PMQs 2022-09-07

2022-09-07

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Paulette Hamilton Lab
Birmingham Erdington
Context
The question arises from leaked audio suggesting the Prime Minister believes workers need to put in more effort and may lose basic rights. Recent Commons Library data shows 7,000 households in Birmingham Erdington with children living in poverty despite having employed parents.
I am concerned about the Prime Minister's statement regarding workers needing 'more graft' and potentially losing their rights. The latest figures show that over 7,000 households in my constituency are struggling with child poverty even though they have working parents. Does the Prime Minister believe these families should work harder to overcome their hardship?
I am determined to create an economy with high wages and skilled jobs by reducing taxes and boosting economic growth, ensuring people get the investment and jobs they deserve.
Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about belief in workers putting in more effort was not addressed directly; focused on general economic goals instead of addressing constituency concern specifically.
General Statement Not Addressing Specific Concern
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Context
A local pub restaurant in Barnet has reported an impending energy bill increase of 600% to £320,000, potentially threatening their business viability.
I warmly welcome the Prime Minister and ask about measures to assist businesses facing extreme energy price increases. A pub restaurant in my constituency faces a 600% hike to £320k due to high energy prices. Will her plan for tackling the energy crisis also support hospitality businesses crucial to local communities?
I will ensure that our energy plan supports both individual households and businesses in tackling the immediate price crisis and securing long-term supply stability.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Direct Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
During the leadership campaign, the Prime Minister stated her opposition to windfall taxes. This question aims to clarify if that stance remains firm.
I congratulate the Prime Minister on becoming PM and ask whether she still opposes windfall taxes as mentioned during her leadership campaign. Given this position, does it mean she will not introduce such a tax despite its potential for funding important initiatives?
I am firmly against introducing a windfall tax as I believe it would discourage investment in the UK economy.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
Treasury estimates predict £170 billion in excess profits from energy producers over the next two years. The Prime Minister must decide whether to leave these profits untaxed or find alternative funding sources.
I thank the PM for her previous response and address the issue of excess energy profits. With a projected £170 billion surplus, who will shoulder the cost of an energy price freeze? Will she allow these vast profits to remain untouched, shifting the burden to working families?
I understand people's struggles with living costs and will take immediate steps to help with energy bills. Tomorrow's statement will outline plans for winter support, long-term supply solutions including North Sea expansion and nuclear power station development.
Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about taxing excess profits was not directly addressed; focused on winter support measures without commitment to tax issue.
Changing Topic General Statements
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister's decision not to tax excess profits may lead to increased long-term borrowing, which could burden future generations.
I look forward to tomorrow's statement but note that un-taxed excess profits will increase borrowing. This unnecessary borrowing is the real cost of protecting oil and gas companies at the expense of working people who will have to repay this debt for years. Is this her true choice?
Our economy will grow through attracting investment and maintaining low taxes rather than increasing them to levels comparable to France's. Higher taxes could deter investment and job creation.
Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about excess profits was not directly addressed; focused on general economic strategy instead.
General Statements Changing Topic
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister plans to reduce corporation taxes, potentially impacting government revenue and investment attractiveness.
Mr Speaker, her first act as PM is borrowing more than necessary due to non-taxation of excess oil profits. On this point, how much will the proposed corporation tax cut benefit companies?
Previous corporation tax cuts attracted more revenue by luring more companies to invest and base themselves in Britain. Higher taxes would deter investment, leading to fewer jobs and less growth.
Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about benefit amount was not directly addressed; focused on historical impact of previous tax changes instead.
General Statements Changing Topic
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
Criticism of the Prime Minister's decision to cut taxes for companies while increasing costs for working people.
It is extraordinary that the Prime Minister is not only refusing to extend the windfall tax but choosing to hand the water companies who are polluting our beaches a tax cut. She is choosing to hand the banks a tax cut. Add it all together, and companies who are already doing well are getting a £17 billion tax cut while working people pay for the cost of living crisis, stroke victims wait an hour for an ambulance and criminals walk the streets with impunity. Families and public services need every penny that they can get.
I am on the side of people who work hard and do the right thing. That is why we will reverse the national insurance increase, and that is why we will keep corporation tax low, because ultimately we want investment right across our country.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask about protecting Shell's profits and giving Amazon a tax break
Same Old Same Old Tax And Spend
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
Criticism of the Prime Minister's policy proposals for their failure to address current issues adequately.
The Prime Minister claims to be breaking orthodoxy, but the reality is that she is reheating George Osborne's failed corporation tax plans, protecting oil and gas profits, and forcing working people to pay the bill. She is the fourth Tory Prime Minister in six years. The face at the top may change, but the story remains the same.
There is nothing new about a Labour leader who is calling for more tax rises. It is the same old, same old tax and spend.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address economic plans or policies being reheated
Same Old Same Old
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
Concerns about energy prices affecting businesses in west Cornwall and Scilly.
First, may I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on her successful campaign to become our party leader and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom? It is right and proper that the Government focus their attention on rising energy costs for households across the country, but businesses big and small are exposed to horrific energy price increases with no restraint provided by the domestic energy price cap and no support so far from Government. For the sake of businesses in west Cornwall and on Scilly, the jobs that they provide and the economy as a whole, what can my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister do to ease the energy costs that our businesses face?
My hon. Friend is right: we do need to address the issues that businesses face. The package that we will announce tomorrow will do just that.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about the package announced tomorrow
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
Questions regarding energy costs for households and businesses, and the economic crisis.
I am sure that the thoughts and prayers of everyone in the House will be with the families caught up in the terrible shooting over recess in Kyle and Lochalsh, and indeed in Liverpool. I trust that the families will be fully supported. Let me congratulate the Prime Minister and her family on her appointment, but I am sorry to say that her reputation for straight talking is falling apart at the first PMQs. After nine questions, she has still not told us who will pay for her energy plan. Today, the public are waiting to find out the response to the economic crisis, and they want answers. Will she finally answer two very simple questions? Will she freeze energy prices at their current levels, and will that be paid for by a windfall tax—yes or no?
No, it will not be paid for by a windfall tax. I do not believe that we can tax our way to growth.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm freezing energy prices or provide specifics on paying for the plan
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
Questions about oil and gas extraction from North Sea.
On her first full day as Prime Minister, she has failed to rule out—[Interruption.]
I am not quite sure what the right hon. Gentleman's position is, because on one hand he does not seem to want oil and gas extraction from the North sea, and on the other hand he wants them to pay more taxes.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific stance on energy policy or funding
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
Questions regarding the regulatory framework for renewable electricity prices.
May I, too, warmly welcome my right hon. Friend to her seat as Prime Minister? Scottish Power, Bulb and E.ON are just three of the many energy suppliers that say they provide 100% renewable electricity, yet constituents of mine in West Dorset are baffled that the energy regulator allows those prices to rise on a par with oil and gas. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that she is on the side of the consumer in her energy policy, which we will hear about tomorrow?
I certainly am on the side of the consumer. We need to ensure that we deal with all the issues in the energy market and the way that energy is regulated.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm specific policy or regulation changes for consumers
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Colum Eastwood Social Democratic & Labour Party
Social Democratic and Labour Party
Context
Questions about the Northern Ireland Executive and Protocol issues.
The Prime Minister should know by now that many people in the north of Ireland are starving and freezing in their homes. We need a tailored solution for Northern Ireland, but that is much harder to achieve because the Democratic Unionist party is refusing to form a Government at Stormont. The new Prime Minister has a choice to make: she can either be on the side of the DUP or on the side of struggling people in Northern Ireland. So whose side is she on?
I want to work with all parties in Northern Ireland to get the Executive and the Assembly back up and running so that we can collectively deliver for the people of Northern Ireland.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify whose side she is on
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
The recent appointment of Elizabeth Truss as the third female PM in UK history.
May I congratulate my right hon. Friend and welcome her to her position as the third female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom? Can I ask my right hon. Friend why does she think it is that all three female Prime Ministers have been Conservatives?
I thank my right hon. Friend for her fantastic question, and I look forward to calling on her advice from her time in office as I start my work as Prime Minister. It is quite extraordinary, is it not, that there does not seem to be the ability in the Labour party to find a female leader, or indeed a leader who does not come from north London? [Laughter.] I do not know what the issue is.
Assessment & feedback
Criticised Opposition
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Rushanara Ali Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Context
High inflation, long wait times for treatment, delays in justice cases, passport processing issues.
I, too, congratulate the Prime Minister on her appointment. Inflation is at a 40-year high; the NHS is on its knees, with 6.6 million people waiting for treatment; thousands of victims of sexual offences and violent crime are waiting for justice—not to mention the passport delays, a summer of chaos in our airports and our beaches covered in sewage. The Prime Minister has served in every one of the Conservative Governments responsible for this mess, so why should the British public trust her to clean up the mess that she has helped create?
I am determined that we deal with the issues facing us as a nation. We do have problems with our energy supply, due to the appalling war being perpetrated by Putin in Ukraine. That is why I will take immediate action to deal with the energy crisis; my Chancellor will take immediate action to reduce taxes and make sure we are growing our economy; and our new Health Secretary, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, will take immediate action to make sure that people are able to get appointments with their GP and proper NHS services.
Assessment & feedback
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Context
The Planning Inspectorate's ability to overturn councils' planned protections for green lungs.
All sides of the House should wish to help the Prime Minister to be successful in tackling the problems facing the country. When I raised one of them in July with the former Prime Minister, the right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson), he said that I could talk to the Housing Minister, but the Housing Minister retired within 17 minutes of hearing that. [Laughter.] Will this Prime Minister look at why the Planning Inspectorate is able to overturn councils' planned protections for green lungs? And will she look at what is happening to the Goring Gap in relation to the A259 in the Worthing West and the Arundel and South Downs constituencies, because local councils have no role if they cannot protect what matters most to them?
I am a bit concerned about offering my hon. Friend a meeting with the Housing Minister, in case any ill should befall him. But my hon. Friend is right; there is not enough power in local hands at the moment. It is too easy for local councils to be overruled by the Planning Inspectorate, and that is certainly an issue that I expect my Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to look at.
Assessment & feedback
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Context
High energy prices for constituents and concerns about the Prime Minister's capability.
According to the Prime Minister's new Deputy Prime Minister, one of the things that qualified her most for being PM, and was one of her greatest achievements, was the reintroduction of beavers. Now, I am all for the beavers, but given her flip-flopping on Brexit and her inability to understand global affairs, how can constituents of mine, such as Waz Abbas, whose energy prices will go from £7,000 to £37,000 a year, or Broadtex in Livingston—its prices will go from £50,000 to £250,000 a month—have any faith that she can tackle the oncoming humanitarian crisis? Is she going to come out of her den in No. 10 and take real action, or is she going to be as useless and corrupt as her predecessor, who has rocketed off to somewhere in the Pacific?
I am determined to tackle the issues we face in energy, and I look forward to the Scottish Government playing their part by building new nuclear power stations.
Assessment & feedback
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Victoria Atkins Con
Louth and Horncastle
Context
High heating oil prices affecting rural households.
May I warmly congratulate my right hon. Friend and welcome her to her place, but may I also wish her the very best with the heavy responsibilities that she now bears? Around 1.5 million households across the countryside rely on heating oil in order to keep their homes warm and cook their meals. They have faced price rises of around 130% in recent months and they are not part of the energy price cap. As rumours abound about what tomorrow's statement may hold, will she confirm that those 1.5 million households—many of them in rural areas such as my constituency—will be specifically included in any mooted ideas about an energy price freeze?
My hon. Friend is right. Many of my constituents, too, rely on heating oil for their fuel. We need to make sure that we are looking after everybody in this very, very difficult winter that we are facing.
Assessment & feedback
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Context
Ballantine Castings facing unaffordable energy costs.
Hon. Members may be familiar with the work of Bo'ness firm Ballantine Castings, an iron foundry in operation since the 1820s that in recent years has done much work around the parliamentary estate. Without the protection of an energy price cap, this specialist SME is witnessing unaffordable costs, with bills rising from £13,000 to £120,000 per month. Heavy energy users face a disproportionate burden and clearly need more support than other businesses. What will the PM do to protect our strategically important and energy-intensive industries?
I very strongly agree with the hon. Gentleman that there are strategic industries that use a lot of energy. We need to do all we can to help them become more energy-efficient, but we also need to make sure that they are able to remain competitive in the global marketplace. That is certainly something that the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is looking at in preparing this package.
Assessment & feedback
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Kieran Mullan Con
Bexhill and Battle
Context
The importance of levelling up for constituents.
May I congratulate the Prime Minister on her appointment and tell her that I know my constituents want her to succeed at a difficult time? Outside the immediate challenges of energy and inflation, levelling up remains a priority for them. One way to demonstrate her commitment to levelling up would be to choose a town such as Crewe to host Great British Railways. Will she ensure that levelling up is at the heart of that decision?
Crewe is, of course, a great railway town—my hon. Friend is absolutely right. I am not going to prejudge the decision that will be made, but what I will be doing as Prime Minister is absolutely focusing on levelling up and making sure that we are attracting the investment and growth into parts of this country that have been left behind, so that they have their fair share of opportunity.
Assessment & feedback
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Alex Davies-Jones Lab
Pontypridd
Context
The new Prime Minister has taken office amid public distrust and her own party's internal divisions.
I am concerned about the lack of support for the new Prime Minister from both the British public and within her party. The people in my constituency are not supportive of her role given her involvement with previous policies that failed many. Will she now do the right thing and call a general election?
As a country, we are facing a serious crisis in energy caused by Putin's war in Ukraine. We cannot afford delays and must focus on addressing this issue.
Assessment & feedback
Question about calling an election was completely ignored
Changed The Subject To The Energy Crisis
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Context
The questioner seeks government support for keeping Doncaster Sheffield airport open.
I congratulate the Prime Minister on her position and thank her for previous support regarding Doncaster Sheffield airport. Will she write to South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard and Peel Holdings chairman John Whittaker using her full authority to ensure the airport remains open?
Regional airports, including Doncaster Sheffield airport, are vital for economic growth. I will ensure that the new Secretary of State for Transport addresses this issue immediately.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to writing letters as requested
Focused On The Importance Of Regional Airports
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Helen Morgan Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Context
High ambulance wait times are a concern, exacerbated by recent changes in Health Secretaries.
I welcome the Prime Minister to her role. During her campaign, she noted poor ambulance service in Norfolk, similar concerns exist nationwide. Will she commission the Care Quality Commission to investigate and address these issues before winter?
People should not wait long for ambulances, and the new Health Secretary is tackling this issue. She has prioritised it.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to CQC investigation as requested
Referred To Priority Setting
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Context
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the need for a dedicated focus on children's cancer.
I welcome the Prime Minister to her role. September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, with cancer still the leading cause of death among children under 14. Will she commit to publishing a 10-year cancer strategy that embeds a childhood cancer mission?
Cancer is heartbreaking, especially in children. We will proceed with the strategy mentioned by my hon. Friend, and I know our new Health Secretary will assist those with cancer.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to 10-year cancer strategy specifics
Referred To Existing Commitments
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Context
Children's health is threatened by cold, damp homes during winter, increasing risk of illness.
The Prime Minister knows from her time as Children's Minister that children living in cold, damp houses are more likely to fall seriously ill. Child poverty has been rising under previous Governments. Can she solemnly pledge that no child will go to bed in a cold, damp house this winter due to unaffordable heating?
This issue highlights the importance of tackling energy costs. We will ensure people can afford bills and address long-term supply issues.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to any specific measures for winter heating
Changed Focus To Energy Policy
Response accuracy
Q26 Partial Answer
Context
EU tends to delay negotiations when a new UK leader takes office. The Northern Ireland protocol needs resolution.
It is standard EU practice to play for time when it cannot get its way in UK negotiations. Will the PM confirm that her preferred option is a negotiated settlement, but if this fails, we will proceed with the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill?
I thank my right hon. Friend for his service. We need to resolve the Northern Ireland protocol issue, preferring a negotiated settlement but ensuring we have legal protections.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm proceeding with Bill if negotiations fail
Referred To Resolving The Issue
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
Rachel Hopkins Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Context
The NHS faces significant issues including record waiting lists, patient deaths in ambulances, nurses using food banks.
After 12 years of Conservative leadership, the NHS struggles with high waiting lists and other critical issues. Can she explain why we should trust her to deliver improvements?
I do not agree with how the hon. Lady talks down our NHS, which performed well in tackling covid and delivering vaccines. The new Health Secretary will address current challenges.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the question of trustworthiness
Responded To Criticism
Response accuracy
Q28 Partial Answer
Jeremy Wright Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Context
The need for regulation in the largely unregulated online space is discussed.
I congratulate my right hon. Friend on her appointment and recognise her determination to address urgent challenges, including an almost entirely unregulated online environment. Will she assure me that the Online Safety Bill will return to this House soon?
I can assure my right hon. and learned Friend that we will proceed with the Online Safety Bill, though there may be some adjustments needed.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to returning bill immediately as requested
Referred To Proceeding But Possible Adjustments
Response accuracy
Q29 Partial Answer
Helen Hayes Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Context
The independent review of children's social care published by the government in May describes the system as needing a total reset. The Prime Minister has previously stated she wants to deliver improvements.
The Prime Minister has led a Government who have let down vulnerable children for 12 years. Given the need for a total reset, will she commit to publishing the Government's response to the independent review and an action plan before year-end?
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide any specific commitments, timelines, or concrete actions beyond a one-word affirmative
Did Not Address The Request For Detailed Action Plan
Response accuracy
Q30 Partial Answer
Context
The questioner congratulates the new government and thanks the Prime Minister for her longstanding commitment to support in the earliest years of a child's life.
I would like to congratulate my right hon. Friend on her new position and wish her success. Can I ask her now to renew her commitment to rolling out “The best start for life” programme, which aims to give every baby the best chance at leading a fulfilling life?
My right hon. Friend has done such a fantastic job championing this issue and developing the policies, and I am committed to following through on delivering for children, because we know that intervening early and helping children early is the best way to help those children to have a successful childhood and, ultimately, a fulfilled life.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific commitment or timeline for rolling out 'The Best Start for Life' programme beyond general statement of intent
Did Not Address The Request For Concrete Action
Response accuracy