Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Liberal Democrats criticise the Government's £37 billion investment in test and trace, arguing it has made little difference. They also argue that NHS workers have not received a sufficient pay increase despite the Prime Minister previously acknowledging their value.
I am concerned about the government throwing £37 billion at a test and trace system that we know has barely made any difference. Yet they say they cannot afford to give more than 1% pay rise to NHS workers whom the Prime Minister himself owes his life to. Will he do more than just praise them?
We owe an incalculable debt to our nurses and we are proud that we have delivered a 12.8% increase in starting nurse salaries, and asked the public sector pay review body to look at increasing their pay exceptionally of all professions in the public sector.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for a meaningful pay rise was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The Conservative MP visited several areas affected by flooding and is concerned about the loss of momentum in finding long-term solutions.
I recently visited Long Marston, Bovingdon, Rickmansworth and Berkhamsted to see first-hand the damage caused by flooding. Will the Prime Minister assure us that we will not lose momentum in finding sustainable flood prevention solutions as weather improves?
We are investing £5.2 billion to build 2,000 new flood defences over the next six years, thanks to the Environment Agency's tireless and creative work.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour Party is questioning the disparity between promised NHS pay rises and actual increases, citing a comparison with a high-profile Government advisor's salary increase.
Who does the Prime Minister think deserves a raise more: an NHS nurse or Dominic Cummings?
We believe in supporting our nurses with higher starting salaries and have asked the public sector pay review body to look at increasing their pay, although we note that nurse recruitment has increased by 10,600 in the last year.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific comparison was not addressed directly.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour Party is questioning the Government's ability to recruit more nurses when there are significant pay cuts proposed for NHS staff.
How does the Prime Minister plan to address nursing vacancies with a real-terms pay cut?
We have provided £5,000 in bursaries for nurses and another £3,000 to help with training costs. This is why we are seeing a 34% increase in nursing applications this year.
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Assessment & feedback
The pay cut issue was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour Party is concerned about broken promises regarding NHS funding, particularly the minimum pay rise commitment.
Does the Prime Minister accept that NHS staff will be hundreds of pounds worse off because of last week's Budget?
Under this Government, we have increased NHS funding significantly. There are 6,500 more doctors, 18,000 more healthcare workers, and 10,600 more nurses than last year.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific concern about hundreds of pounds reduction was not addressed directly.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour Party is questioning the Prime Minister's commitment to NHS funding as promised in previous documents, highlighting a specific promise of a 2.1% minimum pay rise.
Why is the Prime Minister breaking his promise on a minimum pay rise for NHS staff when they have been essential during the pandemic?
We will go on and build 40 more hospitals, recruit 50,000 more nurses, and get on with delivering our pledges to the British people because of sound management.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific promise was not addressed; instead, focus shifted to future plans.
Deflection
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
MP expressed concerns about the Prime Minister's decision to cut nurse pay, citing that Conservative MPs have criticized this policy.
The Prime Minister says he supports nurses but is cutting their pay. A 1% rise versus a 1.7% inflation rate equates to a real-terms cut. Given the government can afford a 40% pay rise for Dominic Cummings, why are they unable to properly reward NHS staff? If determined to proceed with the nurse pay cuts, will he put it to a vote in Parliament?
The last time we put this to a vote, Keir Starmer voted against it. We are increasing pay for nurses and massively investing in the NHS. The Opposition is inconsistent on testing, PPE, and vaccine roll-out policy.
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Assessment & feedback
Vote on nurse pay cuts
Changed Subject
Criticized Opposition
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The success of the UK's vaccination programme has made it possible for tourism businesses to look forward to a successful summer season.
With the reopening of the economy, will the Prime Minister support and launch a campaign encouraging people to holiday in the UK this summer? Will he join me in Blackpool to showcase what we have to offer?
I will look at my diary to see if I can visit Blackpool. The town has an important role in the recovery of the tourism industry, with successful summers ahead.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete commitments on campaign support or joining
Will Look At Diary
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister announced an Erasmus replacement without consultation with devolved Governments, offering lower living and travel support.
Why did the government publish plans for an Erasmus replacement without consulting devolved Governments? The new scheme offers less support than Erasmus. Why are they taking opportunities away from young people?
The Turing project is designed to help students across all income groups, unlike Erasmus which benefited those from better-off homes. The SNP is failing Scotland in education, crime, and the economy.
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Assessment & feedback
Reconsideration of funding levels or rejoining Erasmus
Criticized Opposition
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
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Context
MP expressed concerns about the Prime Minister's decision to cut nurse pay, citing that Conservative MPs have criticized this policy.
The government's 1% rise in nurses' pay is a real-terms cut given inflation. They can afford significant pay rises for others but not nurses. Why proceed with these cuts? If determined to do so, will he put it to a vote?
The public know we have increased starting pay for nurses by 12.8% over three years and given them £5,000 bursary support. The Government are investing heavily in the NHS and increasing its workforce.
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Assessment & feedback
Vote on nurse pay cuts
Highlighted Investment
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
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Context
The Prime Minister announced an Erasmus replacement without consultation with devolved Governments, offering lower living and travel support.
The government's new Turing project does not match EU levels of support for students. Why proceed with this when Scottish MP Andrew Bowie told the BBC that young people will not benefit from Brexit? Will you reconsider your position?
I think students should choose Turing because it is fantastic and reaches out across the whole country. The SNP fails Scotland in education, crime, and economy.
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Assessment & feedback
Reconsideration of funding levels or rejoining Erasmus
Criticized Opposition
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q12
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP noted that children have missed out on cultural, artistic, and sporting activities due to covid restrictions.
While children have had to learn online and miss out on cultural activities, cultural organisations remain restricted. Will the government consider providing funded enrichment activities by culture and sport sectors while they are unable to reopen?
The massive £2 billion recovery fund will be used for the benefit and cultural enrichment of young people up and down the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the cost of a proposed bridge to Northern Ireland, noting that it could be £33 billion while road networks have suffered from decades of underinvestment.
The PM's proposed £33 billion bridge for Northern Ireland could go through unexploded munitions and radioactive waste. With only 2,399 votes in the last election, what mandate does he have to override democratically elected people?
The review includes upgrading the A75 and improving connections within Northern Ireland. The PM thinks it is a fantastic Union connectivity review that should be appreciated.
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Assessment & feedback
acknowledgement of democratic mandate
Changed Subject To Review Benefits
Response accuracy
Q14
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the resurfacing of a concrete section of the M27 starting this summer.
Does the Prime Minister agree that Conservative Governments invest in infrastructure, as evidenced by the planned resurfacing of the M27?
Conservative Governments are putting £640 billion into an infrastructure revolution and Jerry Hall is doing well to resurface the road.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q15
Partial Answer
David Linden
SNP
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Context
The MP welcomed the Prime Minister's decision to extend the £20 uplift to universal credit for six months.
While extending the £20 uplift is welcome, why was it not extended to those on legacy benefits such as disabled people?
Throughout the pandemic, we have done whatever we can to look after people on benefits and those who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
specific ask about legacy benefits extension
General Statement Of Looking After People
Response accuracy
Q16
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP celebrated the Chancellor's announcements on the towns fund and Humber freeport, highlighting the next challenge as raising skills and educational achievements.
How can people take advantage of the new lifetime skills guarantee being launched next month?
The £3,000 for an A-level-equivalent qualification is available to adults over 23 and instrumental in helping them retrain and get jobs.
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Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted the cost of staffing Northern Ireland's health service and questioned why a windfall tax was not applied to internet giants who benefited during lockdown.
Why has the Prime Minister and Chancellor not applied a modest windfall tax on businesses that have benefited much from the pandemic?
The Chancellor is addressing the discrepancy in tax paid by online businesses compared to concrete businesses.
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Assessment & feedback
windfall tax specifics
Acknowledges Discrepancy But Avoids Specific Commitment
Response accuracy
Q18
Direct Answer
Sheryll Murray
Con
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Context
The MP invited the Prime Minister to show how easy it is to prepare a dish using British-caught fish.
Will the Prime Minister join in showing how to prepare and cook a dish with British-caught fish?
The PM is very happy to take up the suggestion, though he will not be the best chef.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
Tessa Stevens, a constituent, has had to keep her salon closed despite shrinking government support. The beauty industry is calling for VAT to be reduced to 5%.
People like my constituent Tessa Stevens have had to keep their salons shut due to shrinking Government support. I am urgently seeking the Prime Minister's support to protect the immediate and long-term recovery of beauty businesses. Will the Prime Minister explain why his Government refuse to listen to the beauty industry, which is calling for VAT to be temporarily reduced?
The hon. Lady is right about the importance of beauty businesses and we want them to bounce back strongly from the pandemic, but the Chancellor has extended furlough and other provisions necessary.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why VAT reduction for beauty businesses was refused
Focusing On The Importance Of Salons
Mentioning Extensions Of Furlough
Response accuracy
Q20
Direct Answer
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Context
In West Dorset, there are single-track railway lines and a three-hourly rail frequency. The area has the highest level of roadside pollution in the UK.
May I warmly welcome the Union connectivity review? In West Dorset, we have single-track railway lines, a three-hourly rail frequency, and high roadside pollution levels. Will my right hon. Friend support a levelling up rail proposal to upgrade services?
My hon. Friend knows whereof he speaks and we are determined to follow his lead in upgrading services in the west country and Dorset, including Network Rail proposals.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
Commissioning for alcohol and drug addiction treatment was taken out of the NHS a decade ago, leading to service fragmentation. Last year saw record high alcohol-specific deaths.
In 2012, commissioning for alcohol and drug addiction treatment moved from the NHS to local authorities, overwhelming them with cuts and fragmentation. Addiction is an illness that can be treated. Will the Prime Minister urgently investigate the rise in deaths and bring addiction treatment back into the NHS within mental health services?
The hon. Gentleman is right about the importance of addiction treatment and its relationship to mental health, and we are investing record sums in mental health, including £13.3 billion.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to investigating deaths or bringing back treatment into NHS
Acknowledging Importance But No Specific Commitments
Response accuracy
Q22
Direct Answer
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Context
Veterans and others receive mental health support at St George's Hospital and County Hospital in Stafford. The pandemic is likely to have a negative impact on people's mental health.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the pandemic has negatively impacted mental health, and will he commit to working with me and the Stafford mental health network to improve mental health provision?
Yes, I am happy to discuss that with my hon. Friend and support mental health charities throughout the pandemic, focusing on the needs of children and young people.
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Q23
Partial Answer
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Context
Before the pandemic, apprenticeship starts were down by 28% for under-19s. £330 million of unspent levy was returned to the Treasury. The promised number of new apprenticeships fell short.
This Government are failing young people on apprenticeships. Apprenticeship starts are down, and there is an unspent levy that went back to the Treasury. Will the Prime Minister join me in urging all young people to support my apprenticeships fair?
I think jobs fairs are important and I know colleagues do them. The Government can be proud of our record in getting record numbers into employment, addressing pandemic issues with lifetime skills guarantee and kickstart funds.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to attending the apprenticeships fair
Acknowledging Importance But No Specific Commitment
Response accuracy
Q24
Direct Answer
Damien Moore
Con
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Context
Southport received a £37.5 million town deal that will be transformational, representing the levelling-up agenda.
After putting in a fantastic bid, Southport got a £37.5 million town deal, which is transformational and represents the levelling-up agenda of the Prime Minister and this Government. Will he come to see these projects unfold?
Yes, indeed. I am told that the boulevard of light on Lord Street rivals the Champs-Élysées itself and will keep my hon. Friend's invitation in mind.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q25
Partial Answer
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Context
In this country, there are 375,000 care workers on zero-hours contracts.
In this House, we all know the importance of those who have looked after our vulnerable loved ones over the past year. Will the Prime Minister explain why in this country we have 375,000 care workers on zero-hours contracts?
I am proud of what we have done to increase wages for care workers with record increases in the living wage and vaccinating care home workers.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why there are 375,000 care workers on zero-hours contracts
Mentioning Pride In Wage Increases
Response accuracy
Q26
Partial Answer
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Context
The reopening of Golborne station in James Grundy's constituency has been enabled by a £15 million allocation from the Government's transforming cities fund. The progress is part of the government's commitment to levelling up the north.
I thank the Prime Minister for his commitment to levelling up the north, the benefits of which we are already beginning to see, with a £15 million allocation from the Government's transforming cities fund enabling the plans to reopen Golborne station in my constituency to progress. Will the Prime Minister not only welcome that progress but back my campaign to reopen Kenyon Junction railway station, which will help unlock the potential of Leigh, provide my constituents with a vital rail connection between Liverpool and Manchester, and ensure that Leigh is no longer one of the largest towns in the UK without a railway station?
I am very happy to support my hon. Friend's initiative, and I understand that Golborne, which he represents, was the sight of the world's first railway junction.
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Assessment & feedback
The reopening of Kenyon Junction railway station
Changed Subject To History Of Golborne
Response accuracy
Q27
Partial Answer
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Context
Anthony Jones, a student at Stirling University, faced a significant increase in master's degree course fees after Brexit. Pre-Brexit fees were £2,168, while post-Brexit they are £14,600.
Anthony Jones, a ferociously bright student at Stirling University, was looking to do a master's degree in Amsterdam. Pre- Brexit, the course fees were £2,168. Post Brexit, the fees are £14,600. The Turing scheme will not touch the sides of what is necessary. Would the Prime Minister like to apologise to Anthony and countless hundreds of thousands of students like him for limiting their life horizons against their will?
No, because I think that the Turing scheme is fairer and will enable students on lower incomes to have access to great courses around the world. I believe it is a highly beneficial reform of the way we do this, and it is truly global in its ambitions.
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Assessment & feedback
Apologizing for increased fees and limitations
Defended Turing Scheme
Response accuracy
Q28
Direct Answer
Jack Brereton
Con
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Context
There is investment in Meir station, restoration of the Stoke to Leek line, and improvements at Longton station.
With a new station at Meir, investment in Longton station and restoration of the Stoke to Leek line, does my right hon. Friend agree that investment from this Government has the potential to reverse the Beeching cuts, restore our local railways in Stoke-on-Trent and cement our position as one of the best-connected places in the whole UK?
Yes. I thank my hon. Friend; I know that he supported the bid for the reinstatement of the Stoke to Leek line. That is currently being assessed by the Department for Transport as one of the Beeching reversals, which are so popular around the country and so right, and he can expect an outcome in the summer.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q29
Partial Answer
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Context
The Chancellor has allocated financial support to his constituency of Richmondshire, which raises questions about the fairness of levelling up efforts.
If the Prime Minister is serious about levelling up the country, does he honestly think that favouring the Chancellor's Richmondshire constituency over Barnsley for financial support is the best way to do it?
We are devoted to levelling up across the entire country, and that goes for Barnsley as well as everywhere else.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific favouring of Richmondshire over Barnsley
General Commitment To Levelling Up
Response accuracy
Q30
Partial Answer
Chris Grayling
Con
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Context
There is a need to ensure that consumers can easily identify whether the food they buy comes from sustainable sources or contributes further damage to the environment.
I know that the Prime Minister shares my commitment to conservation around the world, and I am sure he agrees that we have to reverse the tide of deforestation. Will he ask Ministers in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to look seriously at my proposals for a kitemark scheme for food products in the UK, so that consumers can see clearly whether the products they buy come from sustainable sources or from producers who are doing further damage to our environment?
I am very happy to look at my right hon. Friend's interesting suggestion for a kitemark scheme. In the meantime, this Government are leading the world in tackling deforestation, with a £3 billion investment being led across Whitehall.
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Assessment & feedback
Reviewing specific proposals for kitemark scheme
Highlighted Current Efforts Against Deforestation
Response accuracy