PMQs 2023-05-17

2023-05-17

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Cat Smith Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Context
The Royal Lancaster Infirmary is a 130-year-old hospital facing funding delays for modernisation. The government promised 40 new hospitals but the funding has been delayed four times.
The Royal Lancaster Infirmary, a 130-year-old crumbling hospital, was meant to be one of the Government's 40 new hospitals. However, the funding announcement has been delayed four times already. Can the Deputy Prime Minister reassure my constituents that this is not going to be another broken Tory promise?
I can absolutely assure the hon. Lady that we remain fully committed to those 40 hospitals from our manifesto. Indeed, we have already provided £3.9 billion-worth of initial capital.
Assessment & feedback
The Deputy Prime Minister did not address whether there would be further delays in funding for the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
Reassurance Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
The Hon. Member raised concerns about Amazon's facilitation of the sale of counterfeit postage stamps from China, which are virtually indistinguishable except for lacking barcodes.
I have a serious matter affecting every constituency to bring to my right hon. Friend's attention. Amazon has been facilitating the sale of counterfeit postage stamps from China, which are virtually perfect except for the barcode. I have contacted the National Crime Agency and National Trading Standards, and I am afraid that I have received woeful responses. I have now sent my concerns to the Serious Fraud Office and the City of London police's economic crime unit. Amazon is patently facilitating remittances of illegally gotten cash, and I believe this is in contravention of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981. Will he assist me in taking this further?
May I pay tribute to my hon. Friend? I know how hard he has been campaigning on this important issue. The Home Secretary will have heard his remarks. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill will put duties on those platforms. Ultimately, if fraud is being perpetrated, the police should take action.
Assessment & feedback
The Deputy Prime Minister did not provide any concrete steps or commitments to address the specific issue of counterfeit postage stamps sold on Amazon.
Acknowledges Importance Redirects To Other Initiatives
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
After losing 300 Conservative seats at last year's local elections, the right hon. Gentleman resigned saying “someone must take responsibility”. After another 1,000 more Conservative councillors have been given the boot by voters, he is asked who should be responsible now.
It is a pleasure to welcome yet another Deputy Prime Minister to the Dispatch Box—the third deputy I have faced in three years. You know what they say: the third time's a charm. I am also pleased to note that the Prime Minister has a working-class friend—finally.
I seem to remember that, after the loss of 300 Conservative seats at last year's local elections, the right hon. Gentleman resigned, saying “someone must take responsibility”. After 1,000 more Conservative councillors have been given the boot by voters, who does he think is responsible now?
In the spirit of the right hon. Lady's opening remarks, can I just say it really is a pleasure to see her here today? I was, though, expecting to face the Labour leader's choice for the next Deputy Prime Minister if they win the election, so I am surprised that the Liberal Democrat leader is not taking questions today.
Mr Speaker, you will forgive me if I take the right hon. Lady's predictions with a pinch of salt.
Assessment & feedback
The Deputy Prime Minister did not address who should be responsible for the loss of over 1,300 Conservative seats in local elections.
Redirects To Opposing Party
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The hon. Member for Devizes blamed the country's problems on a “new religion”. The hon. Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge criticised “woke” teaching for causing self-harm and suicide among young people. The right hon. Member for North East Somerset identified voter ID as contributing to gerrymandering.
It is absolutely amazing that while the Labour party is preparing to govern with a Labour majority, the right hon. Gentleman's party is starting to prepare for Opposition. This week, at the National Conservative conference, the hon. Member for Devizes (Danny Kruger) blamed the country's problems on a “new religion”. He even hit out at the “dystopian fantasy of John Lennon”. The hon. Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Miriam Cates) identified falling birthing rates as the “overarching threat” to the UK. She criticised “woke” teaching for “destroying…children's souls”, causing self-harm and suicide among young people. And the right hon. Member for North East Somerset (Mr Rees-Mogg) really let the cat out of the bag when he said:
“Parties that try and gerrymander end up finding their clever schemes come back to bite them, as dare I say we found when insisting on voter ID”.
The Deputy Prime Minister, while working in No.10, said he had to listen to the radio every morning to find out what was really going on in the country. Apparently, he was “surprised” on a daily basis by what he learned and most of his time was spent on “day-to-day crisis management”. Eleven years on, nothing has changed.
I am not quite sure what the question was there. If the right hon. Lady wants to talk about that sort of thing, we all know what is going on with her and her leader. It is all lovey-dovey on the surface. They turn it on for the cameras, but as soon as they are off it is a different story—they are at each other's throats. They are the Phil and Holly of British politics.
Assessment & feedback
The Deputy Prime Minister did not address whether statements made at the Conservative party conference accurately reflect current issues in the country.
Criticises Questioner
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The Prime Minister pledged that by March NHS waiting lists would fall. It is now May and the number of people on waiting lists has not decreased.
The reality is that after 13 years of Tory rule, they are still lurching from crisis to crisis and wallowing in their own mess. They cannot solve the crisis, because they are the crisis. The right hon. Member should take more note of what is happening at his conferences in his party before trying to make up what is happening in mine.
The Prime Minister pledged that by March NHS waiting lists would fall. It is now May. Can the Deputy Prime Minister tell us whether, since the Prime Minister made that pledge, the number of people on waiting lists is higher or lower?
We are making good progress, for example with two-year waiting lists, but the right hon. Lady seems to forget a crucial fact. The United Kingdom experienced an unprecedented pandemic. Right before covid, GP satisfaction was high, delayed discharges were halved and ambulance targets were being met. She knows that right now in Labour-run Wales exactly the same challenges are being faced. The difference between us is that on the Government side of the House we have a plan to fix it, while she is too busy playing petty politics.
Assessment & feedback
The Deputy Prime Minister did not directly answer whether NHS waiting lists were higher or lower since the pledge was made.
Redirects To Pandemic Impacts
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
Even before the pandemic, waiting lists were going up. The Prime Minister has his own private GP and does not seem to understand the urgency of reducing NHS waiting times.
Even before the pandemic waiting lists were going up, so it does not wash that this Government, after 13 years in power, are blaming everybody but themselves for what people are having to put up with. The right hon. Gentleman appears to be claiming that 11,000 patients waiting more than 18 months is an achievement. The last Labour Government reduced waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks. He can come back to me when he has achieved that. The fact is that waiting lists are longer than when the Prime Minister made his pledge five months ago. The number of people in England waiting to start hospital treatment is the highest since records began—7.3 million patients left waiting.
I know the Prime Minister has his own private GP, so maybe he does not appreciate the urgency, but he has left people like my constituent Carol waiting over a year for an urgent appointment, moved from waiting list to waiting list, with appointments cancelled again and again. If not now, when will waiting lists—
I gently say to the right hon. Lady, if she cares that much about access to our healthcare, why does she oppose our minimum service levels? They will provide emergency services with vital cover during healthcare strikes. Does she not think that vulnerable patients deserve that level of care, or is she too weak to stand up to her union paymasters?
Assessment & feedback
The Deputy Prime Minister did not address when NHS waiting lists would be reduced.
Redirects To Opposing Stance
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
Sir Michael Marmot's review stated that child poverty is worsening under the current government, with over a quarter of children living in poverty last year. The Labour Government had aimed to reduce child poverty by one million.
I am concerned about the increase in child poverty under the Tories since they abolished the child poverty unit and target. Can he tell us what level of poverty he considers acceptable?
I will proudly defend our record in office: crime down 50%; near record levels of employment; and a record minimum wage. What is the Labour party's record? Four general election defeats; 30 promises already broken; and one leader who let antisemitism run wild.
Assessment & feedback
Definition of acceptable child poverty level
Redirecting To Opposition'S Record Personal Attack
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The Tory government is criticised for reversing Labour's progress on reducing child poverty, leading to a rise in child poverty rates.
After 13 years of Tory rule, the number of children living in poverty has increased. The Tories are focusing on vested interests and not addressing real problems. When will they stop blaming others and acknowledge their failures?
I say to the right hon. Lady that this comprehensive school boy will not take any lectures from the Opposition party about the lives of working people.
Assessment & feedback
Acknowledging Tory failures
Personal Attack Dismissive Tone
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
Context
Councillor Gillian Lemmon from Hilton ward in South Derbyshire died during the election count. The election results have been invalidated.
I wish to convey condolences for Councillor Gillian Lemmon, who tragically passed away at age 52 during the election count, necessitating a voided election result. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that voting again on June 15 will honour her memory?
May I extend my deepest sympathies on behalf of the Government Benches and the Conservative party to Councillor Gillian Lemmon's family? Like my hon. Friend, I hope that the people of Hilton ward will reflect on this by voting for Conservative candidates at the forthcoming election.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
Brexit has led to higher food prices, labour shortages, economic shrinkage, and a decline in living standards.
The Deputy Prime Minister's blog in 2016 promised to provide all available facts regarding Brexit. However, today's reality shows negative impacts on food prices, employment, and the economy. Why is he ignoring these facts?
We have one of the fastest growth rates in the whole of the G7. In fairness, we all know the policy of the SNP: this weekend, an SNP spokesperson said that we need “to undo Brexit”. If I were them, I would start by undoing the mess they have left Scotland in and start working with the United Kingdom Government.
Assessment & feedback
Impact of Brexit on living standards
Redirecting To Snp'S Stance Contrasting Growth Rates
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
The Labour party is criticised for supporting Brexit, while the SNP advocates undoing it.
Despite acknowledging the negative impacts of Brexit, even Nigel Farage admits its failure. Why can't the Deputy Prime Minister do the same?
One of the best ways to get behind industry in this country is to get behind the trade deals that we are striking with many countries around the world, which the SNP has singularly failed to oppose. I see that last week the SNP promised to build a new Scotland.
Assessment & feedback
Admitting Brexit's failure
Redirecting To Snp'S Promises Contrasting Support For Trade Deals
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Esther McVey Con
Tatton
Context
There is a problem with Travellers pitching on private land and causing disturbances, particularly at Parkgate Industrial Estate.
My constituency faces issues with illegal encampments that disrupt communities. The police either lack powers or fail to use them effectively. Will the Deputy Prime Minister ensure that Cheshire Police have sufficient powers and will they be used?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the misery caused by unauthorised encampments. I understand that Home Office officials regularly liaise with the National Police Chiefs' Council on this, but my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will have heard my right hon. Friend's representations and I trust she will act on those.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions by Cheshire Police
Referencing Ongoing Liaison With National Police Chiefs' Council
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
Unionists in Northern Ireland are concerned about their ability to trade freely within the United Kingdom due to ongoing EU law application on manufacturing goods.
I am concerned about Unionists' worries regarding our capacity to trade freely within the UK, given the continued application of EU law on manufacturing goods in Northern Ireland. There are proposals for a future border operating model that could create further barriers to trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Will you assure me that the Government will legislate to protect Northern Ireland's ability to trade freely within and with the rest of the United Kingdom?
We have already shown willingness to legislate to protect Northern Ireland's place within the Union, and we are committed to providing exactly the protections regarding its unfettered access to the whole United Kingdom market. We stand ready to work with representatives across Unionism to strengthen our precious Union.
Assessment & feedback
Specific legislative details or timeline not provided
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
The Liberal Democrat-run council has shut down public loos, leaving young women without safe spaces and at risk of sexual assault.
I pay tribute to the volunteers who work every weekend under all weather conditions. However, it is a disgrace that the Liberal Democrat-run council closed town centre toilets, putting young women at risk when seeking secluded areas for safety reasons due to lack of single-sex spaces. Will my right hon. Friend join me in calling for immediate reopening of these facilities?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue and join her in thanking volunteers, but I am afraid that such actions from a Liberal Democrat-run council are expected. We support her efforts to make these views known to the Guildford Borough Council.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address call for immediate reopening of public toilets
Criticising Opposition Party
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
Food prices have risen by more than 19% in the last year, infant formula up by 45%, gas by 129%, and electricity by 67%. Many people are borrowing more money than before. Car manufacturers threaten to move production abroad.
My constituents struggle with bills and food costs due to high inflation rates across various goods including food and utilities, as well as the threat of economic loss from car manufacturing moving out of the country. The Office for Budget Responsibility says that £100 billion has been lost permanently from the economy. Wages are falling behind basic living expenses. Does the Deputy Prime Minister believe his Government's Brexit approach benefits people?
I do believe that our strong United Kingdom allows us to afford interventions such as cost of living support, funded by a 75% windfall tax on oil and gas companies. This supports families with more than £3,300 per household.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether the Brexit approach benefits people
General Statement
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Context
£312 million was secured for A&E modernisation but remains unspent and construction has not started, causing concerns about local NHS trust management.
In 2016 we received over £300 million for A&E services modernisation in Shropshire. Six years later, the money hasn't been spent and no construction began. This leads to serious concern about our local NHS trust managers' quality. What can my right hon. Friend do to ensure this £312 million is finally used to improve A&E services?
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend and know his constituents are anxious for building work to start soon. The Department of Health and Social Care works closely with NHS England and the trust to support scheme development. Plans will be submitted by the trust in coming months, and we will review them promptly.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific actions or timelines for spending £312 million
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Marsha de Cordova Lab
Battersea
Context
Leaseholders in Battersea face an outdated and unfair leasehold system. The Secretary of State previously promised to abolish the leasehold system, but now it is no longer the case.
Leaseholders are trapped in an outdated and unfair system. Despite promises from the Government to maintain commitment and bring forward legislation soon, they scrapped plans to end this system. Why did the Government break their promise?
I assure the House and the hon. Lady that we are committed to reforming the system, giving homeowners more control and cheaper access to leasehold renewal, including a 990-year extension with zero ground rent. Further reforms will be set out later in Parliament.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address why plans were scrapped
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Desmond Swayne Con
New Forest West
Context
Settled EU citizens equal the number of voters in Wales, but no clear reason is provided for why this should be extended.
What would be a justification for including settled EU citizens as potential voters with an electorate equivalent to Wales?
I think my right hon. Friend refers to Labour's plans, quite interestingly while we push smuggling gangs legislation, Labour proposes giving foreign nationals a say in our elections. While Conservatives stop boats, Labour rigs votes.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address justifying voting rights extension
Criticising Opposition Party
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Matt Western Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Context
The public is concerned about the Prime Minister's travel expenses, such as being airlifted to a pharmacy and flying by private jet while rail commuters face cancellations.
I was concerned when I read that the Prime Minister had to be flown to a Southampton pharmacy. Several weeks earlier he flew from Lancashire to Yorkshire by private jet. Meanwhile, angry rail commuters suffer from service reductions and longer journey times due to operator cuts. The public thinks the PM is out of touch; they are right?
It is extraordinary to receive lectures from Labour about railways when a train drivers' union head sits on their national executive committee and was described as “one of us” by Angela Rayner. No wonder they won't stand up to militant rail unions; it literally drives their policies.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether the PM is out of touch with public concerns
Criticising Opposition Party
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Context
The Teesworks regeneration project is facing criticism from opposition members, specifically the hon. Member for Middlesbrough.
I am concerned about the shameful attempt by the hon. Member for Middlesbrough to smear the amazing Teesworks project. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that it was always an integral part of the business case that the private sector should co-invest alongside Government and that the Teesworks arrangements have been checked and approved by the Government? Can he reconfirm his full support for the Teesworks project, reassure investors, and join me in calling for the Labour party to apologise?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely correct to raise this issue. This is the UK's first freeport and it continues to attract billions of pounds of private sector investment, creating jobs and supporting the local economy. I think the whole House will see through the inexcusable attempts by the Labour party to talk down those successes on Teesside, where local leaders are working tirelessly to improve that region for the first time in a generation.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm private sector co-investment or explicitly reassure investors about government backing; Avoided calling on Labour to apologise directly.
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Clive Efford Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Context
In 2011, when the Conservatives came into government, food banks distributed to 61,000 people. In 2022-23, this figure had risen to nearly 3 million, with one million being children.
I am concerned about the shameful increase in food bank usage from 61,000 in 2011 to almost 3 million in 2022-23 under Conservative leadership. Is this a record that the Deputy Prime Minister proudly defends?
I am very proud of the fact that this Government have given record numbers of people the opportunity to have jobs and employment, which is the surest route out of poverty. I believe that up to 3.6 million new jobs have been created under this Government.
Assessment & feedback
Did not acknowledge whether he is proud of the rise in food bank usage; Emphasized job creation instead.
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Context
England has risen up the international league tables for reading to become the highest performing country in the western world.
It is truly excellent news that England is now the highest performer in the western world for reading. This progress will only be sustained if children are regularly attending school and able to learn. Can I commend the ten-minute rule Bill by my hon. Friend the Member for Meon Valley, which has cross-party support and delivers on key recommendations of the Education Committee and Children's Commissioner?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight those brilliant figures, which show that we have now jumped to fourth best in the world for reading. I certainly see this in schools; it is much more demanding than it was in my day, and that is a tribute to the ministerial team who have done a fabulous job. I will of course examine the details of the ten-minute rule Bill to which he refers.
Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly commit to adopting the bill; Emphasized the current success in education instead.
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Context
There are concerns that some within the Conservative party wish to roll back devolved powers.
It is an open secret that many in the Conservative party would wish to roll back the democratic gains of devolution, either partially or completely. Given recent comments from a former Minister and architect of the Brexit agreement advocating for a review and rollback of some currently devolved powers, does the Deputy Prime Minister agree with this approach?
The only thing that will destroy devolution is a vote for independence in Scotland, as advocated by those on the SNP Benches.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether he agrees with reviewing and rolling back powers; Changed subject to Scottish independence instead.
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Context
The question focuses on ensuring the Government remain focused on key issues such as cost of living, NHS, and future challenges like artificial intelligence.
I congratulate my right hon. Friend on a brilliant first performance at Prime Minister's questions. Will he keep the Government laser-focused on issues that matter to people, such as the cost of living and the NHS? Also, will he focus on issues of the future, such as artificial intelligence which needs regulatory attention? And can he ignore reactionary voices from any part?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight this. I am incredibly optimistic about the future of this country in industries across the piece, including digital and, indeed, film and television in my constituency. We are genuinely world leading, creating high-quality jobs that we want for our children and grandchildren.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify focus on cost of living or NHS; Emphasized optimism about industries instead.
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Chi Onwurah Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Context
Half the children in Newcastle are growing up in poverty, with significant increases in food parcel delivery and homelessness among north-east children. Average parent wages have fallen by £1,000 and there is a five-month wait for mental health treatment.
I am concerned about half of children in Newcastle growing up in poverty, increased use of food parcels, 50% rise in child homelessness, and £1,000 drop in parent wages with a five-month wait for mental health treatment. Why are his Government making it so hard for our kids?
I really think this House needs a correction on the facts, given what we have heard from the Labour party. Because of our national living wage, which is defined as being at least two thirds of the median income, poverty is at its lowest point for years. We have lifted 1.7 million people out of absolute poverty altogether.
Assessment & feedback
Did not acknowledge specific issues raised about children's well-being; Emphasized poverty statistics instead.
Response accuracy
Q26 Partial Answer
Context
Residents of Longport and Burslem, as well as those in Porthill, are suffering due to cowboy waste disposal companies like Staffordshire Waste, which has been caught with waste on site despite a notice from the Environment Agency.
I am concerned about residents suffering because of cowboy waste disposal companies such as Staffordshire Waste. Can I get support to hold these people accountable and ensure their retrospective planning application for an already used site is rejected by Stoke-on-Trent City Council?
My hon. Friend is right to raise this issue. Such people are often associated with fly-tipping, which is a blight on our landscape. I will ensure that I raise all the issues he has raised with me with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, who has ministerial responsibility.
Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly commit to support or action; Emphasized raising issues instead.
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
Context
Mental Health Awareness Week highlighted the crisis in mental health services, with a report on the Secretary of State's desk indicating issues affecting patients and staff. The crisis involves inadequate funding and staffing.
Crisis mental health services are in crisis, and patients and families are being gaslit and put at risk. This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, but there is no Government awareness to ensure that my constituents are safe, and that funding and workforce needs are met. Why are the right hon. Gentleman's Government sitting on their hands? A devastating report is sitting on the Health Secretary's desk while patients in York and across the NHS are being failed. Can the trust and I have an urgent meeting?
I am sure that a ministerial colleague in the Department of Health and Social Care will be happy to have that meeting. This Government have put more money into mental health services, and we are funding 150 wider capital schemes. This Government have made mental health services a priority.
Assessment & feedback
The MP requested an urgent meeting to discuss specific issues, but the answer did not commit to such a meeting directly or provide detailed specifics on addressing current crises in funding and staffing.
This Government Have Made Mental Health Services A Priority
Response accuracy
Q28 Partial Answer
Context
Wales Tourism Week celebrates the importance of tourism in Wales, which contributes significantly to job creation and economic activity. The question references the UK Government's Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 as supportive of the sector.
This week is Wales Tourism Week, an opportunity to celebrate one of Wales's most important sectors, which represents 10% of all jobs, supports Welsh farmers and food producers, and generates £6 billion of economic activity each year. Will the Deputy Prime Minister join me in thanking all those who work in the Welsh tourism sector? Does he agree that the UK Government's Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 demonstrates their commitment to supporting the tourism sector, unlike Labour's proposed tourism tax in Cardiff, which will undermine visits and jobs?
Of course, I am most happy to give my hon. Friend that commitment. I have spent many happy family holidays in Wales and plan to do so again next year.
Assessment & feedback
The question asked about the Act's support for tourism and a comparison with Labour's proposed tax, but the response was personal and unrelated to the policy substance.
I Have Spent Many Happy Family Holidays In Wales
Response accuracy