National Security 2022-06-20
2022-06-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MI5 director general recently called for modernisation of state powers to protect from today's threats.
The MI5 director general said Parliament should look at modernising state powers to protect against a full range of today's threats. Can my right hon Friend confirm we are heeding the advice and that our National Security Bill will protect us from emerging threats like cyber-attacks and election interference?
I can confirm. The National Security Bill keeps pace with changing threat and makes the UK a harder target for hostile acts. It will address state-backed attacks on critical assets, including data and infrastructure. I thank my hon Friend for his support of national security.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Labour party's inconsistent stance on the Rwanda asylum seeker relocation policy.
The Labour party has conflicting statements from different leaders regarding scrapping or maintaining the Rwanda policy. Can my right hon Friend assure us that we will work to break the vile business model of people traffickers by ensuring the Rwanda flights operate soon?
My hon Friend is correct. We hear opposing from Labour but no proposing; they complain without plans. Our partnership with Rwanda supports a humane, proportionate approach and we are determined to deter wicked people smugglers causing great damage.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about supporting the Rwanda policy to break traffickers' business model
Criticising Opposition Stance
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A concern raised about the National Security Bill potentially threatening freedom of the press.
Has the Home Secretary considered dangers to freedom of the press from the National Security Bill? Many constituents are concerned that measures preventing journalists from publishing public interest stories are undemocratic.
No danger to journalistic freedoms. The Government takes stringent steps to ensure journalistic rights in the Online Safety Bill, recognising their vital role in democracy.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about dangers to freedom of press from National Security Bill
Referencing Unrelated Bill
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
A concern raised about the National Security Bill potentially threatening freedom of the press.
Has the Home Secretary considered dangers to freedom of the press that the National Security Bill presents? Many constituents are concerned that measures preventing journalists from publishing public interest stories are undemocratic.
No, I do not see a danger to journalist's freedoms. The Government is taking stringent steps in the Online Safety Bill to ensure journalistic rights and freedoms are absolutely to the fore, because of their vital role in democracy.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about dangers to freedom of press from National Security Bill
Referencing Unrelated Bill
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Inquiries about sanctions on individuals linked to Vladimir Putin following Canada's announcement of similar measures.
Canada announced sanctions against 14 people, including Alexander Lebedev, for their support of the regime that has caused pain in Ukraine. I have asked this question six times but did not get an answer: did the Prime Minister meet Alexander Lebedev without officials and close protection during Salisbury poisonings in April 2018—yes or no?
I do not know the detailed contents of either individual's diary. The Government have acted on sanctions against Putin-linked elites without fear, extending to more than 1,000 individuals and entities.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about PM meeting Lebedev under specified conditions
Refusal To Answer Directly
Response accuracy