PMQs 2022-07-06

2022-07-06

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
The question arises from the launch of a new approach to combatting knife crime in Milton Keynes.
Last week, we launched a new approach to combating knife crime in Milton Keynes, which means increased use of stop and search, tougher charging and custody, tougher sentencing, faster youth diversion and more work with parents and communities. Does the Prime Minister agree that if someone carries a knife in Milton Keynes, they should expect to end up behind bars?
I thank my hon. Friend for what he is doing to campaign for tougher sentences and against knife crime in Milton Keynes. As a result of what the Conservatives have done, adults who are convicted of certain offences involving a knife, including threatening with a knife or a second offence of possession, face a minimum sentence of six months' imprisonment—and guess who voted against tougher sentences for knife crime?
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
A Government Minister was accused of sexually assaulting a young man, and the Prime Minister is accused of knowing about previous predatory behavior but promoting him anyway.
Today is the start of the women's Euros, and I know that the whole House will wish the Lionesses the very best of luck in bringing football home. It has been 40 years since the death of Terrence Higgins... Last week, a Government Minister was accused of sexually assaulting a young man. I want to quote the victim's account. He says: “He grabbed my arse and then he slowly moved his hand down in front of my groin. I froze.” Why did the Prime Minister promote him despite knowing about previous predatory behaviour?
That individual, the right hon. Member for Tamworth (Christopher Pincher), no longer has the Conservative Whip. He no longer has a job. As soon as I was made aware of the allegation—the complaint that was made—he lost his status as a Conservative MP. He is now the subject of an independent investigation by the complaints and grievances panel and that is entirely right. I want to say to the right hon. and learned Gentleman that I abhor bullying and abuse of power anywhere in Parliament, in this party or in any other party.
Assessment & feedback
the specific reason why he was promoted despite previous behavior
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister is accused of promoting an accused Minister despite knowing about previous predatory behavior.
None of that explains why he promoted him in the first place. And we have heard it all before. We know who he really is... Has the Prime Minister ever said words to that effect? I am not asking for bluster and half-truths—we've all had enough of that. Yes or no?
I am not going to trivialise what happened. [Interruption.] Yes, Mr Speaker, because very serious complaints have been raised against the right hon. Member for Tamworth and they are now being investigated. It is true that a complaint was raised when he was in the Foreign Office and the matter was resolved. It is absolutely true that it was raised with me. I greatly regret that he continued in office and I have said that before, but it is now the subject of an independent investigation and that is the right thing.
Assessment & feedback
the direct answer to whether derogatory remarks were made
Trivialising Regretting
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
A Government Minister was accused of sexually assaulting a young man, and the Prime Minister is accused of promoting him despite knowing about previous predatory behavior.
No denial. He says the matter was resolved when he means it was upheld... Will the Prime Minister apologise for those disgraceful comments on behalf of his Government?
I have already said that I regret very much that the right hon. Member for Tamworth continued to hold office after the complaint was made against him in the Foreign Office. It was resolved in the Foreign Office and his apology was accepted, but clearly that was not enough and in hindsight I should have realised that he would not change.
Assessment & feedback
the specific request for an official apology
Regret Resolved
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
A Government Minister was accused of sexually assaulting a young man, and the Prime Minister is accused of promoting him despite knowing about previous predatory behavior.
Doesn't that just sum up the Prime Minister? Awful behaviour, unacceptable in any walk of life: it is there for all to see, but he ignores it... Is this not the first recorded case of the sinking ship fleeing the rat?
Look, the right hon. and learned Gentleman talks about—[Interruption.] He should hear what his lot say about him... This is the Government who are tough on—[Interruption.] I am sorry—he talks about integrity; he is himself facing a criminal investigation, for which he asked me to resign.
Assessment & feedback
the specific question about the Prime Minister's situation and the government's stability
Interruption Personal Attack
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister has faced criticism for defending a Government Minister accused of sexual misconduct.
The only thing that the Prime Minister is delivering is chaos. Victims have said they froze because “It's not about sex; it's about power”. The power that the disgraced Government Minister had was handed to him by that Prime Minister, and he is only in power because he has been propped up for months by a corrupted party defending the indefensible. So it is no longer a case of swapping the person at the top; is it not clear that the only way the country can get the fresh start it deserves is by getting rid of the lot of them?
The difference between—[Interruption.]
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific question about getting rid of the government.
Disrupted By Interruption
Response accuracy
Q7 Direct Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill has had its Third Reading, aiming to provide certainty for veterans.
Does the Prime Minister agree that we can never again allow such a gulf to open up between this place and those who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and now Northern Ireland? Will he redouble his commitment to making sure that this is the best country in the world to serve in the military and to be a veteran or their family?
I thank my hon. Friend very much for all the work that he has done and continues to do for veterans. The Bill will give veterans the certainty that they deserve. We are fulfilling the manifesto pledge to end the cycle of investigations, but at the same time we are making sure that families can get the answers that they need about what happened to their loved ones.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
The Prime Minister has faced criticism for his handling of the government and Brexit.
It is a minor miracle that the Prime Minister has even made it through to Prime Minister's questions. He really ought to see the faces behind him. How many more Ministers need to quit before he finally picks up his pen and writes his own resignation letter?
Actually, I was just jotting down some notes about the right hon. Gentleman's question, which I thought was excellent when he was talking about the economy, because that is the issue that the country faces. That is where this Government are introducing, I think, the most important decisions—helping families up and down the country, with £1,200 going into their bank accounts right now; cutting taxes for 30 million people, with a £330 tax cut; and helping half a million people into work, through the Way to Work scheme.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address how many more Ministers need to quit before he resigns.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
The Prime Minister has faced criticism for his handling of the government and Brexit.
Nothing to see, we should all move on—if we live in the world of the Prime Minister. A few weeks ago, I compared the Prime Minister to Monty Python's black knight. It turns out that I was wrong: he is actually the dead parrot. Whether he knows it or not, he is now an ex-Prime Minister, but he will leave behind two deeply damaging legacies. How many more Ministers need to quit before he finally picks up his pen and writes his own resignation letter? Perhaps that is what he is doing now.
I noticed that the right hon. Gentleman's remark that the Labour party had given up on returning to the European Union was not greeted with rapture by the Opposition. That was because it is not true: they want to go back in, just as he does. I think that that is a terrible mistake. It would be undemocratic.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address calling a general election or resignation.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
The Prime Minister has faced criticism for his handling of the government and Brexit.
Nothing to see, we should all move on—if we live in the world of the Prime Minister. A few weeks ago, I compared the Prime Minister to Monty Python's black knight. It turns out that I was wrong: he is actually the dead parrot. Whether he knows it or not, he is now an ex-Prime Minister, but he will leave behind two deeply damaging legacies. How many more Ministers need to quit before he finally picks up his pen and writes his own resignation letter? Perhaps that is what he is doing now.
I noticed that the right hon. Gentleman's remark that the Labour party had given up on returning to the European Union was not greeted with rapture by the Opposition. That was because it is not true: they want to go back in, just as he does. I think that that is a terrible mistake. It would be undemocratic.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address calling a general election or resignation.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
No specific context provided, but it relates to political pressure on the Prime Minister.
Does the Prime Minister think there are any circumstances in which he should resign?
If I felt impossible for Government to go on discharging mandate or if frustrated in desire to support Ukrainian people, then I would. But I will keep going as long as there is a colossal mandate.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific circumstances under which he would resign
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Liz Saville-Roberts PC
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Context
The question arises from perceived arrogance of the Westminster Government in dealing with Wales.
Does the Prime Minister want a medal for being the best recruiting sergeant for independence we could wish for?
I see bonds of our Union being strengthened all the time, talking to Mark Drakeford recently as well. Bonds are strong despite political concerns.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific question about Welsh independence and Westminster's role
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about declining high streets in areas like Waterlooville, which have not received funding.
Can my right hon. Friend assure me that future funds will be available to help declining high streets?
My hon. Friend is a great champion for Meon Valley, and I will ensure she has a meeting with the Minister for levelling up.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to future funds directly but promised a meeting
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Matt Western Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Context
The MP is highlighting the struggles faced by workers in terms of cost of living, referencing specific salary figures for nurses and teachers.
Can the Prime Minister tell the House how he could afford a £150,000 treehouse?
Rather than fantasy infrastructure, I can help people with real infrastructure. We have £650 billion investment and are helping people with £1,200 going into their bank accounts.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific question about treehouse but provided broad commitments
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about the protection of a farm in Goring-by-Sea, which was fully protected but now faces development.
May I ask the Prime Minister to tell the Government to withdraw their objection to the appeal against the decision to allow 482 homes to be built on the green lung between Goring and Ferring?
I thank my hon. Friend for his campaign on this issue, and I will ensure he has a meeting with the relevant Minister.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to withdrawing objection but promised a meeting
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Ian Lavery Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Context
The MP is concerned about the delay in receiving funds for a BritishVolt project which jeopardises up to 8,000 jobs.
Please instruct your new bestie to make sure a cheque is in the post this afternoon?
The letter was sent last night with an in-principle offer of support for that project.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm cheque will be posted this afternoon but acknowledged recent actions
Response accuracy
Q17 Direct Answer
Context
The world faces a global food crisis, with significant grain reserves stranded in Ukraine.
Will the Prime Minister take all possible action to negotiate and facilitate access to the grain stores?
We are helping to lift that blockade not just by negotiation but by supplying de-mining equipment, insurance for commercial ships and £10 million to improve railway infrastructure.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Context
The Prime Minister has faced criticism over his handling of the appointment of a Cabinet member, leading to multiple resignations among Ministers.
Yesterday the Prime Minister said that he was fed up of people saying things on his behalf. It is not just him who is fed up: so are the British people, and so are his Ministers who are resigning. They are sick of being sent out by him time and again to say things that are not true. Is the real problem him, or them for believing him in the first place?
I want to be clear. What I want to say, and I say it again, is that I regret the way the appointment happened. I was clear with the House about what I knew at the time, but I want to stress that I take this matter extremely seriously. I am very sorry for the impact it has had on the victims, but the individual in question, the right hon. Member for Tamworth (Christopher Pincher), is now subject to an independent complaints and grievance procedure. As soon as that began—as soon as a complaint was made, I should say—the Whip was taken away.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly take responsibility for misleading statements but acknowledged the seriousness of the matter.
We Are Clear About What We Knew At The Time I Want To Stress That I Take This Matter Extremely Seriously
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Context
Two fatal stabbings occurred recently on a quiet street in East Barnet, raising concerns about rising crime rates. The Metropolitan Police Service is currently under special measures.
Just over a fortnight ago, two horrific fatal stabbings took place on a quiet street in East Barnet. With the Metropolitan police now in special measures for the first time in its history, will the Prime Minister urge the Mayor of London to start living up to his responsibilities as police and crime commissioner? The Mayor needs to get a grip on crime, give Barnet its fair share of new officers and abandon his plan to sell Barnet police station.
I notice that crime has spiked since the previous Mayor of London, and it is the Labour party that voted against stop and search and against increased funding for the police. As for the London Mayor, he would do better to get out of California and take control of crime in his city.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address the question about urging the Mayor of London but instead criticized the previous mayor and Labour party.
Crime Has Spiked Since The Previous Mayor He Would Do Better To Get Out Of California
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Andrew Slaughter Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Context
The Prime Minister promised at the last election to build 40 new hospitals, but according to the NHS Confederation, not a single one will be built by 2024. Two such 'new' hospitals are in Hammersmith and Chiswick: Hammersmith Hospital opened in 1902 and Charing Cross Hospital in 1818.
According to the NHS Confederation, not a single one of the so-called 40 new hospitals that the Prime Minister promised at the last election will be built by 2024. Two of those “new” hospitals are in my constituency: Hammersmith Hospital opened in 1902, and Charing Cross Hospital opened in 1818. They are not new hospitals and there is no building going on. Like all his promises, they exist only in his warped imagination. As this is likely to be his last Prime Minister's questions, will he finally tell us the truth?
Actually, if the hon. Gentleman looks at what we have promised and what we have delivered, we said we would get 20,000 police out on the streets, and we already have 13,500 more; and we said we would get 50,000 more nurses, and we are already on track. He is quite wrong about the pledge on hospitals, as we are going to deliver them by 2030, as was always clear. The only reason we can do that is because we are putting the funding into our NHS that he and his party opposed.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not acknowledge the failure to meet the promise but instead highlighted other achievements and criticized the opposition.
We Said We Would Get 20,000 Police Out On The Streets He Is Quite Wrong About The Pledge On Hospitals
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Context
The Prime Minister made a statement in an attempt to boost morale that was perceived as insulting to people who had tried to intervene on the night of an incident involving Chris Pincher.
Yesterday, in an attempt to boost morale in the Tea Room, the Prime Minister said to one table, “There were seven MPs in the Carlton Club last week, and one of them should have tried to intervene to stop Chris drinking so much.” As if that was not insulting enough to the people who did try to intervene that night, it is insulting to the victims to say that drink was the problem. Is this not another example of the Prime Minister constantly trying to deflect from the issue? He always tries to blame other people for mistakes. There is nothing left for him to do other than to take responsibility and resign.
There is a very simple reason why they want me out, and that is because they know that otherwise we will get on with delivering our mandate and win another general election. That is the reality.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not take responsibility for his actions but instead suggested motives behind criticism.
They Want Me Out Because They Know That Otherwise We Will Get On With Delivering Our Mandate
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Munira Wilson Lib Dem
Twickenham
Context
The Prime Minister has faced criticism for his leadership style, including past statements about the challenges of political office.
The Prime Minister once wrote: “It is a wonderful and necessary fact of political biology that we never know when our time is up. Long after it is obvious to everyone that we are goners, we continue to believe in our 'duty' to hang on…to the perks and privileges of our posts…In reality, we are just terrified of the come-down.” For the sake of this great country, will the Prime Minister heed the advice of his former self, get over his terror and do the decent thing?
I refer the hon. Lady to the answer I have just given. When things are tough, of course people turn their fire on the leader of the country. It is my job to get on and deliver our manifesto, which we are; deliver on the mandate on which I was elected; and get this country through tough times, just as we got it through covid. That is what I am going to do.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not heed his own past advice but instead talked about delivering a manifesto and getting the country through tough times.
When Things Are Tough, People Turn Their Fire On The Leader It Is My Job To Get On And Deliver Our Manifesto
Response accuracy
Q23 Direct Answer
Context
An international ministerial conference on freedom of religion or belief has begun, attended by delegates from around the world.
Around 1,000 delegates from 100 countries are at the freedom of religion or belief international ministerial conference over at the QEII centre today, and there is still time for hon. Members to visit. Does the Prime Minister agree that this significant conference will count for nothing unless it results in concerted global action to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief around the world?
I thank my hon. Friend very much. Freedom of religion or belief is integral to people's identity, their sense of themselves and their personal security. I thank her for her work as my envoy on this subject, and for the wonderful conference she has organised. It was great to talk to her about it yesterday.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Mohammad Yasin Lab
Bedford
Context
An explosion occurred in a block of flats on Redwood Grove, Bedford, leading to the death of one resident and injuries to others. Firefighters have faced real-term pay cuts over the last decade.
Will the Prime Minister join me in expressing my deepest condolences to those injured and affected by the explosion in a block of flats on Redwood Grove in Bedford on Monday that has sadly led to the death of one resident, with others yet to be accounted for? This is a timely reminder of the dangerous work undertaken by the fire service. Will he join me in praising the emergency service workers who were at the scene, and will he reconsider his 2% pay offer when firefighters have endured a 12% real-terms pay cut over the last decade?
I thank the hon. Gentleman very much, and I share very much his support for the firefighters of our country. They do an incredible job, and overall it is a testament to their work that deaths from fire over a long period have, on average, been decreasing, thanks to the work that they put in. We will look at the public sector pay review body offer and do our best to fund as much as we can, but everybody knows the inflationary pressures that this country is now under. We do not want to have pay increases that are simply swallowed by price increases.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister praised emergency service workers but did not commit to increasing public sector pay offers beyond considering them due to economic pressures.
We Will Look At The Public Sector Pay Review Body Offer We Do Not Want To Have Pay Increases That Are Simply Swallowed By Price Increases
Response accuracy
Q25 Direct Answer
Context
North Moreton was dubbed 'Britain's kindest village' for hosting 50 Ukrainian refugees, with some of those involved present in the Gallery.
North Moreton, in my constituency, was dubbed “Britain's kindest village” because it committed to taking 50 Ukrainian refugees, and it has them all there now. In the Gallery today there is a group of those hosts and some of the Ukrainians they are hosting, including two young people who hope to go into Ukrainian politics in the future. Will my right hon. Friend join me in welcoming them to this place and in thanking North Moreton for its efforts?
I thank my hon. Friend very much for what he is doing to host young Ukrainians. I thank everybody in this House who is looking after Ukrainians—a lot of people are doing that.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q26 Partial Answer
Peter Dowd Lab
Bootle
Context
The Prime Minister has expressed disapproval of walk-outs and strikes, including those by Cabinet colleagues.
Given that the Prime Minister does not like walk-outs and strikes, what legislation will he be introducing to stop further walk-outs and strikes among his Cabinet colleagues and junior Ministers?
I think that the whole House will have observed the brilliant performance on the radio this morning by the new Chancellor of the Exchequer—that is no disrespect to the former Chancellor of the Exchequer. It shows that, in common with many sectors of the UK economy, there is a ready supply of skilled labour in the upper reaches of the Conservative party.
Assessment & feedback
Legislation to prevent walk-outs and strikes among Cabinet members
Changed Subject To Comment On New Chancellor'S Performance
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
David Davis Con
Goole and Pocklington
Context
The Prime Minister's approach to leadership has been criticised for creating a pipeline of problems.
I would like to draw the Prime Minister's attention to the words he used in response to the earlier question from my hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Loughton). Six months ago, I called on the Prime Minister to resign because even then it was clear that his approach to leadership and integrity was already creating a pipeline of problems that would paralyse proper government. Today, I ask him to do the honourable thing: to put the interests of the nation before his own interests, before, in his own words, it does become “impossible” for government to do its job.
I thank my right hon. Friend very much for the point he has made again, but I just could not disagree with him more. Look at what the Government are doing today. We are cutting taxes for 30 million people, we have just completed a programme to get half a million people off welfare and into work, and, thanks to the strength of our economy, thanks to the position we are now in—because of decisions that we took and the Opposition opposed; we should never forget that—we are able to give £1,200 to 8 million of the poorest and most vulnerable families in this country.
Assessment & feedback
Prime Minister stepping down due to leadership issues
Changed Subject To Discuss Government Achievements
Response accuracy
Q28 Partial Answer
Clive Betts Lab
Sheffield South East
Context
More than 400 Ukrainian refugee families have presented themselves as homeless, leading to accommodation shortages and temporary housing needs.
The Local Government Association has told us that more than 400 families who have come to this country from Ukraine under the family scheme have subsequently presented them- selves as homeless to local authorities. Because the local authorities have not got enough accommodation, those people are going to end up in temporary accommodation. There is a simple answer: local authorities could be allowed to contact the many thousands of people who volunteered to provide homes under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. The problem is that the Government do not allow families to transfer from the family scheme to the Homes for Ukraine scheme. When will the Prime Minister act to ensure that people who have come thousands of miles to this country are not placed in temporary accommodation and that we take up the generosity of those families who are willing to offer them a home?
I thank the hon. Gentleman very much for the very valuable point he has raised, and we will make sure that families are able to cross over from one scheme to another, to simplify and speed up the process.
Assessment & feedback
Acknowledged Issue But Did Not Provide Specific Timeline
Response accuracy