting smaller on the world stage on this Prime Minister's watch. His climate failures mean that our children and grandchildren will bear the brunt of the costs. His plans are undermining Britain's energy security and bills are still sky high for working families, yet he is hiking the tax burden and real living standards are falling by more than 3%. Tinkering with a reset just does not compensate for 13 years of failure, does it, Prime Minister?
First, can I say that my thoughts are with the victim and her family after the awful incident that took place on the streets of Aberfan? We wish them a full and speedy recovery, and I join the hon. Gentleman in thanking the emergency services for their immediate response. The hon. Gentleman talked about leaving our children and grandchildren with costs. He is right to raise that because it is important that we do not do that. The question, then, for him and the Labour party is: why do they want to embark on a green borrowing spree of £28 billion a year that will just mean higher taxes for our children and grandchildren and higher mortgage rates? It is the same old story: reckless borrowing and the British people paying the price.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issues related to climate change, energy security, high bills, and tax hikes were not directly addressed.
Redirecting Blame Onto Labour Party
Response accuracy