Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
GPs have faced long hours during the pandemic, dealing with a significant backlog of cases. Constituents are frustrated by difficulty in booking face-to-face GP appointments.
I am concerned about the difficulties my constituents face in getting face-to-face GP appointments due to the backlog caused by the pandemic. A constituent diagnosed with cancer after being taken to hospital cannot help but wonder if it would have been caught sooner had she seen a doctor in person rather than over the phone. What measures are the Government taking to address this issue?
The Chancellor has funded a £36 billion package to deal with the NHS backlog. Appointment numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels, but we understand that patients expect face-to-face consultations when necessary.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete actions or timelines for tackling the backlog and restoring face-to-face appointments beyond funding announcement.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Deputy Prime Minister previously stated that British workers are among the worst idlers in the world. The Prime Minister's recent trip to the US did not yield a trade deal.
I offer my commiserations to the Prime Minister for his lack of success in securing a trade deal with the US despite flying there. Does the Deputy Prime Minister still believe that British workers are 'among the worst idlers in the world'?
The US has reinstated travel from the UK to the US as a result of our engagement, which is excellent news for trade and businesses. On British workers, I would remind you that we have seen rising payroll employment, youth employment, and job advertisements, with the fastest economic growth in the G7.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether he still holds previous view on British workers being among the worst idlers in the world.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government has implemented cuts to universal credit, leading to a loss of income for workers earning £18,000 annually.
The Deputy Prime Minister's Government chose to cut the income of a worker on £18,000 by over £1,100. This is similar to an annual energy bill increase. How much will these cuts take from a worker's pocket?
The universal credit uplift was temporary. We have paid the wages of nearly 12 million workers during the pandemic and are seeing rising jobs and wages now. Labour's policies would not support coming out of lockdown.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address how much the cuts impact a worker earning £18,000 annually.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government's universal credit and national insurance policies have increased the financial burden on low-income workers.
His government cut a worker's income by £1,100. Energy bills are rising. How many days at minimum wage would a worker need to work this year to afford a night at a luxury hotel in Crete?
Labour's economic policies lead to high unemployment and taxes. We have cut income tax, saving £1,200 per worker annually. The national living wage has been doubled, full-time workers are £4,000 better off each year, and free childcare for working parents has been doubled.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the economic impact on minimum wage earners with increased costs.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government's cuts to universal credit impact the ability of low-income workers to afford rising energy bills.
During a week where universal credit is being cut, working people face soaring energy bills. The Prime Minister has said it is just 'a short-term problem'. Can he guarantee no one will lose their gas or be pushed into fuel poverty this winter?
The Business Secretary has made it clear that energy supplies will continue and protecting consumers is the priority. Labour's policies lead to economic downturns and high unemployment.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a concrete guarantee against loss of supply or fuel poverty this winter.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The government's failures in addressing the energy crisis have left families and businesses struggling.
I notice that we have a shortage of hot air this week, but although the Prime Minister is not here, the Deputy Prime Minister is doing his best to shore up supplies. You know what, Mr Speaker? The Government have axed the green homes grant, scrapped the zero-carbon homes standard and lost the storage facility that held three quarters of our gas. Their failures paved the way for this crisis, which will hit families and businesses, and as usual it will be the British people who will have to pay the price. Will the Deputy Prime Minister guarantee that none of the workers employed by the energy companies will end up unemployed because of his Government's failures?
Well, there is no shortage of hot air on the Opposition Benches. The Business Secretary has been crystal clear: we have seen the challenge of wholesale gas prices rise all over the world, and we will maintain supply this year. He has taken targeted action to support the two critical CO2 plants to ensure that we see through not only energy supplies, but food distribution.
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Assessment & feedback
The guarantee about workers' employment status
Hot Air On The Opposition Benches
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
A typical family faces a tough winter with decreased income from universal credit, increased rent, gas bills, taxes, and food prices.
Maybe the Deputy Prime Minister should go back to his sun lounger and let me take over. The truth is that the Government were warned about the problems and the energy crisis that we face. And there we have it—absolutely nothing to help the people up and down the country who are working themselves to the ground and are still struggling to make ends meet. This is a Conservative party that does not care about working people. Families across the country are worried about heating their homes, while the Deputy Prime Minister is complaining about having to share his 115-room taxpayer-funded mansion with the Foreign Secretary—the truth hurts, doesn't it?—just as his Government are making choices that are making working families' lives harder. A typical family are facing a tough winter this year: universal credit down £1000, rent up £150, gas bills up £150, taxes up and food prices soaring. Working people will have to choose whether to feed their kids or heat their homes. The choice for the Deputy Prime Minister is whether he will make their lives easier or harder—so what will he choose? Will the Government cancel the universal credit cut?
The right hon. Lady should check her facts, because Chevening is funded by a charity—not a penny of taxpayers' money. The most disastrous thing for the energy bills of hard-working people across the country would be to follow Labour's plan to nationalise the energy companies, which the CBI says would cost as much as £2,000 in bills.
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Assessment & feedback
Check Her Facts
Chevening Is Funded By A Charity
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
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Context
The AUKUS partnership, including the free trade agreement negotiations, promotes stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Last week, members of the armed forces parliamentary scheme from across the House attended our excellent Defence Academy. What is striking is the number of service personnel from overseas who come to the UK to benefit from its world-class professional defence and security education. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this is a further illustration that, far from being a fifth wheel on the carriage, the UK is at the heart of ensuring global security, and that the AUKUS pact is one of the best ways to meet emerging threats, particularly in the South China sea?
My hon. Friend is bang on. The AUKUS partnership is incredibly important for our security. It builds on what we said in the integrated review about promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific. It builds on our free trade agreement negotiations, including the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
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Context
Millions of families are seeing their incomes slashed by the Tory Government due to cuts, tax rises, and Brexit costs.
Across Scotland and the UK, millions of families are seeing their incomes slashed by this Tory Government, with a toxic combination of Tory cuts, tax rises and the growing cost of Brexit. The Prime Minister promised that he would make energy bills more than £60 per household cheaper after Brexit. Instead, they could skyrocket by £550 at the worst possible time. The UK Government are slashing universal credit by £1,040, furlough is ending prematurely and a Tory tax hike will leave the majority of families hundreds of pounds worse off next year. Let us be clear: this is a Tory cost of living crisis, and yet again lower and middle-income families will suffer the most. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that it is time to scrap Tory cuts to universal credit and to introduce an emergency energy payment for lower-income families, so that no one has to choose between heating and eating this winter?
May I say to the hon. Lady that many of those issues are devolved to Scotland? The energy price cap will save 15 million households up to £100 each year. We are also taking targeted measures to extend the warm home discount; that will be £150 knocked off the bills of 780,000 homes.
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Assessment & feedback
The agreement on scrapping cuts to universal credit and introducing emergency energy payments
Issues Are Devolved To Scotland
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
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Context
Citizens Advice Bureau in East Renfrewshire warned of a cost-of-living crisis due to universal credit cuts and rising household bills.
Yesterday I met the Citizens Advice Bureau who warned of a 'cost-of-living tsunami' affecting families. People are choosing between heating their homes or feeding their families due to government policies. Can you explain why the Government refuses to introduce an emergency energy payment?
The price cap will save £50 million households up to £100 annually. Full-time workers are £4,000 per year better off due to the national living wage. We should come together and stop scaremongering.
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Assessment & feedback
Refused to address refusal of emergency energy payments directly
We Need To Work Together
Stop Scaremongering
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
FirstGroup is cutting transport services in West Dorset despite receiving public money and having the worst rail frequency.
FirstGroup continues to cut bus and train services in my constituency despite millions of pounds of public funding. Will you intervene or seek a new operator for the Heart of Wessex line?
The Department of Transport is engaging with transport operators in his constituency. South Western Railway intends to increase service levels to pre-covid timetable by May 2022 and has ambitions for an increase on Great Western Railway route.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address direct intervention or finding new operator
Engagement With Operators
Timetable Improvements
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
International industry warns against new oil and gas exploitation if carbon neutrality targets are not met.
The Government's green new deal is insufficient to meet carbon reduction targets. Yet, they are considering investing in the Cambo oilfield and other oil wells. How can this be reconciled with pledges to cease funding such companies?
Launched North Sea transition deal, secured record investment in wind power, and announced £550 million ODA for developing countries to meet net zero. We have a world-leading hydrogen strategy.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address position on new oilfields or funding pledges
Global Leadership
Wind Power Investment
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
Warrington's hospital is struggling with a growing population and lacks sufficient beds.
As Warrington grows, its mostly Victorian hospital needs more beds. Will the Deputy Prime Minister speak to the Health Secretary about backing our bid for a new hospital in Warrington?
Warrington and Halton hospitals have submitted an expression of interest. Decisions will be made by spring 2022, but cannot comment on specific applications.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to speaking with Health Secretary directly
Decision Timeline
Cannot Comment On Specifics
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
Deidre Brock
SNP
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Context
Ineos invested £1 billion into cutting greenhouse gas emissions at its Grangemouth plant.
Ineos has announced a major investment to cut emissions. Can the Government explain their stance on Scottish requirements for real living wages and net zero obligations in green ports?
Net zero is at heart of our policies. National Living Wage saves full-time workers £400 annually.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific requirements for living wages and net zero in green ports
National Living Wage Benefits
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
John Penrose
Con
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Context
The Subsidy Control Bill aims to replace EU-derived subsidy laws.
Today's Subsidy Control Bill will allow UK rules instead of EU ones. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree subsidies need strong controls against misuse by future Labour Governments? Will he ensure more details are published on subsidies?
The Subsidy Control Bill will provide quicker, flexible support for UK businesses. Decisions on subsidies will now be subject to scrutiny by MPs instead of unelected EU bureaucrats.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to stronger controls against future misuse or more publication details
Support For British Businesses
Mp Scrutiny
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
Barry Sheerman
Lab
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Context
Mr. Sheerman questions the commitment to income redistribution and 'levelling up' despite representing a wealthy constituency.
I have known the right hon. Gentleman for some time and always got on quite well with him. He represents one of the wealthiest constituencies in the country. Will he assure me that he still believes in the redistribution of income in our country? Does he really believe in levelling up? If he does, will he ensure that Channel 4 stays in Leeds and stays in the public sector? It is essential to the growth of our tech economy in the north of England.
We put the UK Infrastructure Bank in Leeds because we love Leeds. The hon. Member asks about inequality and levelling up. The levelling-up agenda will of course help those in the midlands and in the north, but it will also help those in London and the south-east by easing the pressure on the economy, easing the pressure on tax revenues and easing the pressure on planning.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to Channel 4 remaining publicly funded in Leeds
We Love Leeds
Levelling-Up Agenda Helps Midlands And North
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Q17
Partial Answer
Chris Green
Con
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Context
Concern over the decision to mandate care workers' vaccinations, potentially forcing out 40,000 carers who have been on the frontline during the pandemic.
The Government say that, to protect the most vulnerable, they are compelling care workers to be vaccinated against covid-19 even though that is expected to force out 40,000 carers who have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic. Will my right hon. Friend set out why the same approach is not being taken to protect the most vulnerable in the national health service?
We are very clear: vaccines are saving lives, and they are also boosting the economy because they have allowed us to open up. They are particularly important for the risk to vulnerable people, including carers in care homes. Over 90% of care home staff have received their first dose ahead of the November deadline. We encourage others to get vaccinated, and the Department of Health and Social Care is currently considering whether to make vaccination for not just covid but flu a condition of deployment for frontline workers in health settings and care settings.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reason why NHS staff are not mandated like care workers
Boosting The Economy
Currently Considering
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
Patricia Gibson
SNP
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Context
Concern over the impact of increased employers' national insurance payments on public services, especially in Scotland.
The increase in employers' national insurance payments will place a huge burden on the public sector from local government to police and fire services. Can the Deputy Prime Minister tell the House what the financial impact of this will be both north and south of the border and if additional funding will be provided to ensure that there are no cuts to our vital public services?
Of course the Treasury assesses these measures very carefully. We are supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs for young people under our kickstart scheme. We are taking a range of other measures, including the restart scheme. Of course we look at the tax burden, but I would just remind the hon. Lady that we are the ones who have taken—[Hon. Members: “Answer the question!”] We are the ones who have saved the average worker £1,200 every year. We doubled the free childcare for working parents. Frankly, I say to the hon. Lady that we are of course mindful of the pressure on public services, as with the private sector, and we are doing everything we can, but the SNP opposed coming out of lockdown. The SNP opposed—
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Assessment & feedback
Financial impact on Scotland and additional funding for public services
Treasury Assessments
Kickstart Scheme
Response accuracy
Q19
Direct Answer
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Context
Request to support One Punch Awareness Week following personal loss from a single-punch assault.
A lot of the reason why I am standing in this Chamber today follows a chain reaction of events following the death of my father from a single-punch assault, but my dad is just one of many victims, which is why this week we are marking One Punch Awareness Week. May I ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will join me in showing his support for One Punch Awareness Week, and can I extend an invitation to him, and indeed to all colleagues right across the House, to join me immediately after PMQs in Westminster Hall to show that support?
Can I say to my hon. Friend that I know how much this campaign means to her personally? I know that hon. Members across the House will be very proud of the tenacious way she is pursuing that campaign. Of course I will join her in Westminster Hall, and I would encourage all hon. Members to do the same.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the stability of Northern Ireland institutions due to recent comments from President Biden.
Following the ill-informed and partisan comments from President Biden overnight, would the Deputy Prime Minister urge the Prime Minister to point out to those he meets in the US who actually care about political stability in Northern Ireland that, far from defending the Belfast agreement, the Northern Ireland protocol is now the single greatest danger to the political institutions? The situation is now time-critical. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree with me that a solution that restores Northern Ireland's place within the United Kingdom's internal markets is the only way to avert the collapse of the institutions, and such a solution must be found in weeks rather than months?
We absolutely agree that having a smart and pragmatic approach is the only way that we will be able to uphold the Good Friday agreement for all communities in Northern Ireland. Notwithstanding what the reporting has said, I know, having been in Carbis Bay with the Prime Minister and the President, that the President understands our view and we have explained our position, as well his taking into account what the EU has said.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for solution to be found
Smart And Pragmatic Approach
Explained Our Position
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the phosphate pollution threatening one of England's most beautiful rivers, the River Wye.
The House will know that the River Wye is one of the most beautiful rivers in our country and also a priceless national asset, yet it is being threatened by phosphate pollution. Will my right hon. Friend press colleagues in the Government and in No. 10 to work with us to push the agencies and other interested bodies to a long-term integrated plan to clean up the River Wye?
Of course, the Government understand, and my right hon. Friend champions eloquently, the importance of the River Wye. We will do everything we can to support him with preserving it for future generations.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or plan details for cleaning up the River Wye
Champions Eloquently
Everything We Can
Response accuracy
Q22
Direct Answer
Margaret Ferrier
SNP
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Context
Concern over the safety of toys purchased online as Christmas approaches, including incidents of young children swallowing small parts.
With fewer than 100 days until Christmas, many of our constituents will be choosing to shop for children's toys online. There have, unfortunately, been incidents of young children swallowing small parts, such as batteries and magnets, that require invasive medical intervention. With rogue traders out there, how can consumers be satisfied that the toys they purchase via online marketplaces are safe, marked as age-appropriate and meet the required safety standards?
I have young children, and I know what it is like at Christmas when, as well as being a time of great happiness, there is also a certain degree of trepidation when they go for the presents in the way the hon. Lady describes. I reassure her that manufacturers and distributers must provide information on the age-appropriate use of toys. The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards will take action to remove products online that pose any risk, and our product safety framework is being reviewed to ensure that it is fit for purpose, that it is updated in line with new products going on to the market and—above all—that it protects consumers.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q23
Partial Answer
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Context
Stoke-on-Trent has received £29 million from the transforming cities fund and a town deal of £17.6 million for Kidsgrove, with 550 jobs from the Home Office and a £73.5 million levelling-up fund bid.
After 70 years of neglect by the Labour party, Stoke-on-Trent is now hungry, having received funds like the transforming cities fund and a town deal for Kidsgrove. We also have a £73.5 million levelling-up fund bid. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that Stoke-on-Trent gets its just deserts?
My hon. Friend is a doughty champion for his constituency. We are giving all the support we can, with employment rising, youth unemployment decreasing and wages increasing under this Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address Stoke-on-Trent's funding request
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q24
Partial Answer
George Howarth
Lab
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Context
The right hon. Gentleman was recently ill and is now back in the Chamber.
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for your kindness during my illness. Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that local councils know better than central Government when it comes to levelling up? I suggest hosting a cross-party summit in Downing Street with local government leaders and Mayors to discuss how they can be empowered to unlock potential.
It is fantastic to see the right hon. Gentleman back in the Chamber contributing and holding the Government to account. The agenda for levelling up must involve a team effort, with central Government, local authorities and metro Mayors across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to hosting a summit but supported the idea
Under Review
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Q25
Partial Answer
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Context
The Nailsworth Climate Action Network held a retrofit fair in Stroud.
Will my right hon. Friend congratulate the Nailsworth Climate Action Network on its approach to this issue, provide confidence that the Government are creating more solutions for energy efficient homes, and let us know when there will be more details of that work?
I thank my hon. Friend and support all the efforts at a local level she is pursuing. We are backing it up with national measures, requiring all new build homes by 2025 to have low-carbon heating and world-leading energy efficiency levels.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details of retrofitting work
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q26
Partial Answer
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Context
239 jobs are at risk in the Vauxhall plant in Luton due to semiconductor chip shortages.
The Government have failed to safeguard jobs, maintain key strategic supply lines and support UK capabilities. Will the Deputy Prime Minister outline what No.10 will do to ensure that the UK automotive sector remains competitive globally and skilled jobs are saved?
We have paid the wages of nearly 12 million workers throughout the pandemic. We will invest in gigafactories and technologies of the future that will create jobs right across the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions to secure automotive jobs
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q27
Partial Answer
Derek Thomas
Con
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Context
Cornwall MPs are pressing for the renewal of the seasonal agricultural workers scheme.
I am joined by all of Cornwall's MPs in pressing the Home Secretary to renew the seasonal agricultural workers scheme for next year—that is 30,000 people—and also to allow them to pick daffodils. Will the Deputy Prime Minister speak to the Home Secretary about this urgency?
My hon. Friend is a powerful champion for his constituency and region. I will pass on his suggestion and advice to the Home Secretary. We are mindful of the impact on seasonal workers and will get the right balance.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to renewing the scheme but acknowledged urgency
Under Review
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Q28
Partial Answer
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Context
A former junior Minister made a promise to improve treatment of victims in the justice system.
After six years and three manifesto commitments, we are still waiting for the Government to deliver their promised victims Bill. Will he commit here today to delivering that long-overdue victims Bill?
I can absolutely make that commitment. We are working on it and have expedited the work. We have also invested £30 million in making streets safer at night for women, introduced 24/7 rape and sexual assault helplines.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to delivering the victims Bill directly
Under Review
Response accuracy