Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
MP questioned the government's actions during COP26, focusing on the impact of not opposing a proposed third runway at Heathrow.
I am concerned about the Prime Minister preaching urgency at COP26 while his actions may damage the economy by not opposing the third runway at Heathrow. Can he outline one immediate action that had an impact during COP26?
The Government will not damage the economy by taking steps such as opposing Heathrow's third runway. Instead, we are committed to clean and green aviation.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific action during COP26
General Principles
Alternative Solutions
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
MP asked for support to rebuild the ageing Queen Elizabeth Hospital, highlighting its structural issues.
I am seeking to have the Queen Elizabeth Hospital rebuilt as one of eight new schemes. Can you confirm that the hospital's application is under consideration and give a timeline?
The hospital's application is under consideration, with an aim to make a final decision in spring next year.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
MP questioned the Prime Minister's intention to overturn an independent standard process ruling regarding paid lobbying.
I support the principle that paid lobbying in Parliament is wrong. However, reports suggest a change might occur after a Member was found guilty of it. Will this happen?
No changes will be made to overturn the verdict; instead, we are considering whether Members have had a fair opportunity and a proper appeal.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific rules change for lobbying case
Procedural Considerations
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
MP criticized the Prime Minister for proposing changes after a Member was found guilty of paid lobbying, similar to how rules were not changed post-sexual harassment case.
If we change rules after sexual harassment cases but not for paid lobbying, why is this inconsistency happening now?
Procedures of the House should be considered with fairness. Instead of political games, we are focusing on delivering 40 more hospitals and hiring 20,000 police officers.
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Assessment & feedback
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
MP criticized the government's inconsistency in rule enforcement and questioned projected household tax increases over five years.
The Resolution Foundation found that taxes will be £3,000 more per household since the Prime Minister took office. What is the projected tax increase over the next five years?
The recent Budget cut taxes by £1,000 for 2 million families with universal credit taper relief and lifted the living wage across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific figures on projected tax increases
Alternative Information
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
MP questioned the government's tax cut measures, highlighting a Resolution Foundation report on projected household tax increases.
The Resolution Foundation found that taxes will be £3,000 more per household since the Prime Minister took office. How much was the tax cut given to banks?
Over half of the £36 billion increase comes from the richest 14%, mostly from banks and financial services. The Opposition voted against the measures.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific tax cut amount for banks
Comparison With Opposition
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The defence budget is set to decrease by £1.3 billion according to the Prime Minister's Budget documents, affecting servicemen and women who may face pay cuts or reductions in support.
According to the Prime Minister's own Budget documents, it was £4 billion in tax cuts to the bankers and £3,000 of tax rises per household. That is good news for the donor who gave his party half a million pounds—his bank got a bonus of nearly £8 million—but not so good news for the rest of us. This month, as the Prime Minister said, we remember and celebrate all those who serve our great country, all those who have lost their lives, leaving behind loved ones, and those who have sustained life-changing injuries and live every day with the consequences of their sacrifice. Yet hidden in the small print of the Budget was a £1 billion cut to day-to-day defence spending. So will our servicemen and women face pay cuts, or will there be fewer of them, with less support?
I think it is quite incredible that we are now hearing this from the Labour party, when they would have pulled us out of NATO. I think the hon. Member for Wigan (Lisa Nandy) actually wanted to abolish the Army. The woman sitting next to the right hon. Lady wanted to abolish the Army. What you have got with this Government is spending on defence that is the highest since the cold war; it is the biggest uplift since the cold war and an increase that has restored confidence in this country around the world, in our ability to defend not just our own shores, but our friends and partners.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address the specific issue of defence budget cuts or support for veterans.
Attacking Labour'S Previous Stance On Nato
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The defence budget is set to decrease by £1.3 billion according to the Prime Minister's Budget documents, affecting servicemen and women who may face pay cuts or reductions in support.
This month, as the Prime Minister said, we remember and celebrate all those who serve our great country, all those who have lost their lives, leaving behind loved ones, and those who have sustained life-changing injuries and live every day with the consequences of their sacrifice. Yet hidden in the small print of the Budget was a £1 billion cut to day-to-day defence spending. So will the Prime Minister match our proposal to reinvest the £35 million saved from cancelled Ministry of Defence contracts to support our veterans, who surely deserve it?
It is because we have been able to run a strong economy and take our economy out of lockdown that we have been able to invest massively in the NHS, to lift spending on defence to record levels and to keep supporting our fantastic public services. That is what this Government are able to do.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address the specific issue of reinvesting £35 million into veteran support.
General Praise For Government'S Defence Spending
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
Jack Brereton
Con
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Context
Stoke-on-Trent has received levelling-up funding, but public transport remains poor. The MP seeks to improve this through bus franchising.
I thank the Prime Minister and the Government for securing our fantastic Stoke-on-Trent levelling-up funding. If we are truly to level up opportunities and access to opportunities in Stoke-on-Trent, we must also improve our poor public transport, so will my right hon. Friend agree to look at the possibility of bus franchising in the Potteries?
As my hon. Friend knows, I am a fanatic about buses. We are putting £1.2 billion more into bus funding, and I know that Stoke-on-Trent has applied for that. I urge my hon. Friend to take up his suggestion immediately with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q10
Partial Answer
Ian Blackford
SNP
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Context
Scotland's climate targets have been praised internationally, but the Scottish cluster bid for carbon-capture project was rejected. The MP seeks clarity on this decision.
As we look forward to Remembrance Sunday, may I, too, commend those who have served and the military and security services that protect us all for the job that they continue to do? Sir David Attenborough's powerful opening statement to COP26 told us that the journey to net zero means: “We must recapture billions of tons of carbon from the air.” The Climate Change Committee has been clear that carbon capture and storage is a necessity not an option to achieve the planet's net zero targets. This week, Scotland's world-leading climate targets have received widespread praise from, among others, the UN Secretary-General. Scotland is finding partners around the world to tackle the climate emergency, but in Westminster there is not even a willing partner to deliver the long-promised carbon-capture project. Scotland's north-east has now been waiting weeks for a clear reason for exactly why the Scottish cluster bid was rejected. There have been no clear answers, and not even clear excuses, so perhaps the Prime Minister will answer this simple question: does he know exactly how much of the UK's CO2 storage the Scottish cluster could deliver?
I am a massive enthusiast for carbon capture and storage around the whole UK. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, the Acorn project in Aberdeen remains on the reserve list. He should not give up: we will come back to this issue and, of course, we want to make sure that we have a fantastic industry generating clean hydrogen around the country. The right hon. Gentleman should not despair. In the meantime, we are supporting amazing Scottish plans to get clean energy from wind, hydrogen and all sorts of means.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not provide a specific amount of CO2 storage capacity that the Scottish cluster could deliver.
Promising Future Action
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
Ian Blackford
SNP
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Context
The Scottish cluster bid aimed to store a significant portion of UK's CO2 emissions and create jobs in green industries. It was rejected by the government.
It is bad enough that the Prime Minister rejected the Scottish cluster a week before COP, but what is worse is that he clearly does not even know or understand what his Government were rejecting. Let me tell him: the Scottish cluster bid would have stored 30% of the UK's CO2 emissions and supported the creation of around 20,000 jobs in green industries. It was far and away the best bid. If the decision was based on science alone, it would have been approved on the spot. With days left at the COP summit, will the Prime Minister now reverse his Government's massive own goal in rejecting the Scottish cluster?
I am trying to encourage the right hon. Gentleman to be a little bit less gloomy about the prospects of this initiative. I understand exactly what he says, and we are working with the Scottish Government, whom I thank for their co-operation and all their support for COP in the past few days and weeks and for what they are doing. We will come back to this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not reverse his government's decision on the Scottish cluster bid.
Working With The Scottish Government
Spirit Of Co-Operation
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
House prices are rising in East Devon, making homeownership increasingly unaffordable for many local people.
House prices are rising in East Devon, with the dream of home ownership becoming out of reach for too many local people. New-build developments must be affordable, with protections in place to restrict the number of properties becoming second homes. The loophole that allows second-home owners to avoid paying council tax should be closed quickly to help local authorities. Will the Prime Minister meet me and colleagues from across the south-west to discuss this growing crisis across our region?
I know how strongly my hon. Friend and other colleagues across the south-west feel about this issue. That is why we have legislated to introduce higher rates of stamp duty on second homes. We will ensure that only genuine holiday businesses can access small business rates relief, but I am certainly happy to meet colleagues to discuss what further we may do to ensure that local people get the homes that they need.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to closing the loophole for second-home owners avoiding council tax.
Legislating Higher Rates Of Stamp Duty On Second Homes
Genuine Holiday Businesses Can Access Small Business Rates Relief
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth has confirmed Scotland's importance to the UK's energy needs. However, no investment in carbon capture at St Fergus or Mossmorran.
In the words of the Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth: “Scotland is vital for the UK's energy needs, both currently and in the future…It is also vital for our future offshore wind capabilities, and other low-carbon and renewable energies.”—[Official Report, 19 October 2021; Vol. 701, c. 615.] As he confirms, it is the rest of the UK that is dependent on Scotland, not the other way round. Does the Prime Minister not realise that his failure to invest in carbon capture and storage at St Fergus in Grangemouth and to feed the potential at Mossmorran in my constituency, is regarded as an act of deliberate economic vandalism, casting himself less as Bond and more as Blofeld the villain, for all the COP26 world to see?
What the COP26 world can see is the astonishing achievements of Scotland and the rest of the UK in developing clean energy sources. I have said to the right hon. Gentleman, the leader of the hon. Gentleman's party in Westminster, that we will come back to the Aberdeen—[Interruption.] Sorry, forgive me, the hon. Gentleman is a member of a different party, but it has substantially the same agenda. We will come back to this.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not acknowledge his failure as economic vandalism.
Astonishing Achievements
Come Back To
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Darlington station is receiving £105 million from the government's HS2 ready plans.
Darlington station is receiving £105 million thanks to this Government's plans to make it HS2 ready. I want to make sure that Darlington benefits from high-speed rail, so will my right hon. Friend meet with me and regional colleagues to discuss the eastern leg of HS2 and the reopening of the Leamside line to allow the full region to be better connected?
I thank my hon. Friend for everything that he has done for Darlington. He should wait for the interim rail plan to come out, but, in the meantime, we are upgrading Darlington station. There are plans in place and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced £310 million of funding over the next five years to transform local transport networks in the Tees Valley.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to meeting to discuss HS2 plans specifically.
Upgrading Darlington Station
Interim Rail Plan
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister claims to be fanatical about buses but does not address trains, specifically the Leamside line.
The Prime Minister says that he is fanatical about buses, but what about trains, and not just in Darlington? I am talking about the Leamside line. Last Wednesday, I was notified that a joint bid to reinstate the mothballed Leamside line had not been successful in attracting the next stage of the feasibility funding from the Government as part of the restoring your railway fund. Will the Prime Minister tell us what specific plans the Government have to invest in the north-east, in places such as Gateshead and south Tyneside in my constituency, and when will he get serious about levelling up in our communities instead of just using the term as a meaningless, populist slogan?
The hon. Lady must wait for the integrated rail plan, but the north-east will be the beneficiary of the biggest investment in our rail infrastructure beyond HS2 that we have seen for a century. We will be putting in about £96 billion more, and we want the local and regional authorities to work with us to ensure that we promote the projects that the people really want.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not provide specific plans for investing in rail infrastructure.
Integrated Rail Plan
Biggest Investment Beyond Hs2
Response accuracy
Q16
Direct Answer
Andrea Leadsom
Con
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Context
The Prime Minister supports the early years healthy development review and has allocated half a billion pounds at the spending review.
I want to really thank my right hon. Friend for his support for the early years healthy development review and, in particular, for the half a billion pounds of new money at the spending review last week. He often says that talent is spread equally across our country, but opportunity is not, so does he agree that giving every baby the best start in life is the best possible way to level up across our country?
Yes, I have listened to my right hon. Friend over many years on this issue and she is 100% right in what she says about the importance of early years. That is why we are investing £500 million to support families and children, including £82 million to create a network of family hubs to bring together services for children of all ages. We are going to continue to invest in children's early years—for example, the offer of 15 hours of early education for disadvantaged two-year-olds that has already benefited 1.1 million disadvantaged kids since 2013.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent's mother committed suicide due to criminal domestic abuse, leaving her estate to the abuser. The family is devastated.
I have a constituent whose mother tragically committed suicide after suffering from domestic abuse, and now her abusive husband stands to inherit her entire estate. This has left my constituents deeply affected. Does the Prime Minister agree that convicted domestic abusers should never profit from their victims and will he meet me and my constituent to fix this legal loophole?
The Prime Minister acknowledges the tragic case described by the MP. He agrees that it is a serious loophole in the law but does not commit to meeting with her or her constituent.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to meet and discuss specific legal changes
We Will Certainly Need To Have A Meeting
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
There are severe shortages of doctors and nurses in the NHS, despite increased funding. The Health and Care Bill has an amendment supported by 50 NHS organisations to require regular forecasts on staff numbers.
The NHS is currently experiencing significant staffing shortages across many specialties. Will my right hon Friend support an amendment that would mandate regular independent forecasts of required doctor and nurse numbers, backed by 50 NHS organisations?
The Prime Minister supports ensuring adequate staffing for the NHS but does not commit to supporting the specific amendment.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to support the amendment
We Have 50,000 More Healthcare Professionals And 60,000 Nurses In Training
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
Martyn Day
SNP
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Context
The Prime Minister has made campaign promises to address the injustices faced by 1950s-born women in their pensions, but no progress has been made.
I last challenged the Prime Minister over his pledge to deliver justice for the women born in the 1950s who have suffered pension injustices. Will he now confirm any plans to address these issues?
The Prime Minister acknowledges the difficulty of addressing the WASPI women's issue but does not commit to any specific plans or solutions.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plan to address pension injustices
We Continue To Reflect On All Options
Response accuracy
Q20
Direct Answer
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Katrice Lee went missing in Germany, near Paderborn, on her second birthday. Her father Richard Lee has been searching for her since.
The disappearance of Katrice Lee occurred on 28 November 1981, during her second birthday celebration. Her family continues to search and the upcoming anniversary will be particularly painful. Will the Prime Minister meet Mr Lee to reassure him that his daughter's case has not been forgotten?
The Prime Minister agrees to meet with Mr Lee, father to father.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
The Epilepsy Society, based in the MP's constituency, has started a project to understand how global warming affects epilepsy. A survey found 62% of those with uncontrolled seizures experienced increased severity or frequency in hot weather.
The Epilepsy Society is researching the impact of climate change on epilepsy through their climate change initiative. Will the Prime Minister endorse this initiative and commit to additional funding for research?
The Prime Minister acknowledges the importance of researching the potential link between hot weather and epilepsy but does not commit to additional funding.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to endorsing and providing more funding
We Are Funding Epilepsy Research With Another £54 Million
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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An independent inquiry found that the Lib Dems' plan for a heat network in Sutton was based on false assumptions, including unobtained funding.
The Lib Dems' heat network project has been exposed as founded on false premises and will leave constituents to bear the costs. Does this not show they are unfit to govern and that those responsible should resign?
The Prime Minister agrees with previous instances of the Lib Dems campaigning on false premises.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific agreement that those responsible should resign
Not Fit To Govern
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
Paul Blomfield
Lab
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Context
Jenni Garratt, a cladding scandal victim, has faced financial burdens such as waking watch costs. She is anxious about her building's safety.
My constituent Jenni Garratt's building was evacuated due to safety concerns and she faces significant financial burdens like waking watch fees and parking costs. In an ITV interview, the Prime Minister dismissed her worries as unnecessary. Will he meet with her before the Building Safety Bill is finalised?
The Prime Minister sympathises with Jenni Garratt's situation but believes it's unnecessary anxiety due to market confidence issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to meet and address her concerns
It Is Unnecessary Anxiety
Response accuracy
Q24
Direct Answer
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Context
The new police and crime commissioner for the West Midlands has reduced stop and search measures across the region.
I am concerned that the reduction in stops and searches by the new police and crime commissioner will undermine efforts to combat knife crime. Can you confirm that while stops and searches must be proportionate, they remain an important tool in keeping streets safe?
Yes, I agree that stop and search is a critical tool when used correctly. It is part of the police's strategy to address knife crime.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q25
Partial Answer
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Context
St Helier Hospital in Mitcham faces significant service cuts, including the loss of A&E, maternity, intensive care, children's services, renal unit and 62% of beds.
The planned closure of these critical services at St Helier Hospital will cost £600 million. An alternative exists to rebuild the hospital in an area with higher health needs while saving £200 million. Would you support this option?
We are investing in 48 new hospitals and rebuilds. The government believes its investment will improve NHS services.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific alternative rebuilding option not addressed
Response accuracy
Q26
Partial Answer
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Context
The potential for Iran to become a nuclear-ready state within weeks or months is a grave concern.
What diplomatic actions will the UK take with its international partners in response to Iran's imminent status as a near-nuclear power, and what contingency plans exist if negotiations fail?
We advocate for Iran to return to nuclear talks at Vienna. The aim is to restore the JCPOA agreement through further dialogue.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific contingency plans and alternative strategies not mentioned
Response accuracy
Q27
Partial Answer
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Context
Universal credit recipients are facing financial cuts, exacerbating existing poverty levels in Lewisham North where 39% of children grow up in poverty.
Deptford First charity has launched a fundraiser to support families affected by the universal credit cut. Will you use your connections to boost their campaign or will you cancel the reduction?
We have abolished the previous system and introduced a £1 billion tax cut for those on universal credit. We believe in rewarding work rather than abolishing the current system as Labour proposes.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific proposal to cancel cuts or support fundraising not addressed
Response accuracy
Q28
Partial Answer
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Context
The Mayor of London is considering a proposed charge for vehicles registered outside Greater London entering the region.
Louie French, a local candidate, opposes this charge which would negatively impact Orpington residents. Will you support Louie's campaign and prevent implementation of this proposal?
I agree with my hon. Friend that Labour often seeks to increase taxes, particularly on motorists. The Mayor should manage TfL's finances without raising taxes.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific opposition to the outer London charge not addressed
Response accuracy
Q29
Direct Answer
Martin Docherty
SNP
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Context
My constituent, Jagtar Singh Johal, was abducted in Jalandhar, Punjab and has been detained without charges for nearly four years.
As we approach the fourth anniversary of Jagtar's arrest with no formal charges, will you declare his detention as arbitrary?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his campaign and confirm that we continue to raise Jagtar's case with the Indian Government.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q30
Partial Answer
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Context
The government has announced significant NHS funding but a new health centre is needed in East Leake due to population growth.
With the new health centre required to serve 3,000 additional patients, will you support my campaign for its construction?
My Health Secretary will do his utmost to accommodate Rushcliffe's hospital needs. Labour Members' inconsistency on NHS funding is highlighted.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to the new health centre not addressed
Response accuracy