Topical Questions 2021-07-12
2021-07-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question follows an incident where the England football team faced racist abuse on social media after a match.
I am concerned about the sickening racist abuse directed last night at our heroic England football team on social media. These young men represented our nation with pride and dignity, and we are proud of them and the fortitude they showed the country last night. I ask that the government condemn this racism unequivocally.
I know that the whole House will join me in condemning the sickening racist abuse directed last night at our heroic England football team on social media. These young men represented our nation with pride and dignity, and we are proud of them and the fortitude they showed the country last night. Racist abuse is utterly unacceptable and illegal.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises in the context of the Nationality and Borders Bill, focusing on illegal immigration issues.
I welcome the measures set out in the Nationality and Borders Bill, and the Home Secretary's ongoing commitment to finally getting a grip of our borders and stemming the flow of illegal immigrants across the channel. I ask whether the bill will include measures for the removal of migrants to offshore centres where they can be housed while their claims and appeals are being processed.
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and we have heard in the House this afternoon from many right hon. and hon. Members the absolute challenge this country faces on illegal migration and illegal entry to the UK. The asylum system is broken and it is being exploited by illegal migration issues and the criminal gangs that are exploiting vulnerable individuals. As he will know, the new Bill, which will be discussed on Second Reading next week, covers many aspects and it is right that the Government explore all options to fix our broken asylum system.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not confirm whether the bill includes provisions for offshore centres.
Exploring All Options
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Following racist abuse directed at England football players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, the questioner seeks immediate measures from the Home Secretary.
I congratulate the England team on its fantastic achievements at the European championships. Those players have shown incredible skill and determination on and off the pitch, taking a stand against racism. Sadly, overnight Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka have been subject to the most appalling racist abuse. The Home Secretary spoke about potential future action; has social media had long enough? What immediate action will be taken?
Everyone in the House will join in celebrating our incredible football team and calling out appalling racist abuse. Social media companies have had far too long to address racism, violence, hatred, and antisemitism on their platforms. The Home Secretary points to the online harms Bill for legislation and current pursuit of social media companies.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses ongoing issues of social media abuse and the need for urgent legislative action.
We have waited years for the online harms Bill. The awful abuse continues; it is not contained to football but happens across society. Our footballers are using their platform to help millions desperate for change, yet change is slow. Resources must be allocated now for tracking down perpetrators and bringing them to justice. Will the Home Secretary confirm immediate forward movement on the online harms bill with tough sanctions against social media companies, including criminal penalties for executives?
The Home Secretary confirms the online harms Bill will be brought forward. The Government has been clear about legislation against social media companies, needing tough sanctions and accountability for executives hosting vile material on their platforms.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not confirm immediate action or specific criminal penalties for social media executives.
Will Be Brought Forward
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Following the racist abuse aimed at England players after a Euro final, Rob Butler asks for assurance that perpetrators will be identified and charged.
I am concerned about the vile racism targeted at young England footballers who have brought pride to our country. Will you confirm that you have spoken with the police to ensure they will do everything in their power to identify and charge those responsible?
I confirm we have had discussions this morning about addressing racism and violence. We are committed to applying clear laws like the Public Order Act 1986 and Football (Offences) Act 1991 to go after perpetrators.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm specific actions or timelines for identification and prosecution of racists.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Yvette Cooper inquires about Home Secretary's actions regarding vile racist abuse on social media platforms following a Euro final.
Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Bukayo Saka faced significant racial abuse after the match. This has been visible to their fans for over 15 hours. I have contacted Instagram urging stronger action. Has the Home Secretary done so with other social media companies and will she now do it?
I confirm everything related to racism is unacceptable. Legislation is being considered, but we need determined effort from everyone involved including social media companies. We are taking action on this matter.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to contacting social media companies immediately.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
Edward Leigh mentions a case involving a kidnapped Christian girl and emphasizes the importance of dealing with illegal migration.
I thank you for meeting Aid to the Church in Need tomorrow to discuss the Maira Shahbaz case. Does this not highlight the necessity of tackling illegal migration? For every illegal immigrant deported, we should accept one genuine asylum seeker.
Absolutely right. Our asylum system is broken due to abuses like people trafficking, making it hard for us to support genuine refugees who face persecution.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Stuart McDonald criticizes the Nationality and Borders Bill for criminalizing refugees seeking asylum without a visa.
How can you defend criminalizing individuals fleeing torture, war crimes, or persecution as they seek our protection under your anti-refugee legislation?
We aim to support genuine refugees but not those who use illegal means like traffickers and could claim asylum in other countries. We will focus on supporting persecuted individuals.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific defenses for the bill's provisions.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK haulage industry faced a significant drop in trainee HGV drivers by 63% post-pandemic, leading to a severe shortage of skilled labour.
Prior to the pandemic, UK haulage businesses such as Owens Group employed about 600,000 heavy goods vehicle drivers. However, thousands of HGVs are parked up due to driver shortages; trainee numbers dropped by 63% last year. Will my right hon. Friend consider adding HGV drivers to the UK shortage occupation list?
The Government are working with the haulage sector; DfT is leading on extending rules on HGV drivers' hours today and providing support to increase driving tests. No direct mention of adding HGV drivers to the UK shortage occupation list.
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Assessment & feedback
Adding HGV drivers to the UK shortage occupation list
Working With The Haulage Sector
Extending Rules On Hgv Drivers' Hours
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a need to understand specific rejections or refusals in EU settled status applications based on applicants' origins.
How many EU settled status applications have been refused or rejected where the passport holder applicant is a citizen of an EU member state, due the applicant's not having been born in that country?
The Home Office will write to the hon. Gentleman about the specifics; throughout the application process, support has been provided for individuals facing issues demonstrating their status.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific statistics on EU settled status applications refused or rejected based on place of birth
Will Write To The Hon. Gentleman
Support During Application Process
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a need for careful consideration of medical professional opinions and evidence in debates on abortion law changes.
Changes to the law on abortion are among the most difficult issues that we consider, as seen last week. Does my right hon. Friend agree that when four royal colleges and the BMA call for change, we need to carefully listen to their views?
My right hon. Friend is correct; it is important to recognise the strength of feeling around this issue and approach parliamentary debate at the right time based on evidence and information.
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Assessment & feedback
Carefully considering medical professional opinions in debates about abortion laws
Recognise The Strength Of Feeling
Approach Parliamentary Debate At The Right Time
Response accuracy