Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The SDLP has warned for five years about the destabilising effects of Brexit in Northern Ireland. Recent decisions by the European Commission have led to disruption, criminal behaviour, and threats.
I certainly echo those words about Captain Tom, a decent and inspiring man. The Social Democratic and Labour party has warned for the last five years about the destabilising impact Brexit would have on Northern Ireland... Will the Prime Minister, in affirming the rule of law in Northern Ireland, consider seriously the impact of their words, and work together through the available structures to ensure that the new arrangements work for everybody in Northern Ireland?
I certainly agree with the hon. Lady that it was most regrettable that the EU should seem to cast doubt on the Good Friday agreement and the principles of the peace process by seeming to call for a border across the island of Ireland. I can tell her that we will work to ensure that there are no such borders—we will respect the peace process—and, indeed, no barriers down the Irish sea, and that the principle of unfettered access across all parts of our United Kingdom is upheld.
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Q2
Direct Answer
Theresa May
Con
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Context
The questioner's ten-minute rule Bill aims to increase the maximum penalty for death by dangerous driving to life imprisonment. The policy has cross-party support but not the Government time.
I join the whole House in paying tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, who was indeed an inspiration to all of us... So, will the Government now give Government time to my Bill to ensure that this necessary change is put on the statute book as soon as possible?
I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend, and she is absolutely right to campaign for punishments that fit the crime; we are therefore bringing forward exactly those changes in our forthcoming sentencing Bill. Our proposals will, I believe, go as far as, if not even further than, those that she wants by raising the maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and they will tighten the law for those who cause serious injury by careless driving.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government's own scientists in SAGE suggested that a complete border closure or mandatory quarantine of all visitors was necessary to prevent new cases or new variants from coming into the UK.
Today we are likely to hit 10 million vaccinations, which is remarkable. The biggest risk to the vaccine programme at the moment is the arrival of new variants... Why did the Prime Minister choose not to do the one thing that SAGE said could prevent new variants coming to the United Kingdom?
Actually, SAGE did not recommend a complete ban and says that a travel ban should not be relied upon to stop the importation of new variants... Anybody coming from South Africa not only has to do a test before they come here, but anybody now coming from South Africa—a British citizen coming from South Africa now—will find themselves obliged to go into quarantine for 10 days, and will have an isolation assurance agency checking up on them.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why the specific recommendation was not followed but instead explained current measures
Changed Subject
Provided Alternative
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister has not published full SAGE minutes despite requests. The questioner is seeking clarification on whether quarantining all arrivals would be effective.
I am intrigued by the Prime Minister's answer... I ask the Prime Minister to publish the full SAGE minutes so we can see what was said in full; or, if there is some other advice, perhaps he can publish that. The situation is this: we know that the South African variant is spreading across England, and measures are in place to try to deal with that... Is the Prime Minister really saying that quarantining all arrivals would make no difference to fighting new variants of the virus?
This is the right hon. and learned Gentleman who only recently said that quarantine measures are “a blunt instrument”... We have one of the toughest regimes in the world. When the right hon. and learned Gentleman calls for a complete closure of borders, or suggests that that might be an option, he should be aware that 75% of our medicines come into this country from the European continent, as does 45% of our food... It is not practical completely to close off this country as he seems to be suggesting. What is practical is to have one of the toughest regimes in the world and to get on with vaccinating the people of this country, which is what we are doing.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether quarantining all arrivals would be effective but instead discussed practicality
Changed Subject
Provided Alternative
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK faces a new wave of the virus with variants spreading. Schools are closed, but borders remain open despite daily influx of 21,000 people.
With new variants in the country and schools shut while borders are open, why does the Prime Minister believe that variants will only arrive by direct flights? The first wave showed 62% of cases coming indirectly from countries without restrictions. Why is this approach different now?
The right hon. and learned Gentleman cannot have it both ways. He simultaneously says that he wants the borders to be kept open for freight reasons or to allow businesses to carry on as now, while calling for tougher quarantine measures. Seventy-two hours before flying, one must get a test; they must also have a passenger locator form; they are kicked off the plane if they do not have it. They then spend 10 days in quarantine. If from red list countries, they go straight into quarantine.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically addressed border measures but avoided addressing why variants would only arrive by direct flights as asked.
He Simultaneously Says That He Wants The Borders To Be Kept Open For Freight Reasons Or To Allow Businesses To Carry On As Now
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Three years after the Grenfell tragedy that took 72 lives, hundreds of thousands live in homes with unsafe cladding. Leaseholders face high costs to fix safety defects.
Why are there still hundreds of thousands living in homes with unsafe cladding and millions of leaseholders in homes they cannot sell or afford repairs for? The situation is causing immense anxiety and anger among people.
On 95% of high-rise buildings with unsafe ACM cladding, work is either complete or under way. The Government are getting on with it. Many leaseholders are in this situation; we sympathise and will address the backlog. My right hon. Friends the Chancellor and Communities Secretary will come forward with a full package to address the issue.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify what actions or timelines would be taken beyond saying 'getting on with it' and 'a full package'.
We Are Getting On With It
My Right Hon. Friends Will Come Forward
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Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Leaseholders like Dr Martin, a frontline NHS doctor in Sheffield, face bills up to £52,000 for fire safety repairs they did not cause. They need concrete answers on financial relief.
Dr Martin, a frontline NHS doctor, faces a bill of £52,000 for fire safety repairs. He does not want promises but clarity: Will he or will he not have to pay that £52,000 bill?
No leaseholder should have to pay for unaffordable costs of fixing safety defects they did not cause. We put in £1.6 billion to remove HPL cladding and set up a £1 billion building safety fund that has processed over 3,000 claims.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific commitment about Dr Martin's bill but discussed general measures.
No Leaseholder Should Have To Pay
The Building Safety Fund Has Processed Over 3,000 Claims
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Leaseholders face significant financial burdens due to building safety issues, including bankruptcy. There is a need for immediate funding, timelines, and protection.
There are thousands of leaseholders in similar situations, with some facing bankruptcy like Hayley who bought a flat and lost it. Leaseholders want immediate up-front funding for unsafe blocks, a deadline to make buildings safe by next year, and protection from financial harm. The Prime Minister ordered MPs to abstain on these proposals despite his claims of seriousness.
We are addressing leaseholder issues with funds for alarms and interim measures. We also clarified mortgage industry support and EWS1 process clarity. The government is focusing on the pandemic, having done 10 million first vaccinations. Labour previously opposed prioritising vaccine roll-out.
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Assessment & feedback
Immediate up-front funding commitment
We Are Getting On With Addressing Leaseholder Issues
Focusing On The Pandemic
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Q9
Direct Answer
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Context
Priory Park Boxing Club in Dudley has produced multiple champions and supports young people with academic qualifications.
The Priory Park boxing club in Dudley is celebrated for producing champions and supporting excluded youth. Paul Gough at the club works on new opportunities, including a school partnership to ensure academic success alongside fitness training. The council leader Patrick Harley agreed to support this initiative.
I thank Marco Longhi for highlighting Priory Park Boxing Club's work, praising Paul Gough and Patrick Harley's contributions. The club aids educational success alongside fitness training.
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Q10
Partial Answer
Ian Blackford
SNP
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The Prime Minister visited a plant in Scotland with a recent covid outbreak, raising questions about his decision-making regarding public health risks.
Last week we criticised the PM for visiting Scotland non-essentially. The Daily Record revealed an outbreak at the Livingston plant he visited. Serious questions arise: did PM know of the outbreak? When and why did he proceed with a risky visit despite clear health risks?
The Prime Minister's visit was important for vaccine roll-out encouragement, highlighting Scottish scientific efforts. Government remains willing to assist Scotland with vaccine distribution across the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Details of PM's knowledge and decision-making on outbreak awareness
Visits Are Essential
Encouraging Vaccination Roll-Out
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Q11
Partial Answer
Ian Blackford
SNP
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Context
The Prime Minister's campaign trip to a Scottish plant with recent outbreak raised public concerns about prioritising political gain over health safety.
Prime Minister's visit was reckless and irresponsible given the known outbreak, posing risks. Was it a deliberate choice for political reasons despite awareness of potential dangers? Does this explain lack of faith in PM's leadership during crisis?
Scottish scientists and companies are vital for vaccine development. Valneva's potential against variants is highlighted. The Prime Minister emphasises his role in visiting every part of the country, expressing pride in vaccination roll-out efforts.
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Assessment & feedback
Explanation of visit decision with known outbreak
Emphasizing Vaccine Development
Pride In Visitation
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Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
Closing the attainment gap is a priority but has been complicated by the pandemic. Schools have reopened as per Prime Minister's commitment.
The Prime Minister's commitment to opening schools is welcome, but will he also prioritise catching up on missed education for children due to the pandemic?
Yes, indeed. Of all the challenges now facing the country, the single most important is remedying the damage to children's education. We have to clear up the backlog in the NHS and address problems in the courts, but it is education that will be the focus of this Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to any specific recovery programme for missed education
Under Review
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Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The Northern Ireland protocol is in place and there are ongoing negotiations with the EU.
In upcoming talks with the EU, will the Prime Minister prioritise a UK-EU veterinary agreement to ease implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol?
We think it is very important that the protocol should not place unnecessary barriers—or barriers of any kind—down the Irish sea. We seek to make sure there are no such barriers down the Irish sea.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether a veterinary agreement would be prioritised in talks with EU
Changed Subject
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Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Heavy rainfall and inappropriate local development have caused flooding issues for constituents.
Will the Prime Minister establish a statutory body to ensure that new developments do not automatically tap into existing drainage systems, requiring full assessments of local capacity before proceeding?
I will study the proposals but in the meantime I will raise them with the Environment Agency. We are investing £5.2 billion in flood defences across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to appointing a statutory body
Will Study
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Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
Many children in the UK face barriers due to citizenship fees.
The Government profits £1,012 per citizenship application. Will the Prime Minister reduce or eliminate these fees for child applicants?
British citizenship is a wonderful thing and fantastic that EU nationals have taken up opportunities in recent years. I will study the point made but there are costs for taxpayers.
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Did not commit to reducing or eliminating fees
Will Study
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Q16
Direct Answer
Damian Green
Con
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The police have been essential during the pandemic. Matthew Scott, the Kent PCC, has announced additional police officers.
Will my right hon. Friend welcome another 145 police officers on the streets of Kent and the reduction of 17,000 in crime numbers this year?
I thank my right hon. Friend for his long-standing campaign for law and order and congratulate Matthew Scott on recruiting more police officers. We are putting another 20,000 officers on the streets.
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Q17
Partial Answer
Julie Elliott
Lab
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Context
The Government stated pride in care workers but also that they do not set levels of pay.
Why will the Government not commit to ensuring that our care workers are paid a wage they can live on?
This Government are proud of setting up the national living wage and making record-breaking increases last year. That is the most important thing we can do for care workers.
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Did not commit to ensuring a livable wage specifically
Proud Of Established Measures
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Q18
Direct Answer
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Children's Mental Health Week is ongoing and there are concerns about disruptions to children's mental health.
Will he confirm that schools remain a priority and work with parents and charities to minimise disruption to children's mental health?
I am grateful for my hon. Friend's championing this cause. We have announced a new youth mental health ambassador, Dr Alex George, who will work with the Government to underline the importance of mental health resilience.
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Q19
Direct Answer
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The questioner highlights the negative impact of Brexit and the EU's handling of the Northern Ireland protocol, expressing frustration among constituents.
May I express condolences to the family of Captain Sir Tom Moore? The government's commitment to Northern Ireland is 'unshakeable', but the protocol has betrayed us. What specific actions will you take to address this issue, including using parliamentary majority and legislation if necessary?
I share the hon. Gentleman's frustration about the EU's actions, which contradict the Good Friday agreement. We will do everything necessary, whether legislatively or through article 16 of the protocol, to ensure there is no barrier between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
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Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner references Andalucia's success in reducing covid death rates by providing activated vitamin D to care home residents and some GP patients.
Will the Prime Minister ask his advisers to urgently review the latest Spanish research on vitamin D treatment for COVID-19?
We will continue to monitor all evidence regarding the efficacy of vitamin D and treatments like those mentioned. We have discussed it before personally, and I will keep my right hon. Friend updated on the ongoing review.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or commitment to conducting an urgent review was given
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Q21
Direct Answer
Rosie Cooper
Lab
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The questioner notes that Skelmersdale residents rely on underpasses for transportation, which frequently flood during rain.
Will the Prime Minister ask his officials to work with Lancashire County Council to find a permanent solution and fund it?
I appreciate the hon. Lady's desire for a solution. We are aware of the problem and will work with Lancashire County Council to mitigate it, using available funds.
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Q22
Partial Answer
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The questioner is pleased with the future high streets fund success for Maryport and asks for a visit to understand its potential.
May I thank my right hon. Friend for his efforts towards levelling up across the UK, particularly regarding the 50 additional towns announced last August? Will he visit Workington soon?
I thank my hon. Friend for his advocacy and will do everything possible to assist him. I will check my diary to find a suitable time to visit, hoping it can be as soon as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific date or commitment was given for the visit
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Q23
Partial Answer
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The questioner reports significant delays in letter and parcel delivery due to a covid outbreak among postal workers in Caernarfon.
What actions are the Government taking during this health crisis to ensure Royal Mail's robustness, especially for rural areas?
I pass on my sympathies regarding the outbreak. The most important thing is rolling out vaccinations to key workers, including postal staff over 50 within JCVI groups. This will help in maintaining robustness.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific measures for Royal Mail's operational resilience were outlined
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Q24
Partial Answer
Tracey Crouch
Con
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The questioner highlights mental health impacts on frontline healthcare workers due to prolonged exposure and high mortality rates during the second wave of COVID-19.
Will you utilise military expertise in PTSD treatment and invest in psychology professionals to support nurses and doctors facing psychological harm?
My hon. Friend raises a significant point about PTSD in NHS staff, who do an amazing job treating us all. We will ensure that we support their mental health through the £52 billion investment package and provide necessary helplines and counselling.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific military intervention or additional funding was committed
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Q25
Partial Answer
Angela Crawley
SNP
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Context
The Scottish Government announced a comprehensive system of supervised quarantine for those entering the country, citing evidence that effective international quarantine measures can help reopen economies and reduce loss of life.
Yesterday, the Scottish Government announced they would go further than the Prime Minister by introducing a comprehensive system of supervised quarantine. It is clear countries with such measures are reaping economic rewards while reducing unnecessary deaths. Given the evidence of importing new cases undermining efforts, why does the Prime Minister wait and hope when his delays have had catastrophic consequences?
The Government will be happy to help accelerate vaccine roll-out, but does not want lectures on speed of delivery from the Scottish nationalist party. The vaccination programme is the most important thing now.
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Assessment & feedback
Why he should implement effective quarantine measures based on evidence
Does Not Want Lectures On Speed Of Delivery
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Q26
Direct Answer
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Millions of leaseholders are unsure about the safety of their buildings and facing significant bills for fixing historic fire safety defects.
Millions of leaseholders face staggering bills to fix historic fire safety defects they did not cause. Will the Prime Minister assure me that leaseholders will not have to pay these costs, and rule out loans as a solution?
Leaseholders should not worry about costs of fixing historic safety defects. Loans are not a solution, but I appreciate my hon. Friend's care in representing their interests.
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Q27
Partial Answer
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Context
Since the introduction of pension freedoms in 2015, an estimated 40,000 people have been scammed out of their pensions through attractive but fraudulent deals on Google or Facebook.
It has been estimated that 40,000 people lost their pensions due to scams following the introduction of pension freedoms in 2015. Will the Prime Minister ensure the online harms Bill tackles these financial online harms to protect people, especially pensioners, from fraudsters?
The Government will look at what can be done with the online harms Bill or other measures to protect people from online fraud, particularly pensioners.
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Assessment & feedback
What specific actions will be taken beyond looking into it
Will Look At What Can Be Done
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