PMQs 2022-10-12

2022-10-12

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Graham Stringer Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Context
The question follows criticism of the government's decision to backtrack on a commitment to end no-fault evictions.
I share the Prime Minister's sentiments about Sir David. However, going back on the commitment to end no-fault evictions is an act of extreme callousness. Can the Prime Minister reassure the 11 million private renters in this country that she will fulfil that commitment?
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or timeline to protect private renters were not provided
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
The question arises from a visit to the children's ward at York Hospital, where it was discovered that paediatric waiting time targets are the same as those for adult patients.
During my recent visit to the children's ward at York Hospital, I was shocked to learn that paediatric waiting time targets were the same as those for adult patients. As delays in treatments can have a damaging effect on young patients' development and prospects, may I ask the Prime Minister to look at this issue urgently?
I am very sorry to hear about the situation of young people at York Hospital, but I am pleased to say that this is an issue on which my right hon. Friend the Health Secretary has focused in her plan for patients. We are making sure that people can access treatment as soon as possible: we are delivering record staff numbers and record levels of funding.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or timeline to address paediatric waiting times were not provided
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The question follows the PM's comments on Sir David and expresses condolences for those affected by an incident in Creeslough. It challenges the Business Secretary's argument that market turmoil was not due to the Prime Minister's Budget.
I join the Prime Minister in her comments about Sir David, extending our best wishes across the House at this time. I also send heartfelt condolences for those affected by the tragic incident in Creeslough last week. The Business Secretary toured television studios arguing that market turmoil had nothing to do with the PM's Budget. Does the Prime Minister agree?
We have taken decisive action to make sure that people are not facing energy bills of £6,000 for two years. We remember that the Opposition is only talking about six months. We have also taken decisive action to make sure we are not facing the highest taxes for 70 years in a global economic slowdown. As a result of our action—this has been independently corroborated—we will see higher growth and lower inflation.
Assessment & feedback
Discussion on market turmoil unrelated to Budget was evaded, focusing instead on energy bills and taxes
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The question addresses the impact of recent government borrowing on mortgage rates, highlighting specific cases where families lost their home buying opportunities.
Avoiding the question, ducking responsibility, lost in denial—it is no wonder investors have no confidence. Zach and Rebecca from Wolverhampton were all set to buy a home but their offer was withdrawn due to rising interest rates caused by government borrowing. They are devastated. Does the Prime Minister understand why they are furious?
The fact is that when I came into office, people were facing energy bills of up to £6,000 per year—[Interruption.] Well, I am sorry; Labour Members are shouting but the right hon. and learned Gentleman is opposing the very package we brought in with the energy price guarantee. We are seeing interest rates rising globally—[Interruption.] They are rising globally in the face of Putin's appalling war in Ukraine.
Assessment & feedback
Discussion on rising interest rates and mortgage impacts were evaded, focusing instead on global factors and energy bills
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The question criticises the government's borrowing spree, leading to rising mortgage rates and anxiety among homeowners.
The economy is in turmoil. People are really worried. This is not the time for nonsense attacks about last night. The Tories went on a borrowing spree, sending mortgage rates through the roof—skyrocketing by £500 a month—and nearly 2 million homeowners worry sick as their fixed-rate deals end next year. They will not forgive; they will not forget; and neither should anyone. When will the Prime Minister stop ducking responsibility and do the right thing to reverse her Budget?
Last night, the Labour party supported bringing down national insurance. Is he really—[Interruption.]
Assessment & feedback
Discussion on reversing the budget was evaded, focusing instead on last night's decision regarding national insurance
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The question criticises the PM's recent U-turns on tax cuts for the wealthy, extending windfall taxes, and offering a stamp duty cut for landlords.
The Prime Minister knows we voted against raising national insurance. She voted for it but is now doing a U-turn. Last week, she had to reverse her unfunded tax cut for the super-wealthy, but this week, she still plans £18 billion in cuts for the richest businesses without their request and a stamp duty cut for landlords as renters feel the pinch. Why does she expect working people to pay for her unfunded tax cuts?
I notice the Leader of the Opposition is still not saying whether he supports our energy price guarantee. This is very relevant, because it is the biggest part of our mini-Budget. The fact is that all the Opposition have said is people should be supported for six months. Does he think in March pensioners should face very high energy bills? That will happen if he does not support our energy price guarantee.
Assessment & feedback
Discussion on tax cuts was evaded, focusing instead on the Labour party's stance on supporting the energy price guarantee
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
During the leadership contest, Elizabeth Truss pledged not to cut public expenditure.
The Prime Minister during her leadership contest said she was not planning public spending reductions. Is she going to stick to that?
We will make sure that, over the medium term, the debt is falling and we will do that not by cutting public spending but by making sure we spend public money well.
Assessment & feedback
Specific pledge to avoid spending cuts was avoided in favour of vague commitment to better resource management
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The government's recent Budget decisions are unpopular among the public, especially regarding tax cuts for large companies.
Does she think the public will ever forgive the Conservative party if it keeps on defending this madness and goes ahead with its kamikaze Budget?
Our Budget has delivered security for families for the next two winters, higher economic growth, lower inflation and more opportunities.
Assessment & feedback
Question about public forgiveness of policies was not directly answered; instead a positive description of benefits was given
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
The area seeks an investment zone to boost the local economy in east Cornwall.
Will the Prime Minister back me and my hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall in supporting an investment zone for the Liskeard and Bodmin area?
We are bringing forward these investment zones which will give opportunities to local people.
Assessment & feedback
No commitment to specific investment zone for Liskeard and Bodmin was given, instead a general support for the idea of investment zones was stated
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
The Prime Minister's previous remarks did not include commitments to uprating social security benefits with inflation.
When the Prime Minister last stood at the Dispatch Box, the average two-year fixed-rate mortgage was 4.5%. It is now at 6.5% and rising, hitting families. Will she give up on her desperate plan to save her Chancellor's skin by scapegoating the Governor of the Bank of England?
The action we have taken has meant that families are not facing gargantuan energy bills. We want to deliver economic growth, jobs and opportunities in Scotland.
Assessment & feedback
Question about mortgage issues and strategy was changed to focus on delivering economic benefits instead of addressing specific concerns
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
Recent policies have led to a rise in mortgage costs and fears of economic instability.
The scale of this Tory crisis is frightening: 100,000 households are up for mortgage renewals each month; people cannot afford extra £4,500 in interest. The Prime Minister has lost control. Is that what she meant when declaring herself a “pro-growth” PM?
We have taken action to help families heat their homes. Interest rates are rising globally, a fact for the independent Bank of England.
Assessment & feedback
Question about negative impact was not directly addressed; instead focused on global interest rate trends and independence of Bank of England
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
The Environment Agency will increase fines on water companies to up to £250 million per breach.
Will the Prime Minister confirm that no MP voted to discharge sewage into our waterways, and it is beneath opposition parties to repeat this lie?
The right hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne has asked from a sedentary position what we are doing about it. The Environment Secretary increased fines on water companies 100 times should they discharge sewage illegally.
Assessment & feedback
Question about MP vote was not directly confirmed; instead focus shifted to new measures by the Environment Secretary
Response accuracy
Q13 Direct Answer
Context
The speaker references tragic events in Creeslough, County Donegal and expresses support for renewed EU-UK negotiations about the Northern Ireland Protocol.
May I associate myself with remarks made on the tragic events in Creeslough. Welcomes the renewed negotiations regarding the Northern Ireland protocol, asking if they must reflect government objectives outlined in the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill to unlock political stability in Northern Ireland?
I very much agree with the right hon. Gentleman; we need to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland, ensuring free-flowing trade east-west and north-south, tax benefits for those in Great Britain, resolving governance and regulation issues through negotiation if possible.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q14 Direct Answer
Context
The speaker welcomes the announcement of £50 million for health disparity research and seeks further expansion to other parts of the UK.
Welcomes news about £50 million for health disparity research; would my right hon. Friend consider expanding these research schemes to other regions like Greater Manchester?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right; my right hon. Friend the Health Secretary is indeed considering expansion, conducting further rounds of commissioning.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
The speaker criticises the Government's approach to managing energy price increases, raising concerns about resultant increase in homelessness.
Prime Minister had a holiday in Birmingham; your Government is now flirting with disaster financially and socially. How will you cope with an increase in mortgage repayments and resultant rise in homelessness?
We have acted decisively to deal with the severe energy crisis. We are also facing a slowdown in economic growth globally, and not acting is not an option.
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or commitments regarding homelessness were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Context
The speaker advocates for a nationwide mail-out campaign to communicate the energy price guarantee to businesses and households.
Energy price guarantee is key to growth plan, but too few know about it. Can I urge PM to have a nationwide mail-out campaign to communicate what Government are doing to assess people on reduction of energy?
My hon. Friend is right, and I know that the Energy Secretary is working on a plan to help companies and individuals use energy more efficiently.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment for nationwide mail-out campaign was not given
Response accuracy
Q17 Direct Answer
Ian Lavery Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Context
The speaker criticises the Government's handling of nurse pay rises, suggesting it has shifted priorities from NHS to bankers.
During lockdowns we clapped healthcare heroes but now they are offered a 72p per week rise and described as militants. Nurses leave due to feeling abandoned by this Government. Uncapping bonuses for bankers while offering derisory pay rises to NHS staff is wrong, isn't it?
Firstly, our nurses do a brilliant job. The figures are simply wrong; the independent body recommended £1,400 rise on average and we're committed to delivering it.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q18 Direct Answer
Context
The speaker inquires about joint patrols with French forces to address small boats crisis.
Following loss of 27 lives last winter, UK Government offered joint patrols to the French. Did you renew that offer and will there be no new agreement unless they agree on joint beach patrols?
The Home Secretary is committed to dealing with small boats crisis. We are legislating and seeking agreement with French Government. I did discuss it with President Macron last week, and the Home Secretary is following up.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Context
The speaker invites the Prime Minister to a community drop-in event on cost of living in his constituency.
Invites PM to visit Gorebridge for a drop-in event where constituents can get advice on managing costs, asking what real-life experience means to her?
Families are struggling; Government acted within a week of coming into office with energy price guarantee, reversed national insurance increase, cutting basic rate tax to keep more money. Extra £1,200 support for vulnerable households.
Assessment & feedback
Direct invitation was not answered affirmatively
Response accuracy
Q20 Direct Answer
Gagan Mohindra Con
South West Hertfordshire
Context
The questioner supports the expansion of the small business threshold.
I thank the Prime Minister for her warm words about Sir David Amess, who is sorely missed in this place. Small and medium-sized enterprises are the lifeblood of our economy and I warmly welcome the expansion of the small business threshold. Does my right hon. Friend agree that only the Conservative party is on the side of enterprise in its determination to unleash the full potential of our great country?
We in the Conservative party understand who pays our wages—it is the people who get up every day to go to work and the businesses that are set up. Those are the people driving our economy and we will be unashamedly pro-growth, pro-business and pro-opportunity.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Context
A fracking application in West Lancashire was withdrawn after a moratorium was declared. Since then, no new scientific evidence has emerged to suggest that fracking would now be safe.
My constituents were absolutely delighted that the fracking application in West Lancashire was withdrawn after a moratorium was declared. Since then, we have not seen any new scientific evidence that indicates that fracking would now be safe. Despite that, the Government have decided to reverse that moratorium, committing to granting fracking licences only in areas that have local consent. I would be grateful if the Prime Minister would reassure West Lancashire residents —my constituents—and please explain in detail how she will honour her statement that no fracking licences will be forced on communities that do not want them.
First, let me offer my best wishes to the hon. Lady on her appointment as chair of the Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. I can assure her and colleagues around the House that fracking will only go ahead in areas where there is local community support.
Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids providing details about how the Government will ensure no licences are forced on unwilling communities.
Off-Topic Comment Broad Reassurance Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Context
A bomb in Afghanistan killed 35 Hazaras, and today there is a gathering outside Parliament to call for international support to stop the killings.
Two weeks ago, a bomb in Afghanistan killed 35 girls and young women. They were Hazaras, from the country's second-largest ethnic minority, who are being massacred under the Taliban. Today, outside Parliament, Hazaras from across the UK, including from my constituency, are gathering to call for international support to stop the slaughter, and we are joined by representatives of the Hazara Committee in UK. Will my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister support the Hazaras in trying to stop the killings and arrange for her Ministers to meet their representatives?
What is taking place in Afghanistan is extremely concerning, I am afraid, with the reversal of women's rights and women's opportunities. One of the things we have done is to make sure that we are restoring the aid budget for women and girls, and I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will be very happy to meet the group to discuss further.
Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids committing to specific support actions for the Hazaras beyond meeting with representatives.
Broad Reassurance Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Daisy Cooper Lib Dem
St Albans
Context
Some hospitals are in need of urgent roof repairs, including Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The Government's botched Budget gave unfunded tax cuts to some of the richest companies, while across the country there are hospitals worried that their roofs might collapse at any moment: Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which is in the Prime Minister's own local area. Those are just three of a number of hospitals that together need hundreds of millions of pounds, some of them urgently. Will the Prime Minister promise that every affected hospital will be given the money it needs to fix those dangerous roofs in the next 12 months?
I want to correct the hon. Lady, because what we are doing is simply not putting up corporation tax. It is not a tax cut; we are just not raising corporation tax. I feel it would be wrong, in a time when we are trying to attract investment into our country and at a time of global economic slowdown, to be raising taxes, because it will bring less revenue in. The way we are going to get the money to fund our national health service and to fund our schools is by having a strong economy, with companies investing and creating jobs.
Assessment & feedback
The answer shifts focus from hospital funding to corporation tax policy without addressing the question of roof repairs.
Shifts Topic
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Context
The MP supports the government's growth agenda but also believes in protecting nature and ecosystems.
I fully support this Government's growth agenda, but would the Prime Minister agree that that can be achieved while also protecting and restoring our precious nature and ecosystems and working with our farmers, so that we meet our legally binding target to restore nature by 2030? I know she understands that; she has precious chalk streams in her own constituency. Will she agree that, if we get this right, there will be more jobs, skills and opportunities, because every nation in the world depends on its natural environment?
My hon. Friend did a fantastic job promoting the natural environment when she was at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. We are going to deliver economic growth in an environmentally friendly way. This is about improving the processes and delivering better outcomes for the environment while making sure we have a growing economy as well. Those two things go hand in hand.
Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids committing to specific measures for environmental protection beyond general statements of support.
Broad Reassurance Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Justin Madders Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Context
The MP cites the Chancellor's previous statement that shale gas from hundreds of wells would not lower European energy prices.
The Prime Minister wants us to believe that fracking will reduce our energy bills, but it was not so long ago that her Chancellor said that those calling for fracking's return “misunderstand the situation”, saying: “No amount of shale gas from hundreds of wells dotted across rural England would be enough to lower the European price any time soon.” I ask the Prime Minister: is the Chancellor wrong about that?
We are pulling every lever to improve our energy supply in Britain, whether that is the North sea and opening up more opportunity there, which those on the Opposition Front Bench are against, whether it is fracking, whether it is more renewables, which I am very supportive of, whether it is more solar panels in the right place or whether it is more nuclear power stations, which are opposed by the SNP. We are doing everything we can, because we can never again be in a situation where we are dependent on authoritarian regimes for our energy.
Assessment & feedback
The answer shifts focus from fracking's impact on energy prices to broader energy policy without addressing the question directly.
Shifts Topic
Response accuracy
Q26 Partial Answer
Context
Serious safeguarding failures by the children's charity Mermaids have come to light, including sending breast-flattening devices to young girls behind their parents' backs.
Over the past week, serious safeguarding failures by the children's charity Mermaids have come to light, with revelations that the charity sent breast-flattening devices to young girls behind their parents' backs, promoted harmful medical and surgical procedures to children and hired a trustee with links to paedophile organisations and a digital engagement manager who posted pornographic images online, including of himself dressed as a schoolgirl. For years, despite whistleblowers' raising the alarm, Mermaids has had unfettered access to vulnerable children. Does my right hon. Friend agree that it has taken far too long for these concerns to be taken seriously, and does she also agree that it is high time there was a police investigation into the activities of Mermaids and its staff?
It is very important that under-18s are able to develop their own decision-making capabilities and are not forced into any kind of activity. On the subject of the investigation that my hon. Friend raises, of course, those matters should be raised and looked at properly.
Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids committing to a police investigation without dismissing the need for proper examination.
Broad Reassurance Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
Sarah Olney Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Context
The question addresses concerns about the environmental and noise impacts of expanding Heathrow airport, referencing previous statements by both the Transport Secretary and the Prime Minister.
For my Richmond Park constituents and communities across south-west London, from Wimbledon to Elmbridge, any expansion of Heathrow would be disastrous. A third runway would see over 6 million more tonnes of carbon pumped into the atmosphere every year, and 2 million households would be affected by increased noise levels. Last week, the Transport Secretary said that she supported Heathrow expansion. The Prime Minister has previously stated that she would support a fourth runway. Does she stand by her previous comments, or will she rule out Government support for the construction of a third runway at Heathrow?
I absolutely agree with what the Transport Secretary said. We need to make sure that industries such as the air industry become more environmentally friendly. I support the development of low-carbon technology in those sectors. That is the way that we will help to grow the economy but also serve the environment.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on ruling out Government support for a third runway at Heathrow
I Absolutely Agree With What The Transport Secretary Said
Response accuracy
Q28 Direct Answer
Context
The question pertains to the announcement of a plan for nuclear energy in the UK, focusing on the need for investment in new projects like Wylfa in Ynys Môn.
I am delighted to hear that the Prime Minister is such a champion for nuclear. When will the mission and plan for Great British Nuclear be announced? The market needs the confidence to invest in new nuclear, such as at Wylfa in my constituency of Ynys Môn, to help us to achieve net zero, for our energy security, and to get thousands of high-quality jobs.
I can tell my hon. Friend that Great British Nuclear will be set up this year, and it will bring forward new nuclear projects. I am delighted about her support for Wylfa and for making sure that we have nuclear power provided in Wales. I would like to see that right across the United Kingdom.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q29 Partial Answer
Matt Western Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Context
The question discusses the economic turmoil following recent events, including issues in pensions, interest rates, and mortgage markets, with polls showing that 60% of people want an immediate general election.
May I welcome the Prime Minister to her place? I am not sure how to measure a good honeymoon, but after five weeks of a crisis conceived in Downing Street—a crash in pensions, interest rates rising, mortgage market turmoil and complete financial chaos—the country has been left wanting divorce. In two recent polls, 60% of those in this country want an immediate general election. The Prime Minister claims that she is listening mode; will she give way to the public?
I think the last thing we need is a general election.
Assessment & feedback
Public demand for an immediate general election
The Last Thing We Need
Response accuracy