PMQs 2022-06-29

2022-06-29

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
Disability Action Yorkshire highlighted a significant gap between employment rates for disabled and non-disabled people. The charity noted the success of the Access to Work scheme in helping a young person with disabilities secure employment as a trainee brewer.
Nationally, 52% of disabled people are in work compared with 81% of non-disabled people. Disability Action Yorkshire has highlighted the success of the Access to Work scheme and its impact on individuals previously told they would never work, such as a young person who is now a trainee brewer at Rooster's brewery. Will my right hon. Friend consider how we can boost awareness of the Access to Work scheme among employers and also simplify the application process so that more disabled people do not get deterred?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising the work of Disability Action Yorkshire, which is doing terrific work in his constituency. I can reassure him that the Department for Work and Pensions is committed to improving awareness through campaigns and partnerships with employers, but also disability organisations. It is working specifically on a digital service that will make the scheme more accessible and visible.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not specify any timeline or concrete measures for boosting awareness among employers or simplifying the application process beyond stating general commitments to these goals.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The Government lost two by-elections on the same day for the first time in three decades, indicating a significant decline in public support.
I share with the Deputy Prime Minister his deepest condolences and his personal experiences as we mourn the loss of Dame Deborah James. I also think of the family of Zara Aleena, who was tragically murdered this week on the streets of Ilford. Last week the Government lost two by-elections in one day, for the first time in three decades. The Prime Minister has fled the country and left the Deputy Prime Minister to carry the can. The people of Wakefield and Tiverton held their own vote of no confidence. Does the Deputy Prime Minister think the Cabinet will prop up the Prime Minister until 2030?
I thank the right hon. Lady, and I gently point out to her that we want this Prime Minister to go on a lot longer than she wants the leader of the Labour party to go on. We have a working majority of 75. We are focusing on delivering for the British people. Record low unemployment would not have happened if we had listened to the Labour party. We have more policing and tougher sentencing enforced this week through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. She voted against both; so did the Labour party.
Assessment & feedback
The answer changed subject entirely by focusing on record low unemployment and voting records instead of addressing whether the Cabinet will support the Prime Minister until 2030.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The question arises from concerns that the Government's high-tax, low-growth policies will lead to further tax increases in the future.
Britain cannot stomach this Prime Minister for another eight years. His own Back Benchers cannot stomach him for another eight minutes. If they continue to prop him up, I doubt the voters will stomach him for even eight seconds at the ballot box. Now, let us imagine that the Prime Minister is still clinging on into the 2030s. Under this high-tax, low-growth Tory Government, at this rate by 2030 the British public will have endured 55 tax rises. How many more tax rises will this Government inflict on working families before the Deputy Prime Minister says enough is enough?
I think the right hon. Lady was right the first time. I will tell the House what we are doing: we have near-record levels of youth employment and 3.8% unemployment; we are cutting taxes next month on national insurance by £330 million; and we are delivering for families through the difficult times with the cost of living. What about the Labour party? We heard yesterday what its plan is: its plan is no plan.
Assessment & feedback
The answer changed subject entirely to discuss youth employment, tax cuts, and critique of the Labour Party's policy instead of addressing future tax rises.
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The Deputy Prime Minister once stated that high levels of government taxation were hurting UK competitiveness. The question is about the contradiction between this statement and current Government policies.
I would revel in the opportunity for the people of this country to have more than just by-elections to show what they think of this Government. Call a general election, and see where the people are. The Deputy Prime Minister is a man who once said that high levels of government taxation were “hurting UK competitiveness”. Now, he is backing the Prime Minister, who wants to put taxes up 15 times. At this rate, working people will be paying £500 billion more in tax by 2030. How high does he think the burden on working people should get before he says enough is enough?
We are the ones helping working people with a tax cut of £330, with support for those on the lowest incomes, with the £650 support for 8 million people on the lowest incomes and with, frankly, record levels of investment coming into this country, from the £1 billion by Moderna for vaccines to the highest level of tech investment in Europe, according to Atomico. We are the ones with the plan for low unemployment and a high-wage, high-skill economy.
Assessment & feedback
The answer shifted focus to economic growth and investments rather than addressing the contradiction or future tax rises.
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The Deputy Prime Minister's use of private jets is seen as out of touch with the public during a time when many people are struggling due to high living costs.
The Deputy Prime Minister pretends to empathise with those struggling with the Tory cost of living crisis, when he himself once said that food bank users are not in poverty, but simply have “a cashflow problem”. He does not; he has spent more than £1 million in nine months on private jets. It shows how out of touch this Government are, but at this rate, by 2030, a million more people will be using food banks. How many more working people will be pushed into poverty by his Prime Minister before he says enough is enough?
If the Labour party and the right hon. Lady want to help working people, they should be clear in standing up against these militant, reckless strikes by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers. The right hon. Lady has flip-flopped all over the place when it comes to these strikes.
Assessment & feedback
The answer changed subject entirely to discuss Labour's stance on industrial action instead of addressing issues related to poverty or use of private jets.
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The question arises from dissatisfaction with the Conservative party's approach to addressing current issues, particularly their focus on funding for armed forces instead of dealing with a perceived crisis.
I am concerned about the Government acting in a militant way by focusing on getting funds from donors rather than negotiating solutions. The Deputy Prime Minister talks about trains but cannot address the problems due to his Transport Secretary's failures.
There is a £24 billion increase for our armed forces. Spending on the armed forces is rising to 2.3% of GDP—making us the largest military spender in Europe. The Deputy Prime Minister claims no lessons can be taken from the Labour Party when it comes to national security.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner's critique of the government's handling of crises and focus on donor funds was not addressed directly by providing facts or figures about addressing such issues.
Frankly, We Will Take No Lessons From You When It Comes To Security.
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The question follows criticism of the Prime Minister's statement about exceptional performance which is perceived negatively by Labour, highlighting issues like stagnant wages, poverty increase, broken promises.
I agree that the Government has been exceptional in terms of negative outcomes such as stagnant wages and rising poverty. How many more tax rises, family-driven poverty cases, and manifesto pledges will be broken before action?
I cannot help thinking the right hon. Lady is auditioning for leadership and has support from other Labour Members. We are implementing policies to grow the economy, helping constituents like my hon. Friend David Morris with shovel-ready plans.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner's critique of the government's performance and future direction was not directly addressed by providing concrete figures or actions for improvement.
I Cannot Help Thinking That The Right Hon. Lady Is Auditioning For Leadership Contest On Her Side.
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
The Eden Project North has been a long-standing campaign of the MP, spanning several government changes and now nearing approval for levelling-up bid.
This project has taken five years through three Prime Ministers and four Chancellors. We have full planning permission and are shovel-ready. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this is money well spent in Morecambe?
There is no greater campaigner than my hon. Friend, but I cannot discuss specific bids details. The next round of funding allocations will be announced in autumn.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner's request for agreement on the investment being beneficial was not directly addressed with a commitment or confirmation.
I Cannot Discuss The Details Of Any Specific Bids.
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
The First Minister has set a date for an independence referendum, raising debate on Scotland's economic performance versus European standards under Westminster rule.
Our nation will have its independence referendum on 19 October 2023. Why not support Scotland's greater income equality and lower poverty rates as seen in Europe? Will the opposition make a case for continued Westminster rule?
No right time for another referendum given current challenges. The SNP has led Scotland into problems like high tax burden and poor PISA rankings; drug death rate in Europe's highest under their rule. People want both Governments to work together.
Assessment & feedback
The specific request regarding the UK Government's fears about democracy was not directly addressed, focusing instead on criticizing SNP governance.
No Right Time For Another Referendum.
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
The debate on Scottish independence is ongoing with criticism that the UK Government fears democratic processes.
There is no case for the Union due to Westminster imposing policies without Scotland's support, breaking international law over Brexit and austerity cuts. Why are the UK Government scared of democracy?
No lessons can be taken from SNP's governance issues like high tax burden, poor PISA rankings and Europe's highest drug death rates. People want both Governments to work together on day-to-day issues.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner's request for understanding of the UK Government's stance was not directly addressed; instead, there were criticisms towards SNP governance.
No Lessons Can Be Taken From The Snp'S Governance.
Response accuracy
Q11 Direct Answer
Context
East Coast College faces difficulties recruiting and retaining teachers for work such as fabrication, engineering, and construction. The question references the levelling-up agenda.
Mr Speaker, there are great opportunities to create exciting new jobs in low-carbon energy along the East Anglian coast, and East Coast College is up for the challenge of providing local people with the necessary skills. However, it and other colleges are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain teachers in such work as fabrication, engineering and construction. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that the Government come up with a cross-departmental strategy to address this staffing crisis in our further education colleges, which could undermine the levelling-up agenda?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, which is why we are investing nearly £52 million to support the sector in recruiting and retaining excellent staff, and in particular looking at and focusing on the experience and skills that we often find in industry, to train the next generation of technical experts.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
The question references previous statements from the Prime Minister and his predecessor about Scotland's economic independence and sovereignty.
Mr Speaker, “No country that values its independence, and indeed its self-respect, could agree to a treaty that signed away our economic independence and self-government,”—[Official Report, 25 July 2019; Vol. 663, c. 1458.] and “Ultimately, membership of any union that involves the pooling of sovereignty can only be sustained with the consent of the people.”—[Official Report, 4 December 2018; Vol. 650, c. 746.] Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree with the Prime Minister and his predecessor—yes or no?
That is why we had the referendum a few years ago. The people of Scotland have spoken, and we think it is not the right time to be relitigating that issue.
Assessment & feedback
The specific agreement with previous statements was not addressed
Relitigating The Referendum
Response accuracy
Q13 Direct Answer
Context
The question references a meeting with Lord Ahmad regarding high-risk British Council contractors in Afghanistan, and mentions taxation at a 40-year high.
Having spoken to Lord Ahmad yesterday, I thank the Government for listening and now allowing high-risk British Council contractors still in Afghanistan to be processed immediately on their application to the citizen resettlement scheme, rather than having to wait a further two months until the application window closes. With taxation at a 40-year high, when will the Government be bolder in cutting taxes, given that all the evidence the world over shows that lower taxes increase prosperity, raise living standards and better enable the Government to help the less fortunate—even if such a policy means cutting spending such as HS2?
My hon. Friend makes an important point about driving growth and the economy, which is why we are cutting taxes with the 130% super-deduction for capital investment. That will create not just good jobs, but well paid and better paid jobs, by boosting productivity. That is why we are increasing the employment allowance, which represents a tax cut of £1,000 for half a million small businesses, and that is why we have provided business rate relief of £7 billion over the next five years. Of course, just next month we are cutting national insurance, worth £330 for a typical employee.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
The question mentions Scotland's land mass, territorial waters, fishing zones, oil reserves, natural gas, wind energy, and fresh water.
As Tory MSP Murdo Fraser points out, Scotland has a third of Britain's land mass, half its territorial waters, over 60% of UK fishing zones, 98% of oil reserves, 63% of natural gas, a quarter of Europe's offshore wind resources, and 90% of the UK's fresh water. Will the Deputy Prime Minister explain whether his opposition to Scottish independence is because he fears the loss of those invaluable resources?
The hon. Lady is absolutely right in what she just said. There are huge assets right across Scotland, and that is why we think we are stronger together in delivering for the people of Scotland.
Assessment & feedback
Specific fears about resource loss were not addressed
Stronger Together
Response accuracy
Q15 Direct Answer
Context
The question references concerns about food production and security, as well as the need to protect versatile agricultural land.
The Deputy Prime Minister will be aware that in North East Hertfordshire we have some of the best farmland in the country. At a time when there are concerns about food production and food security, and when the Government are considering rural land use, is it time to ensure that our productive farmland is not covered in solar plants, and that those are instead positioned on brownfield sites, buildings, and low-grade agricultural land?
My right hon. and learned Friend makes a powerful point, and our 2023 Land Use Framework will set out our priorities for land use across the country. He is right that we must protect the most versatile agricultural land, and any plans for ground-mounted solar installations will have to take that into account. His point is well made.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Rosie Duffield Ind
Canterbury
Context
The question mentions the deaths of women in the UK, threats to free speech, fair sport practices, and reproductive choices.
So far this year, 52 women have been killed in the UK. Our rights to free speech, safe spaces, fairness in sport, and even the words we use to describe our own bodies, are all under threat. Will the Deputy Prime Minister send a clear signal, as some of his Cabinet colleagues have done this week, that Britain respects the rights of women? Will he accept the cross-party amendment to the Bill of Rights Bill, which would enshrine in law a woman's right to choose?
I thank the hon. Lady for her question, and let me say at the outset what huge respect I personally have for her and for the way she has stood up for women's rights despite, frankly, the appalling, harassment, trolling and bullying she has faced. As she knows, the position on abortion is settled in UK law and it is decided by hon. Members across the House. It is an issue of conscience, and I do not think there is a strong case for change. With the greatest respect, I would not want us to find ourselves in the US position, where the issue is litigated through the courts, rather than settled, as it is now settled, by hon. Members in this House.
Assessment & feedback
Specific support for reproductive rights was not addressed
Settled By Parliament
Response accuracy
Q17 Direct Answer
Context
The question references the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019 that mandates the Government to extend civil partnerships to opposite-sex couples and include mothers' details in marriage records.
In February 2019, the House passed my excellent Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019, mandating the Government to extend civil partnerships to opposite-sex couples, enabling marriage records to include mothers' details and requiring the Justice Secretary to produce a report empowering coroners to investigate stillbirths. The first two have come into force successfully, but, two and a half years on, despite further shocking revelations about deaths of babies at several hospitals, no report has yet been published; nor are there regulations to give coroners the powers they need. Why not?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise that. Stillbirth is an appalling tragedy that has the most devastating impact on families across the country. The Ministry of Justice and the Department of Health and Social Care have jointly consulted on proposals to provide coroners with new powers in that regard. I have looked at that personally, and we will publish the Government's response to the consultation shortly.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Layla Moran Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Context
Survivors of sexual violence feel threatened, terrified, and coerced into signing non-disclosure agreements by universities. No victim should be silenced.
Threatened, terrified and alone. That is how survivors of sexual violence told me they felt when they were pressured into signing non-disclosure agreements and gagging clauses by their universities. Will the Government back my Non-Disclosure Agreements Bill to ban the use of NDAs in cases of sexual harassment, bullying and misconduct?
I will look carefully at any particular proposals that the hon. Lady has. We have got to do everything we can to protect women and girls in this country and to make them feel more confident in the justice system.
Assessment & feedback
Specific backing of Layla Moran's Non-Disclosure Agreements Bill, direct meeting request
Look Carefully At Any Particular Proposals
Response accuracy
Q19 Direct Answer
Context
In 2018, £312 million was secured for a major A&E modernisation in the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust but construction has not started. Four years on, people are awaiting improvements.
This year, we are investing nearly £190 billion in the NHS, and yet many of us see disturbing deficiencies within NHS management, no more so than in the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. In 2018, my right hon. Friend and I secured £312 million for a major A&E modernisation in our local hospital trust, but, four years on, construction has still not started. What message can the Deputy Prime Minister give to the people of Shrewsbury as to how the Government can intervene to break the gridlock and finally allow the £312 million that we secured to be used to benefit the people of Shropshire and mid-Wales?
My hon. Friend is a doughty champion for his constituents, particularly on NHS services. The DHSC recently received the strategic outline case for the transformation of A&E services in Shrewsbury and Telford. It is still being processed, but I can tell him that the trust is aiming to present the full business case in 2023, with construction starting in the same year.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Liz Saville-Roberts PC
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Context
The Deputy Prime Minister's Bill of Rights was announced, which Plaid Cymru sees as a denial of devolution to Wales. It is contested how this aligns with freedom.
When the Deputy Prime Minister announced his Bill of Rights last week, he said that it would strengthen our UK “tradition of freedom” Freedom? That is shameless from a Government whose contempt for the rule of law and devolution can be judged in equal measure. They are scrapping Welsh law against our will and denying Scotland the right to choose its own future. That is not freedom. Will he prove me wrong by enshrining self-determination in his Bill of Rights?
The right hon. Lady was deft in getting that in. Across the Benches, we have all heard the case for reinforcing free speech, whether that is about judge-made privacy laws or how people are shouted down when they express legitimate opinions.
Assessment & feedback
Enshrining self-determination in the Bill of Rights
Reinforcing Free Speech
Response accuracy
Q21 Direct Answer
Context
Derriford Hospital is part of the new hospital building programme. Work on the new emergency department starts this year with significant investment for staff.
Derriford Hospital in my constituency is part of the new hospital building programme announced by this Government; work on the new emergency department starts this year. That is a significant investment for the amazing staff there and the brilliant chief executive, Ann James, who works so hard. Given the incredible pressures on real estate in Derriford, will my right hon. Friend consider prioritising capital investment in that part of the UK to ensure that we can accelerate these plans—particularly in digital—so that people in Plymouth get the world-class healthcare they deserve?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: this is the largest hospital building programme in a generation, and his constituents are going to benefit very directly. I can tell him that there will be a new integrated emergency care hospital scheme for University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust at the Derriford emergency care hospital.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Gill Furniss Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Context
Victims of John Worboys were able to challenge the police's failure to investigate his crimes only due to the Human Rights Act, which they would not be able to do under the Deputy Prime Minister's new Bill of Rights.
The victims of black cab rapist John Worboys were able to challenge the police's failure to investigate his appalling crimes only because of the Human Rights Act. They would not have been able to do so under the Deputy Prime Minister's new so-called Bill of Rights. Why does he want to stop women like the victims of John Worboys from making sure that police protect them from rape and sexual assault, and getting the justice they deserve?
I thank the hon. Lady for the opportunity to say that it was not the result of litigation that addressed the problems with the Worboys case. If she wants to look after victims in such cases, the Labour party should join us in supporting not just the Bill of Rights but our parole reforms, which will make sure that dangerous offenders are not released and that we protect the public.
Assessment & feedback
Restricting rights for victims seeking justice under the new Bill of Rights
Not Litigation Join Us In Supporting
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
David Simmonds Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Context
Joel Lindop's children were abducted to Poland despite repeated judgments in his favour. The Polish authorities have not fulfilled their obligations under international law.
My constituent Joel Lindop has suffered the abduction of his young children to Poland. His is one of many families in the UK who go through a similar experience every year. Despite repeated judgments in his favour in the courts in Poland, he has been unable to persuade the Polish authorities to fulfil their obligations under international law and return those children to their family. Will my right hon. Friend intercede so that my constituent, and the many other families who face this challenge, can ensure that their children are returned safely and in a timely fashion in the future?
I cannot imagine how appalling that situation must be for any parent to find themselves in. My hon. Friend will know that we are committed to the 1980 Hague convention on child abduction, which provides a mechanism.
Assessment & feedback
Interceding in the Polish cases directly
Mechanism Provided By Convention
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Context
The International Trade Committee unanimously expressed dissatisfaction with the government's handling of scrutiny for the Australia trade deal, demanding that the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act process be delayed to allow proper review.
I have a serious question about the conduct of the Government as regards free trade agreements. I cannot overstate the fury of the International Trade Committee this morning, which led us to unanimously empty-chair the Secretary of State for International Trade. The Government have broken their word to the Committee, to the House and to you, Mr Speaker, on scrutiny of the Australia trade deal by triggering the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act process and endangering a Committee report. It is the unanimous view of the Committee—Tory, Labour, SNP and DUP—that the CRaG process should be delayed to allow proper scrutiny, as was promised. Will the Government deliver on their promise and therefore delay the CRaG process?
I understand that the Secretary of State for International Trade has agreed to go back and address the Committee just as soon as possible.
Assessment & feedback
The exact commitment to delay the CRaG process was not given, only a promise to address the Committee again.
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Context
The question arises from the recent malaria summit in Kigali, highlighting the significant impact of malaria globally and the potential for eradication with current advances.
I was privileged last week to attend the malaria summit in Kigali. Even today, malaria remains the biggest single killer of mankind ever, and 1.7 billion people live every day under its shadow of misery. But we are on the cusp of something really special: recent advances, education and our world-leading British vaccines can now eradicate it forever. Can my right hon. Friend please confirm that the UK will fulfil its full commitment to the Global Fund?
I know from working in the Foreign Office just how powerful the Global Fund is; it is a very high-performing international organisation. My hon. Friend will know that since 2002 we have been the third largest donor, so we have stepped up to the plate. The UK has not yet determined our pledge for the seventh replenishment, but the Foreign Secretary will have heard loud and clear my hon. Friend's advocacy in that regard.
Assessment & feedback
The full commitment to a specific funding pledge was not confirmed; only an acknowledgment of being a major donor and considering future pledges is provided.
Response accuracy
Q26 Partial Answer
Bell Ribeiro-Addy Lab
Clapham and Brixton Hill
Context
The question relates to reported deportations of LGBT asylum seekers and long-term residents during Pride month, raising concerns about family separation and human rights violations.
In its efforts to pursue a hostile environment, the Home Office routinely tears families apart and breaks human rights and equalities legislation. It is reported to be sending another deportation charter flight to Nigeria and Ghana. In Pride month, it will deport LGBT asylum seekers fleeing homophobia as well as grandmothers and mothers of British children who have lived in this country for more than 25 years. Given that the Home Office repeatedly gets it wrong and ends up having to take people off such flights, will the Deputy Prime Minister tell me how many people have been removed from that flight already and when the Home Office will stop these inhumane deportation charter flights?
The hon. Lady is right in one respect at least: of course, people who come here need to be treated decently and humanely. We are absolutely committed to that. We also need to make sure that we cut down illegal routes and that those who are here who have committed serious offences can be returned home. The crucial thing—I am working on this with the Home Secretary—is to ensure that we do both those things. We cannot allow illegal routes into this country to flourish—otherwise, we will just attract more people—and we cannot allow people who commit serious offences in this country to stay and continue to pose a threat to the public.
Assessment & feedback
The specific number of people removed from the flight and cessation of such flights was not addressed; instead, emphasis was on addressing illegal routes and criminal offenders.
Response accuracy