PMQs 2022-03-16

2022-03-16

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
Camelot, a major employer in Watford, has had its licence for the National Lottery revoked by the Gambling Commission.
The national lottery operator Camelot is a significant employer and contributor to communities through local projects. Given their extensive work, I declare an interest in the recent decision not to renew Camelot's licence due to concerns about a joint venture with Gazprom. Does my right hon Friend find it appropriate that Allwyn, the next potential licensee, has ties to Gazprom?
The fourth licence period will ensure operator profits are better aligned with returns to good causes. Mr Komárek, Allwyn's owner and a critic of Putin's regime, is in discussions with the Czech Government regarding removing Gazprom's involvement.
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Q2 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
There is positive media coverage suggesting the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori, who have been detained in Iran.
Welcoming positive steps towards releasing Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori from Iran, I ask for a review of the situation to prevent similar occurrences. The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledges that the Government has done everything possible, but will he commit to a review to understand what more could have been done by British officials?
The Government has done everything possible to secure the release of detained nationals. I cannot confirm media reports, but it is positive news.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to a review
Cannot Confirm Positive News
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
There is a suggestion that intelligence advice was ignored when granting peerage to Lord Lebedev.
I ask for clarification on the change between security warnings and the grant of peerage to Lord Lebedev, given his Russian origin and close links with the Prime Minister. Can you confirm if there were changes in policy or direct advice from intelligence services that influenced this decision?
All individuals nominated for peerages are vetted by the House of Lords Appointments Commission. I have never overruled intelligence advice.
Assessment & feedback
Details about changes after security warnings
Vetting Process Nonsense
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
There are reports of security warnings against granting a peerage to Lord Lebedev, who has Russian ties.
On March 17, 2020, intelligence reportedly warned against granting a peerage to the Prime Minister's friend, Lord Lebedev. Two days later, the PM visited him in London and the appointment was announced in July. What changed between the security warning and the appointment?
Life peerages are vetted by the House of Lords Appointments Commission for matters of probity. I have never overruled intelligence advice.
Assessment & feedback
Details about changes after security warnings
Vetting Process Nonsense
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
There are concerns about the decision-making process regarding Lord Lebedev's peerage appointment.
The central duty of any Government is to keep the British people safe. Widespread reports suggest intelligence warnings were ignored for Lord Lebedev, who has Russian ties and close links with the Prime Minister. Can the Deputy Prime Minister guarantee that no request was made to revise or withdraw security assessments regarding Lord Lebedev?
The suggestion is sheer nonsense. I remind the House that Jeremy Corbyn wanted to abolish the Army and pull out of NATO, risking national security.
Assessment & feedback
Sheer Nonsense Risking National Security
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The UK faces a fuel energy crisis, and the government has been accused of reliance on foreign oil from dictators. The Prime Minister recently visited Saudi Arabia to seek financial support.
There is a war in Europe. There is a fuel energy crisis in Britain. Democracy is at risk. We must support the courageous efforts of President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people. These uncertain times require leadership with integrity, a leader who works with the security services, can be trusted to say the right thing for British diplomacy, and provides security for the British people. Instead, we have this sorry excuse of a Government sat before us. They hike tax on 27 million working people, while the super-rich increase their wealth. They watch energy prices rise by over 50% while companies enjoy profits they did not even expect. They cavort with Russian oligarchs in luxury villas while neglecting the security of the British people. Remember, they partied while the country was in lockdown and unable to see their dying loved ones. Can the Deputy Prime Minister look the British people in the eye and really say that this Government are doing their best in their interests?
Mr Speaker, I will tell you what this Government and this Prime Minister have done: 1,000 Russian individuals sanctioned with a combined wealth of $45 billion; the impact of the sanctions and the diplomatic effort that this Foreign Secretary and this Prime Minister have led; the rouble plummeting; the Russian stock market record lows; and interest rates doubled. We have also shown the big-hearted spirit of this Government, and indeed this nation, with 5,500 visas granted to Ukrainians to come here, and the humanitarian route, which has now got 100,000 sponsors applying to take Ukrainian families into their homes. While the right hon. Lady is in her social media echo chamber, that is what this Government are doing.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether the government's actions meet energy security needs or provide economic fairness for all citizens.
Echo Chamber Generalized Praise Of Government
Response accuracy
Q7 Direct Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The International Criminal Court is facing a $40 million shortfall in its budget due to some participating states failing to meet their annual contributions. This affects its ability to prosecute war crimes.
It was very good to see my right hon. Friend visiting the International Criminal Court earlier this week, but it has enduring difficulties with funding. Last year, it had a $40 million shortfall in its budget because some participating states failed to meet their annual contribution. The International Criminal Court is only as good as the sum of its parts, so what steps can the Government take to secure contingency funding to ensure that one day Russian military commanders in Ukraine can expect to stand trial for war crimes that they have committed?
My hon. Friend is bang on. The Assembly of States Parties is looking at the arrears. I was in The Hague on Monday speaking to the Prosecutor and the President of the Court. We will be coming forward with a voluntary package of financial and technical support because now, as it looks at the situation in Ukraine, we want—and I think the whole House would want—Putin and his commanders to know that if they continue with war crimes in Ukraine, they will end up not just in the dock of a court, but behind bars.
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Q8 Partial Answer
Context
A Scottish charity, Dnipro Kids, has evacuated 48 children from orphanages in Ukraine. A plane is ready to bring these orphans to the UK on Friday but needs necessary paperwork from the Home Office.
May I welcome our four colleagues from the Parliament of Ukraine who are with us today? We all stand with them. I have spent much of the past week trying to help the Scottish charity Dnipro Kids, which was established by fans of Hibernian football club. It has evacuated 48 children from orphanages in Ukraine and is desperately attempting to provide them with temporary sanctuary in Scotland. There is a plane ready and waiting in Poland to bring these orphans to the UK on Friday, but that flight will leave empty without the necessary paperwork from the Home Office. The Polish authorities, Edinburgh City Council, the Scottish Government and the orphans' guardians are all working to bring these children to safety. I have worked with UK Government Ministers to try to make that happen—I commend Lord Harrington in particular for his efforts—but a week on, the Home Office is still proving to be the only obstacle in the way, and it risks leaving these children stranded. I am pleading with the Deputy Prime Minister to remove these obstructions before it is too late. Will he work with me and the Ukrainian authorities to guarantee that these 48 Ukrainian orphans will get on that plane this Friday?
May I thank the right hon. Gentleman for all he is doing? This is a heart-rending situation; we want to do everything we can. Of course, there are a range of issues in this case, including the wishes of the Ukrainian Government on where orphan children should go and should be living, and whether any necessary permissions have been sought from the Ukrainian and/or the Polish Government. This is not actually about bureaucracy—it is about genuine safeguarding issues—but I certainly want to work with the right hon. Gentleman in the best interests of those children.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to removing bureaucratic obstacles but mentioned willingness to collaborate.
Safeguarding Issues Range Of Issues
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
The question addresses delays in facilitating the entry of almost 50 Ukrainian children into UK for refuge. The Home Office's involvement and effectiveness are questioned due to high-level interventions being required.
We need the Home Office to give us paperwork that will facilitate the urgent case involving nearly 50 vulnerable children from Ukraine. If even strong political pressure cannot make it happen, what hope is there for other refugee children? The UN estimates one child per second becoming a refugee due to the war in Ukraine.
The proper international practices on safeguarding must be followed. We are keen to explore family reunion options for children in state care in Ukraine with relatives in the region. The Government is making plans for 100,000 Ukrainian children arriving at UK schools.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to improving the efficiency of paperwork and processing times for refugees
We Are Keen To Explore Family Reunion Options
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Claire Coutinho Con
East Surrey
Context
The question acknowledges the long-term support provided by British forces to Ukrainian military under Operations Cabrit and Orbital since 2015, crucially positioning NATO's eastern flank. Recognition for this service is sought.
British servicemen and women have served in Ukraine for years under Operations Cabrit and Orbital, supporting the Ukrainian armed forces and NATO's eastern flank. Will you join me in putting on record the gratitude of the House? What recognition can we offer these individuals?
Recognition for all military operations is kept under review, and the Defence Secretary has heard the suggestion.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific forms of recognition beyond keeping it under review
Under Continuous Review
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
The question highlights the Government's decision to set a 3.1% increase in universal credit despite inflation being at around 7%, leading to real-terms cuts in benefits. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Trussell Trust, and others have pointed out the severe consequences for millions of people.
The Government has decided on a 3.1% increase in universal credit and other benefits despite inflation being around 7%, leading to real-terms cuts in benefits. Given changing circumstances, will you reconsider this decision?
The Government has provided a £20 billion package for cost of living issues, including raising energy bills and personal tax thresholds. Universal credit is being increased to give nearly 2 million families an extra £1,000 per year.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to reconsidering the increase in benefit despite high inflation
Cost Of Living Issues Under Constant Review
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Gareth Davies Con
Grantham and Bourne
Context
UK businesses are scaling back Russian operations and stepping up to support Ukraine in various ways. The question seeks Government assistance in connecting these offers of support with Ukrainians who need help.
British companies are responding positively by scaling down operations in Russia and offering support to Ukraine. Will the Government assist in connecting these offers of support with those in Ukraine's most urgent need?
The new sponsorship scheme has seen 100,000 people apply. Working with businesses is valuable in providing access to work for those coming here and aiding their integration into society.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to a specific mechanism or timeline for connecting offers of support
Working With Businesses
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Matt Western Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Context
The question highlights the Prime Minister's social relationships with several prominent Russian figures. It raises questions about the basis of these associations.
When it comes to judging a person, company they keep matters. The Prime Minister has been seen associating with individuals such as Lubov Chernukhin and Alexander Lebedev. What first attracted him to these billionaire Russian oligarchs?
The Prime Minister wants this country to be open and outward-looking to the world. The Government introduced Sergei Magnitsky sanctions, which include human rights sanctions against individuals involved in wrongdoing.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the question about his association with Russian figures
Wants This Country To Be Open And Outward-Looking Introduced Sergei Magnitsky Sanctions
Response accuracy
Q14 Direct Answer
Harriett Baldwin Con
West Worcestershire
Context
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is critical, with a major conference planned by the UK Government to address it.
The eyes of the world are rightly focused on Putin's evil invasion of Ukraine, but there is still a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. I welcome the fact that, later this month, the UK Government are hosting a pledging conference for that crisis. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that we also keep education for those poor children on the agenda?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We will keep the focus on Afghanistan and the many other conflicts around the world that need our support. That particular conference will provide specific support for girls to access education, which is a long-standing priority of the Prime Minister. We have doubled our humanitarian aid to Afghanistan for the financial year to £286 million.
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Q15 Partial Answer
Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Context
The Prime Minister is in Saudi Arabia for an investment deal.
Appeasing murderous despots will never be the route to security of energy supply. Would it not make more sense for the Prime Minister to be here talking to UK energy industries? Should he not be talking to renewable energy developers about what they can do to bring their product onstream quicker? Should he not also be speaking to our offshore oil and gas industry about what it can do in the here and now to improve security of supply and to assist in the journey towards net zero?
The Prime Minister did that on Monday evening, and it is now Wednesday. Yes, he is out in Saudi Arabia to close a £1 billion investment deal that will create 700 jobs in the north in renewable energy. I think the Lib Dems need to keep up.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific industries or UK needs mentioned, instead criticized the opposition party.
Criticized The Opposition
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Context
Rural areas are facing increased fuel and heating oil prices.
North Norfolk is a rural constituency. Many residents rely on their car to get around, and they heat their homes with heating oil. The price of crude oil may have come down in the last few days, but the price at the petrol pumps is still going up. I have constituents who have been quoted £2 a litre for heating oil. This affects not only working families but pensioners in rural areas who are on a fixed income. Will the Deputy Prime Minister do everything he can to make sure we address these problems in the spring statement for very rural constituencies that are getting the double whammy of these crippling costs?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. He knows we have a £20 billion package this year to deal with the cost of living, and £9 billion of it is focused on energy prices. His comments on the issues for his constituents, and for constituents across the country, are very well made, and I know the Chancellor will have heard his suggestions.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps or commitments in response to the specific ask about addressing high energy costs in rural areas.
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Jeff Smith Lab
Manchester Withington
Context
Prime Minister is visiting Saudi Arabia amid concerns over human rights.
The Prime Minister is visiting Saudi Arabia and, as usual, we are told there will be frank, private discussions on the Saudis' human rights record. In the light of the state murder of Jamal Khashoggi, and in the light of the brutal execution of 81 men at the weekend, why does the Deputy Prime Minister think the UK's representations on human rights are so ineffective? What more will we do to make the Saudis behave ethically?
I went to Riyadh twice when I was Foreign Secretary, and I know the Prime Minister will be raising these issues again. We talked about women's rights defenders. The hon. Gentleman says we have been ineffective, but they have all been released. We talked about Raif Badawi, the author and critic, and he was recently released. The hon. Gentleman mentions Jamal Khashoggi, and we were one of the first to apply asset freezes and visa bans to those responsible for his murder.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific future actions or changes in policy.
Response accuracy
Q18 Direct Answer
Context
Poland is supporting refugees from Ukraine.
Rousseau once said, “You may swallow the Poles, but you will never digest them.” That powerful quote says so much for how the Polish people have stood up robustly and strongly against aggression over the years and about their steadfast support right now for their close and dear allies, the Ukrainian people. Three lorries have gone from Ipswich to Lviv in support of the Ukrainian people. Will the Deputy Prime Minister outline the steps the Government are taking to support our close ally, Poland, as it takes unprecedented numbers of refugees while, of course, it has its own security concerns in relation to Russia?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I pay tribute to not only his constituents, but the Polish community in particular for their big-hearted support for the people of Ukraine. As a leading donor—I believe the second largest donor to Ukraine—we have committed a further £174 million in aid, bringing our total to £400 million. But that will also support those countries in close proximity to Ukraine—its neighbours—and first and foremost will be Poland.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Justin Madders Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Context
Prime Minister's reported meeting with a former KGB officer in Italy.
On 28 April 2018, when he was Foreign Secretary, the Prime Minister is reported to have attended a party at a castle in Italy, where he met a former KGB officer. That was just weeks after the Salisbury poisonings and immediately after he attended a NATO summit on Russia. If that is not astonishing enough in itself, it is also reported that he travelled there without any security detail or officials present. So will there now be an investigation into what sounds like a complete failure of national security?
The hon. Gentleman is talking total nonsense and I do not have anything to add to what I have already said.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the question about investigation or security failure.
Criticized The Opposition
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Context
Concerns over planning decisions affecting green belt areas.
In addition to having concerns for Ukraine, my constituents are also concerned about planning policy. I wrote to the Prime Minister in October 2019 about the threat to the Goring gap. It is against Government policy and against the public interest for every green field that is a strategic gap to be built on. An inspector has made a decision that would wipe away the planning powers of every local council in the country. May I ask whether the Prime Minister will see me and whether the Government will revoke this inspector's mistaken decision?
I thank my hon. Friend for that. As someone with a massive proportion of green belt in my constituency, I empathise with the frustrations that Members from across the House feel with some planning decisions that are made. However, once a planning decision is final, it cannot be challenged unless it is successfully challenged in the courts.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask about revoking or reviewing the inspector's decision.
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Stephanie Peacock Lab
Barnsley South
Context
255 children and young people were admitted to Barnsley Hospital for self-harm, which is 15 times the national average. This has led to a public health crisis.
Last year, 255 children and young people were admitted to Barnsley Hospital for self-harm—that is 15 times the national average. This is a public health crisis, so will the Deputy Prime Minister ask the Health Secretary to meet me and healthcare providers from Barnsley to immediately respond to this mental health crisis?
We have put a huge amount into both mental health and the wider NHS budget, not just on covid, but to respond to the wider issues. On the specific issue the hon. Lady raises, I will certainly make sure that an appropriate health Minister will see her.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to a meeting specifically with Stephanie Peacock and healthcare providers from Barnsley.
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Julian Lewis Con
New Forest East
Context
The question concerns whether oligarchs with UK passports are included on the sanctions list.
Are any oligarchs with UK passports on our sanctions list?
I thank the Chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee for that. I think I will have to let the Foreign Secretary and the Foreign Office check carefully and respond to him in due course.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a definitive answer, stating he would need to check with the Foreign Secretary and Office.
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Stephen Timms Lab
East Ham
Context
Sir David Norgrove wrote to the Prime Minister pointing out that employment is not higher than pre-pandemic levels, contrary to previous assertions.
Three weeks ago, the chair of the UK Statistics Authority, Sir David Norgrove, wrote to the Prime Minister to point out that his repeated assertion that employment is now higher than it was before the pandemic is incorrect. Yesterday's employment statistics show 840,000 fewer self-employed people now than before the pandemic and that overall employment is 580,000 lower. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that truthfulness is vital to trust in our democracy? Does he accept the correction from Sir David Norgrove?
Of course we listen carefully to Sir David Norgrove, but what I would say to the right hon. Gentleman is that he points to the data yesterday and it showed that unemployment has fallen below 4%, is back at pre-pandemic levels and is being termed a remarkable success by everyone, including the Resolution Foundation. He talks about the truth and there is one golden truth: whenever there has been a Labour Government in the past, unemployment has always been higher when they left office than when they started. That is the jobs guarantee you get with Labour.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the question about employment statistics or Sir David Norgrove's correction; instead criticised previous Labour governments.
Response accuracy
Q24 Direct Answer
Context
The UK has provided military support and anti-tank weapons to Ukraine, along with financial sanctions on Russia.
We have now provided more than 3,000 anti-tank weapons, training and other military support to Ukraine, alongside crushing financial sanctions on Russia and more bilateral assistance, humanitarian assistance and aid than any other country. But can my right hon. Friend confirm that we will continue to deliver further military aid and support, and that we will supply the Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles necessary to destroy Russian jets?
My hon. Friend is right to say that we have delivered more than 3,600 anti-tank weapons. We will also be sending a consignment of the Javelin anti-tank missiles and we are indeed, as he says, exploring the donation of Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles.
Assessment & feedback
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Q25 Partial Answer
Dan Carden Lab
Liverpool Walton
Context
Ukrainians seeking asylum in Britain will have the right to work and access public services, while other asylum seekers do not.
It is welcome that Ukrainians seeking asylum in Britain will have the right to work and access to public services; we should always offer sanctuary to those fleeing persecution. People who come to Britain to make it their home no matter where they are from or the colour of their skin make a hugely positive contribution to our society and economy if supported to do so. So how can the Government now justify not extending the same welcome and the same rights, including the right to work, to all people seeking asylum in Britain?
The hon. Gentleman is right that we have a strong tradition, as we have shown: we have stepped up to the plate with the Hong Kong British national overseas citizens, and with Operation Pitting which brought 17,000 back from Afghanistan, and we will go further and beyond the normal rules when there is a crisis, as we have seen in Ukraine. He is absolutely right about the current scheme: those Ukrainians coming here can live, work and access benefits, and can stay for three years with leave to remain. I am proud, and the whole House should be proud, not just of the big-hearted approach of this Government, but the 100,000 British sponsors who have come forward and said they will open their homes to those refugees.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address why similar rights are not extended to other asylum seekers; instead provided examples of previous actions during crises.
Response accuracy
Q26 Partial Answer
Iain Duncan Smith Con
Chingford and Woodford Green
Context
Ukraine's potential NATO membership is a topic of interest.
As the brilliant Ukrainian people fight and die on a daily basis for their rights of freedom and democracy, it is important that we make something very clear and I ask my right hon. Friend to do so. They have asked for membership of NATO for a significant period of time, and NATO has chosen not to give it to them. My concern now is, no matter what they decide, it remains their absolute right as a free nation and a free people to make such an application in the future, and, noticing that Finland is talking about becoming a member, we treat them in exactly the same way we would an application from Finland.
I thank my right hon. Friend and he will have heard what President Zelensky has said overnight in relation to this, but the Government have always been crystal clear that if there is a diplomatic off-ramp—although I have to say we have a heavy measure of scepticism about whether Putin could ever fulfil such a deal—it has to be done with the will and volition of the Ukrainian President and people.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm Ukraine's right to apply for NATO membership on equal terms; instead referenced the diplomatic situation and President Zelensky's position.
Response accuracy
Q27 Direct Answer
Context
A parish priest in Glasgow is experiencing delays in receiving his British passport despite having the necessary documentation and a valid reason for urgency.
A constituent of mine is a popular parish priest in Glasgow. Originally from Nigeria, he became a British citizen last year and applied for his first British passport last summer. His naturalisation certificate, issued by the Home Secretary, includes his title, reverend father, under his name. This is causing the Passport Office unexplained difficulties and seven months on he is still waiting for his passport. Will the Deputy Prime Minister look at this case as a matter of urgency? His mother is extremely ill in Nigeria; he needs to get his passport to visit her.
I thank the hon. Lady for raising that case. It sounds very sensitive and I will make sure a Home Office Minister looks at it as a matter of urgency.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy