Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Smith Commission promised that Scotland could become an independent country if the people chose so. The Prime Minister's predecessor committed to this view.
In 2014, David Cameron signed up to the Smith commission promising Scottish independence as a choice for the people of Scotland. Does the Prime Minister share this view? If yes, will he bring forward legislation to allow this choice after last week's Supreme Court judgment?
The previous referendum was described as a once-in-a-generation event. The focus is now on working constructively together, and in the hon. Gentleman's area, we are investing hundreds of millions of pounds in growth deals and projects like the new concert hall to enhance Edinburgh's cultural reputation.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Bringing forward legislation for a Scottish independence referendum
Shifting Focus To Constructive Work
Promoting Investment In Scotland
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Concerns over China's influence are growing, especially in the south Pacific region.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that China is more than just a systemic challenge and is an expanding, serious geopolitical threat?
China has different values from ours with an authoritarian leadership intent on reshaping the international order. We have passed the National Security and Investment Act 2021, used it to block Newport Wafer Fab sale, and ensured China's state-owned nuclear energy corporation is no longer involved in Sizewell C project.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Winchester College charges over £45,000 a year in fees. The Prime Minister handed nearly £6 million of taxpayers' money to the college.
Why did the Prime Minister hand Winchester College nearly £6 million of taxpayers' money this year when his Levelling Up Secretary has called it egregious state support? Is that better spent on rifle ranges at Winchester or driving up standards in Southampton?
We recently announced billions more in funding for schools, helping millions of disadvantaged children to catch up with their lost learning and driving up school standards. During covid, the Leader of the Opposition wanted to keep schools closed.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Better use of funds in Southampton vs Winchester College
Changing Focus To Overall Education Funding
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Prime Minister's Levelling Up Secretary described scrapping handouts to Winchester College as ending 'burning injustices'. In Southampton, four in ten pupils failed English or maths GCSE this year.
Is £6 million of taxpayers' money better spent on rifle ranges at Winchester or driving up standards in Southampton? The Prime Minister's Education Secretary said we could scarcely find a better way to end burning injustices than scrapping these handouts.
Now almost 90% of schools are good or outstanding, thanks to Conservative reforms. The Leader of the Opposition attacks the aspiration of millions by attacking where I went to school.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Driving up standards in Southampton vs Winchester College funding
Attacking Opposition'S Approach
Highlighting Education Improvements
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Prime Minister's Education Minister has asked how much better it would be if Conservatives got rid of handouts to private schools. The Prime Minister talks about his record on improving education.
Is the route to better education giving tax breaks for private schools in hope they will help state schools? Is the Prime Minister willing to end Tory scandals and put £1.7 billion annually towards real improvement?
Our reforms are leading to higher standards in reading and writing, more good and outstanding schools, and increased investment in every single school.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Ending handouts to private schools for public funding improvement
Highlighting Improvements
Not Addressing Tory Scandals
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Prime Minister talks about aspiration but house ownership is more remote now than when his party came to power.
How are they killing off aspiration in this country, not just for education but home ownership? Why is the dream of home ownership more distant now?
In 12 years, we have seen the highest number of new homes started in 15 years and the largest number of first-time buyers in 20 years. When they came to power, there was a low level of house building.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Home ownership aspirations under current government vs previous one
Highlighting Home Building Achievements
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Discusses the increasing age at which people can buy their first home under the current government. Highlights that a child born today may not be able to afford a home until they are 45.
The simple fact is this: every year, the age at which people can buy their first home goes up. At this rate, under this Government, a child born in the UK today would not be able to buy their first home until they were 45. I have heard that the right hon. Gentleman is having a relaunch. Apparently it is called Operation Get Tough, so how tough is he going to get with his Back Benchers who are blocking the new homes this country so badly needs?
We are delivering record numbers of new homes under this Government. That is what we are doing. The right hon. and learned Gentleman talks about toughness. He is too weak to stop dozens of his own MPs joining the picket lines.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Refers to the government giving money to private schools, oil giants, and those not paying taxes. Expresses frustration with government's inability to defeat amendments from Back Benchers regarding housing targets.
Whether it is private schools, oil giants or those who do not pay their taxes here, every week the right hon. Gentleman hands out cash to those who do not need it. Every week he gets pushed around, and every week he gets weaker. But I can help him with this one. He does not need to do another grubby deal. If he wants to defeat that amendment from his anti-growth Back Benchers on national targets for housing, Labour will lend him the votes to do so.
We did hear that the right hon. and learned Gentleman is too weak to confirm there will be no one on the picket lines. It is the same old Labour ideas: more debt, more inflation, more strikes and more migration.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
▸
Context
UK hosted an international conference on preventing sexual violence in conflict, with over 50 countries agreeing to end such violence. Highlighted the need for more action and work with young people to stop religion or belief being weaponised.
The UK again highlighted the need for more action to prevent sexual violence in conflict this week at an international conference. Given reports that a third of women in conflict zones can be victims, will the Prime Minister champion my work as his special envoy for freedom of religion or belief with young people across the world to stop religion or belief being weaponised?
I am incredibly grateful to my hon. Friend for her dedicated work in this area. She is absolutely right to highlight the fact that, this week, the UK hosted the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative conference where over 50 different countries have agreed to put an end to sexual violence in conflict.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Sent condolences to Doddie Weir's family. Criticized the Prime Minister for passing a Bill that would rip up 4,000 pieces of European law protecting workers' rights, food standards, and environmental protections.
Let me wish everyone a happy St Andrew's day. That is why it is such a sad sight to watch this Prime Minister ram through a Bill that would rip up 4,000 pieces of European law—laws that protect workers' rights, food standards and environmental protections. And it is an even worse sight watching the leader of the Labour party desperately trying to out-Brexit the Prime Minister, ruling out freedom of movement and any hope of a Swiss-style deal.
I join the right hon. Gentleman in offering our condolences to the family and friends of Doddie Weir, to whom I pay tribute for his campaign to raise awareness of motor neurone disease, which has made a big difference.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Critiqued the Prime Minister's approach to Brexit, noting that many people now believe leaving the EU was wrong. Asked about the democratic path for Scotland to escape Westminster control and deliver independence.
Once again, what we are seeing on Brexit is “better together”—we are used to that in Scotland. The problem for both the Prime Minister and the Labour leader when it comes to Brexit is that even their own voters do not agree with them. Can the Prime Minister finally tell people in Scotland what is the democratic path to escape Westminster control and deliver independence?
The right hon. Gentleman talks about democracy and votes. The difference between us is that I respect the result of referendums. Let us remember one thing: we had the fastest vaccine roll-out in the world because of our freedoms after leaving the European Union.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The UK aims for all new cars sold to be electric by 2030, necessitating a battery manufacturing site. Assembly of EVs is happening elsewhere where batteries are made.
Manufacturing remains key in the west midlands, particularly automotive. My constituency has firms in Jaguar Land Rover's supply chain and I ask if the government will support a bid for an electric vehicle battery gigafactory in Coventry to secure investment and grow our EV supply chain.
We are committed to securing investment for the electric vehicle supply chain. £350 million of funding was announced for the automotive transformation fund to support development, though I cannot comment on individual commercial negotiations.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to supporting a specific gigafactory bid in Coventry
Cannot Comment On Individual Commercial Negotiations
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The BBC announced cuts to programming and jobs at BBC Radio Foyle, impacting the station's sustainability. The BBC charter requires engaging audiences on local issues.
Yesterday, BBC Northern Ireland announced cuts to programming and jobs at BBC Radio Foyle, leaving it unsustainable outside of Greater Belfast for proper local coverage. Will the Prime Minister act to defend this important public broadcasting service?
I strongly support local public broadcasting and have taken steps to support it. I will look at the specific issue raised and bring it up with the BBC.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to taking action, only said he would look into it
Will Be Happy To Look At
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The people of Guildford demand safety for women and girls. Concerned students at the University of Surrey requested additional lighting on Yorkie's bridge.
I have been successful in getting lights turned back on, including on Yorkie's bridge to improve student safety. Does my right hon Friend agree that tackling violence against women and girls should not be compromised even during difficult times?
We are committed to making our streets safer and have created initiatives like the safer streets fund, StreetSafe tool for pinpointing unsafe locations.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly affirm commitment to tackling violence against women and girls
Like My Hon Friend, We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Two teenagers were tragically killed in the constituency, prompting a call for addressing serious youth violence.
Charlie Bartolo and Kearne Solanke were tragically killed this weekend. We need to address and tackle serious youth violence and the knife crime epidemic. What is being done by the Prime Minister?
We are increasing police officers, lifting restrictions on stop and search, introducing new court orders targeting known offenders, and supporting local efforts to make streets safer.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Cross-channel migrants are coming in small boats illegally, putting pressure on the UK's asylum system.
What emergency legislation will be brought forward to deport those who came across the channel illegally and are now housed in taxpayer-funded hotels?
We are determined to use new powers from the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 to control our borders and reduce illegal crossings.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not mention emergency legislation directly
Determined To Do Whatever It Takes
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Nurses, railway workers among others are taking industrial action to make ends meet, demanding wage increases.
Why doesn't the Prime Minister give nurses and other striking workers a 19% wage increase funded by taxing rich individuals at the same rate as workers?
A 19% pay rise is unreasonable and unaffordable. The impact on inflation must be considered, but I admire nurses' work.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the funding of wage increases directly
Unreasonable
Unaffordable
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The train service between Wilmslow and London has deteriorated, with less direct trains and longer travel times.
My constituents are unhappy with the decline in quality of Avanti's train service. What will the Government do to restore the full direct service between Manchester and London?
The deterioration is unacceptable, the Transport Secretary monitors Avanti and plans involve increasing trains and restoring services with union cooperation.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify what specific measures will be taken by government
Monitoring
Holding To Account
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Marcus Rashford advocated for free school meals and recently performed well on the pitch. Conservative Members previously opposed such measures.
Given Marcus Rashford's advocacy, will the Prime Minister deliver on his promise to provide free school meals for every child living in poverty?
We support almost 2 million children with free school meals and invested hundreds of millions in the holiday activities and food programme.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about committing to providing free school meals for every child in poverty was not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The pandemic increased the number of children being home-educated by 34%, and local authorities struggle to monitor these children's educational welfare.
Will my right hon. Friend bring forward a register of home-schooled children so they can be identified and their needs ensured?
We support parents' rights to home-educate, but local authorities must identify those missing education. Guidance on arrangements is published.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about a register of home-schooled children was not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Royal Mail announced losses, job cuts, and threats to universal service obligation after record payouts to shareholders.
Why have the Government not committed to investigating Royal Mail's mismanagement and protecting its future and workers?
Striking is not the right approach, especially demanding unaffordable pay increases for taxpayers. The Government supports postal workers but opposes excessive demands.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about investigating Royal Mail and protecting its obligations was completely avoided
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Brigg and Goole is one of the most flood-prone areas, with £5.4 billion in flood defence money available.
Ahead of next year's Budget, may I ask the Prime Minister to ease rules around spending flood defence money on maintenance?
I am happy to consider my hon. Friend's request about easing rules for flood defence funding, given the investment made by the Government.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about easing rules was not directly answered but mentioned as a consideration
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A vulnerable child had to stay at a police station for two days due to lack of mental health support.
Will the Prime Minister accept Labour's plans to scrap private school charitable status and use funds for mental health professionals in every school?
We have committed to offering state schools a grant to train senior mental health leads and are increasing support for those with eating disorders.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about scrapping private school charitable status was not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q24
Partial Answer
▸
Context
There is a national emergency regarding people crossing the channel and staying in hotels.
Is it time to have a Cobra-style Committee involving multiple departments to tackle this crisis?
We will do whatever it takes to reduce illegal crossings, and I want to work with my hon. Friend on this issue.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about a Cobra-style committee was not directly addressed but acknowledged as important
Response accuracy
Q25
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Regulatory Policy Committee stated that the Retained EU Law Bill is not fit for purpose, and businesses face economic damage under this agenda.
If the Prime Minister wants to protect the economy and SMEs, why not scrap the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill?
We will take advantage of our freedoms to drive growth in sectors like life sciences, reduce data burdens on SMEs, and ensure financial services prosperity.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about scrapping the Bill was completely avoided
Response accuracy
Q26
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Eastleigh has been promised a Chickenhall Lane bypass since the 1970s, but the project remains stalled. The questioner seeks action to advance this long-awaited infrastructure.
My right hon. Friend and the Chancellor have rightly pointed out that levelling up is for the whole of the United Kingdom. As a Southampton man, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will know that, since the 1970s, Eastleigh has been promised a much-needed Chickenhall Lane bypass. Will he agree to meet me and Hampshire County Council to finally get the project moving?
It is right that we spread opportunity across the country, including in Eastleigh and the south. I understand that it is for Hampshire County Council to bring forward the proposal for the bypass, which I hope it will do at the next funding opportunity, and I will ensure that my hon. Friend and the council have a meeting with a Transport Minister as soon as possible.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not confirm a direct commitment to meet for the Chickenhall Lane bypass project but stated it is for Hampshire County Council to bring forward the proposal.
Response accuracy
Q27
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Tory ideology has blocked onshore wind development in Scotland for years, with the Peterhead carbon capture cluster losing out on funding twice and pump storage hydro schemes being blocked due to lack of pricing mechanism discussion.
Tory ideology has blocked onshore wind development in Scotland for years. The Peterhead carbon capture cluster has lost out on funding twice and is still only classed as a reserve. Pump storage hydro schemes have been blocked because the UK Government will not discuss a pricing mechanism. If the Prime Minister actually cares about net zero and Scottish jobs, will he at least take action to advance Peterhead carbon capture and storage and pump storage hydro in Scotland?
Not only are we supporting in this country carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and offshore wind—all new technologies that will help us to get to net zero and will create jobs in Scotland—but we are supporting our transition. That is good for the Scottish economy and good for Scottish jobs, and something the SNP would do well to support.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the specific ask about advancing Peterhead carbon capture and storage or pump storage hydro projects but instead discussed general support for new technologies and transition.
Discussed General Support
Did Not Address Specific Projects
Response accuracy