Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
Daniel Poulter
Con
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Context
The question addresses the commissioning of addiction services under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, which resulted in non-NHS providers running almost all addiction services.
My right hon. Friend will be aware that the Health and Social Care Act 2012 resulted in local authority commissioning of addiction services. Ten years later, almost all addiction services are now run by non-NHS providers. The result is that the numbers in alcohol treatment have fallen, many alcohol detoxes take place in an unplanned manner, and opiate and alcohol deaths are at record levels. Does my right hon. Friend agree that, for the sake of patients, we must bring the commissioning and provision of addiction services back to the NHS?
I want to thank my hon. Friend for everything that he has done throughout this pandemic in the NHS, but also for raising this vital issue. I am proud that under this Government we are seeing the biggest increase for 15 years in treatment for substance abuse, but the specific points he raises we will make sure we address with Dame Carol Black, who is undertaking a review of drugs and treatment.
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Assessment & feedback
The issue of bringing addiction services back to NHS was not directly addressed or committed to.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister's former closest adviser commented that the Government failed when the public needed them most.
May I join the Prime Minister in his comments about Hillsborough and Mike Weatherley? This morning, the Prime Minister's former closest adviser said: “When the public needed us most the Government failed.” Does the Prime Minister agree with that?
The handling of this pandemic has been one of the most difficult things this country has had to do for a very long time. None of the decisions has been easy. To go into a lockdown is a traumatic thing for a country.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether he agrees with his former adviser's statement.
Changing Subject To Pandemic Handling
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
One year ago, the Prime Minister said his former adviser acted responsibly, legally, and with integrity; today, that same adviser criticized senior Ministers for falling short of public expectations.
Can I remind the Prime Minister that one year ago, almost to the day, he said of his former adviser “in every respect he has acted responsibly, legally and with integrity”? This morning that same adviser has said that senior Ministers—these are his words—“fell disastrously short of the standards that the public has a right to expect of its government” and that lives were lost as a result. Does the Prime Minister accept that central allegation?
No. Of course, all those matters will be reviewed in the course of the public inquiry that I have announced. We on this side of the House are getting on with our job of rolling out the vaccines, making sure that we protect the people of this country.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether he accepts the allegation or apology.
Changing Subject To Vaccine Roll-Out
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister's former adviser accused him of dismissing the severity of the virus as a “scare story.”
It is no good the Prime Minister attacking me. It is his former chief adviser who is looking back and telling the world how useless the Prime Minister was in taking key decisions—his former adviser. One of the most serious points made this morning is that the Prime Minister failed to recognise the severity of this virus until it was too late, dismissing it as another “scare story” like the swine flu. Does the Prime Minister recognise that account of his own behaviour?
I do not think anybody could credibly accuse this Government of being complacent about the threat that this virus posed at any point. We have worked flat out to minimise loss of life and to protect the NHS.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly acknowledge dismissing the virus as a scare story or apologise.
Changing Subject To Criticism Of Opposition
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The former adviser made serious allegations against the Health Secretary, including misleading other Ministers and officials.
I can see that the evidence of his former adviser is really getting to the Prime Minister this morning in that response. Another incredibly serious statement from the Prime Minister's former adviser this morning concerns the conduct of the Health Secretary, including an allegation that the Health Secretary misled other Ministers and officials on a number of occasions. I do not expect the Prime Minister to respond to that, but can he confirm: did the Cabinet Secretary advise the Prime Minister that he—the Cabinet Secretary—had “lost confidence in the Secretary of State's honesty”?
The answer to that is no. I am afraid I have not had the benefit of seeing the evidence that the right hon. and learned Gentleman is bringing to the House, but I must say that I think what the people of this country want us all to do is to get on with the delicate business of trying to reopen our economy.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm or deny Cabinet Secretary's advice.
Changing Subject To Reopening Economy
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister's former adviser, Dominic Cummings, has made serious allegations about the handling of the pandemic. This includes delays in implementing circuit break lockdowns due to perceived media obsession.
Having been told of the evidence, does the Prime Minister accept that he used the words 'Covid is only killing 80-year-olds' or words to that effect?
No. As I have said before, I am not going to concentrate valuable official time on that now while we are still battling a pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific admission of using the words 'Covid is only killing 80-year-olds'
We Have An Objective Test
We Took The Decisions In The Best Interests Of The British People
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister is facing serious allegations about his handling of the pandemic, including poor decision-making and lack of transparency. A public inquiry has been suggested but not confirmed.
Does the Prime Minister now recognise he must bring forward the timing of the public inquiry into covid, and that it should start this summer and as soon as possible?
No. As I have said before, I am not going to concentrate valuable official time on that now while we are still battling a pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
Immediate commencement of the public inquiry into his handling of the pandemic
We Get On With Delivering On The People'S Priorities
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Tony Hudgell is an inspirational young boy who raised a million pounds for charity. His case highlights the need for child abuse sentencing to be in line with adult abuse.
Will he join Tony, Tony's parents, Paula and Mark, me and many others around the country in campaigning for Tony's law—new clause 56 to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill?
I thank my hon. Friend, and of course I remember Tony very well... All I can say is it is very important that cases like that—injustices such as that suffered by Tony—receive the full force of the law. People who commit serious offences against children can receive exactly the same penalties as those who commit serious offences against adults, but we will keep this under review, and if there is a gap in the law—I will study his amendment very closely—we will make sure that we remedy it.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to support new clause 56
We Will Keep This Under Review
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
Ian Blackford
SNP
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Context
Dominic Cummings, the PM's former adviser, apologised on behalf of the UK Government for their failure during the pandemic. The Prime Minister is under pressure to do the same.
When even a disgraced figure like Dominic Cummings is willing to own up and apologise, is it not time that the Prime Minister does the same?
I take full responsibility for everything that has happened, and as I have said before, both in this House and elsewhere, I am truly sorry for the suffering that the people of this country have experienced.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
Ian Blackford
SNP
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Context
The question arises from criticism of the Prime Minister's actions during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am concerned about the evidence heard this morning which indicates negligence by the Prime Minister. When people were dying, he was more interested in self-interest than the public good. Is it not true that when leadership was most needed, the Prime Minister was absent? Thousands have paid with their lives for his failure; will he now accept responsibility?
I take full responsibility for everything the Government did and will continue to do so. We have established an independent public inquiry to investigate all issues raised, including actions taken during the pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister acknowledged his responsibility but avoided discussing specific failures or taking direct accountability.
I Take Full Responsibility For Everything That The Government Did And Will Continue To Do So.
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights tourism opportunities in Cumbria, especially outside the Lake District.
I visited a country house with an alpaca named Boris. With the opportunity for UK tourists to holiday locally this year, will my right hon. Friend consider visiting my constituency to support local businesses? I can facilitate meeting the alpaca.
I would love to come and meet the alpaca, but more importantly we are providing over £25 billion of support for tourism, including £1.5 million for projects such as the Carnegie Theatre Trust.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister acknowledged his interest in visiting but did not commit to a specific visit.
May I Tell My Hon. Friend What A Joy It Is To Hear Him Campaigning For Chirk, Corwen And Llangollen
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The EU settlement scheme closes on June 30th, leaving some concerned about legal implications for late applicants.
With the closure of the EU settlement scheme and lack of clarity from the Home Office regarding guidance on late applications, what will happen to those who miss the deadline and face potential illegal working legislation? Can I be assured that no criminal liability will apply?
I am sure the law will be merciful, but so far 5.4 million EU nationals have successfully applied to the scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister avoided committing to specific legal assurances for those who miss the deadline.
I Am Sure The Law Will Be Extremely Merciful
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP praises local council initiatives for funding opportunities in his constituency.
Will the Prime Minister join me in praising Wrexham and Denbighshire councils for their dynamic proposals to regenerate Trevor Basin, improve Chirk and Llangollen, and invest in Corwen station through the levelling up fund?
I am delighted to hear my hon. Friend campaign for Chirk, Corwen and Llangollen, after I campaigned there fruitlessly years ago.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address the levelling up fund or proposals.
May I Tell My Hon. Friend What A Joy It Is To Hear Him Campaigning For Chirk, Corwen And Llangollen After I Tramped Around Those Beautiful Places
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Current rules allow for recall of Members suspended by the Standards Committee, but not those suspended by the Independent Expert Panel.
The Prime Minister mentioned closing loopholes in legislation. Will he introduce emergency legislation to close this loophole where a Member can exploit suspension without facing recall? Should such members resign?
I take that point seriously and will study its implications.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to introducing legislation or commenting further on specifics.
I Take That Point Very Seriously. I Will Study The Implications Of What The Hon. Gentleman Says.
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
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Context
Three young people acted heroically when they noticed a fire and raised the alarm, saving lives in their community.
During the pandemic, three young people saw a fire and immediately called the fire brigade, recruited help, and ensured residents were safe. Does the Prime Minister share my admiration for Kim, Zach, Shania, and Robin, and will he join me in thanking them?
Yes, I thank my hon. Friend for singling out this act of selflessness. I pay tribute to Kim, Zach, Shania and Robin.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
There are over 4.3 million children living in poverty, including those in Harrow.
Will the Prime Minister put right a previous error and commit to publishing a child poverty strategy? This would ensure no child is left behind due to their background or socio-economic status.
We are levelling up across the country with a programme of investment. We see fewer households now with children in poverty than 10 years ago, but more can be done.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister acknowledged tackling child poverty but did not commit to publishing a strategy specifically.
It Is Vital That We Tackle Child Poverty And See Fewer Households Now With Children In Poverty Than 10 Years Ago.
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
The business case for East West Rail, which aims to upgrade rail networks in Anthony Browne's constituency, is based on commuting patterns. However, the ongoing pandemic has led to significant changes in workplace habits.
I very much welcome the fact that the Government are investing heavily in upgrading rail networks across the country, including opening lines that have previously been closed. The business case for East West Rail in my constituency is largely based on commuting, but the pandemic means we are in the middle of a workplace revolution. If in future people work from home on average two days a week, that will mean a 40% reduction in commuting. Will my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister commit to doing a review of East West Rail's business case to ensure it remains value for money and to take into account the long-term impact of the pandemic?
My hon. Friend is a great campaigner for Cambridgeshire and the rights of the people of Cambridgeshire. However, my strong feeling is that it would be a mistake now to go slow on investment in infrastructure purely on the basis that we think people will start working from home. My long experience of this is that people need to travel and they will travel. The commuter bustle will come back, and it needs to come back.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not commit to reviewing the East West Rail's business case as requested.
Changed Subject
Stated Personal Belief
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK is the only G7 country not to support a global minimum rate for corporate tax. Helen Hayes questions why this is the case.
A global minimum rate for corporate tax would help to tackle tax avoidance by large multinational corporations and online giants. It would stop them undercutting British businesses who pay their fair share, and it would make a transformational difference to high streets and town centres at the heart of communities across the UK. Why is the Prime Minister the only G7 leader not to support this proposal? Why is he on the side of tax avoiders, instead of British businesses and communities?
It was only a few months ago that the Labour Front Benchers opposed the corporation tax increases we put in. They are now opposed to the Government's ability to cut corporation tax. Which side are they on? They have got to make their minds up.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not explain his stance on a global minimum rate for corporate tax.
Criticised The Opposition
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
Bob Neill
Con
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Context
Businesses operating at railway stations have suffered during the pandemic. Bob Neill's constituent Sanjay Sharma is seeking a reduced level of rent but faces resistance from the train operating company.
Like me, the Prime Minister represents a constituency in London's commuter land, so he will be well aware of the small businesses—sole traders, many of them—who operate the coffee stores, newsagents and so on at our railway stations. Their incomes have been absolutely decimated during the pandemic, but they are finding, like my constituent Sanjay Sharma at Chislehurst station, that when they seek to get a reduced level of rent to reflect their reduced turnover, the train operating companies claim that the funding agreement put in place with the Department for Transport does not give them the discretion to do so. The Department appears to say differently, and they have been going around in circles for months trying to get an answer. Will the Prime Minister use the authority of his office, please, to bang heads together and get a solution for them, because if they go broke and we have empty units, that is no income for anybody?
We introduced a policy to provide rent relief for station businesses in March last year. All train operators, including Southeastern in my hon. Friend's constituency, are able to offer business support to their stations. I understand the point he makes about the discrepancy of views. Can I undertake to arrange a meeting with him and the relevant Minister to take it forward?
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not explicitly use his authority but offered to arrange a meeting.
Offered Meeting
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister promised support for charities in November, but by March had turned his back on them. Charities are now £10 billion in debt and struggling to survive.
I have asked the Prime Minister a series of questions about charities. In November, he promised support. By March he had turned his back, but this month, he broke that promise, giving them nothing this winter. His words and deeds are as unfaithful as his principles and beliefs. He has neither the commitment to honour his word, the capacity to care, nor the compassion to act. Does the Prime Minister really believe that charity is all about supporting him and his lifestyle or recognise that charities now £10 billion in debt and struggling to survive need Government support to help people in real need?
I think charities perform an amazing and invaluable role in our society and in our lives, and we need them. That is why we have supported charity shops throughout the lockdown with restart grants—the road map means that those shops are now able to open again—but, in addition, we had a £750 million targeted package of support for charities, helping more than 14,000 organisations across the country, including funding for hospices, homelessness charities, shelters for victims of domestic abuse and many others.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not acknowledge breaking previous promises but highlighted recent support measures.
Highlighted Recent Actions
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
Peter Aldous
Con
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Context
The REAF strategy outlines an ambitious programme to revive the fishing industry in East Anglia, including Lowestoft.
The fishing industry in East Anglia has had a hard time of it in recent years. However, with Brexit done, albeit in a way that left many disappointed, there is now an opportunity to turn the corner. The REAF—renaissance of East Anglian fisheries—strategy sets out an exciting and ambitious programme for the future. Is the Prime Minister able to say how the Government will work with fishing communities, such as that in Lowestoft, to revive the industry in East Anglia?
I thank my hon. Friend for what he is doing to champion the fisheries industry in East Anglia. I like his REAF plan. I think it has lots of interesting ideas, which we will take forward as part of our £100 million package to support the fishing industry and get ready to take advantage of those opportunities that are coming very swiftly down the track towards us.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not specify how the government would work with fishing communities but acknowledged REAF ideas.
Highlighted General Support
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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Context
Staff on universal credit stand to lose part of their £500 bonus due to the way in which the award is recognised as earned income, resulting in a deduction from universal credit.
NHS and social care staff in Wales are due to receive a £500 bonus in recognition of their hard work during the pandemic, but staff on universal credit stand to lose out due to the way in which the award is recognised in the regulations as earned income, so instead of receiving a thank you bonus at the end of the month, many NHS and social care staff will be punished with a deduction of up to 63% from their universal credit. Will the Prime Minister look to amend regulation 55 of the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 to create an exemption to ensure that all NHS and social care staff in Wales benefit fully from this well-deserved bonus?
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising that point. Of course, I want to repeat my gratitude to the nurses of this country and the NHS and social care staff who have done incredible work throughout this pandemic. He makes a particular point about the tapering in universal credit, and I will make sure that he has a meeting with the relevant Minister, who will set out the detail on the issue he has raised.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not commit to amending regulation 55 but offered a meeting.
Offered Meeting
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
Jonathan Lord
Con
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Context
Sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted have received compensation that is considered insufficient, raising concerns about fairness. The inquiry led by Sir Wyn Williams now has more authority to address these issues.
On behalf of my constituent Seema Misra and other wrongly convicted sub-postmasters, I am grateful for the enhanced investigation into this scandal. However, there is concern that the compensation received by civil litigant sub-postmasters was not fair. I urge the Prime Minister to ensure these individuals will be included in any Government compensation scheme.
The Government respects postmasters and sub-postmasters who have been affected by this miscarriage of justice. We were not party to the initial litigation or settlement, but we are determined to ensure fair compensation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm inclusion of civil litigant sub-postmasters in government compensation scheme
Did Not Address Specific Ask Directly
Response accuracy
Q24
Partial Answer
Angus MacNeil
SNP
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Context
The Brexit referendum was respected by the EU, but there are concerns that Scotland did not receive similar respect in its own independence referendum.
Referendums are important. In 2016, the UK's Brexit referendum was conducted without interference from outside parties. However, the Scottish referendum on independence faced different treatment and promises made by London politicians were broken. Will Scotland be shown the same respect as the UK received in its EU referendum?
The 2014 Scottish independence referendum was respected, with a clear majority voting to remain part of the United Kingdom. The decision was seen as once-in-a-generation and binding.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address future respect for referendums; focused on past result only
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q25
Partial Answer
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Context
The pride of the Royal Navy, HMS Queen Elizabeth, has recently sailed with its strike group. The ship represents British values and naval presence worldwide.
For almost 500 years, the Royal Navy has protected our country from enemies and promoted freedom around the world. As HMS Queen Elizabeth sails from the Mediterranean to the South China Sea carrying British values, what are your plans for the future of her white ensign?
The HMS Queen Elizabeth is a significant statement about Britain's global role and determination to expand naval presence, benefiting national security and economic growth.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans or commitments for the future of HMS Queen Elizabeth's operations
Broad Statements Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q26
Partial Answer
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Context
The pandemic has caused the first rise in extreme poverty since the start of the century. The G7 can reallocate funds to help reduce this issue.
Covid has triggered a global rise in extreme poverty, but at the G7 summit, leaders could take action by reallocating special drawing rights and restocking development association funds. Will the Prime Minister commit to leading efforts against the pandemic of poverty?
I have already had conversations regarding this matter with Kristalina Georgiera.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to leading specific actions or discussions against poverty
Referenced Ongoing Discussions But Did Not Commit
Response accuracy
Q27
Partial Answer
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Context
The inability to visit family and friends in hospitals has caused anguish for many people, but some local progress is being made. The rollout of vaccines may further improve this situation.
One of the hardest things about the past year has been not being able to see loved ones in hospital. We are seeing some progress locally, but when will normal visiting hours resume across all hospitals nationwide?
Balancing the wish to visit with managing infection risk is necessary. Guidance will be updated as soon as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline or commitment for resuming visiting hours
Referenced Balancing But No Concrete Plan
Response accuracy
Q28
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns about the role of British-made weapons in recent conflicts, especially regarding Palestinian children killed. Since 2015, over £400 million worth of arms have been approved to Israel.
Three Palestinian children were killed by Israeli airstrikes, and many more Palestinians died as a result of conflict. The call for Palestinian freedom has never been louder, but the UK government continues to approve arms sales to Israel. Can you look me in the eye and tell me that British-made weapons or components were not used in these war crimes?
The House understands nobody wants conflict, and we are glad there is a ceasefire. The UK supports a two-state solution for many years.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address use of British arms in conflict; focused instead on broader peace objectives
Changed Subject To Overall Peace Process
Response accuracy