Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 15 January 2020 · 11 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 11 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister committed to funding and improving broadband access in rural areas by 2025.
  • Prime Minister acknowledged the need for educational reforms for white working-class boys and stated that apprenticeship levy reforms are under consideration.
  • Prime Minister affirmed support for Nazareth House's mission and expressed ongoing efforts towards granting city status to Southend.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Central
Economy Employment Business & Trade
Context

More than 350 steel jobs will be lost in Sheffield, Rotherham and Newport due to high energy costs and business rates.

Question

When will the Government bring forward a comprehensive plan for the steel industry that tackles high energy costs and business rates and ensures that steel is at the heart of all infrastructure plans? Action is needed now. Will the Prime Minister stay true to his word and repay the trust of communities that voted for him only last month?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

I thank the hon. Lady, and I can assure her that the Government are indeed embarking on a plan to do everything we can to make sure steel made in this country has all the competitive advantages we need. She makes some excellent points. In the particular case of Liberty Steel, I understand that whatever happens —it is a commercial decision for that company—all those affected will be offered an opportunity to remain within the GFG Alliance by joining a new company.

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Q2 Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Con Cotswold
Science & Technology Business & Trade
Context

The Conservative manifesto promises the roll-out of broadband and mobile phone signals.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that rural constituencies like mine, wherever they are in the United Kingdom, should not be left behind? Does he agree that these vital technologies should be rolled out, and will he set a firm timetable for their roll-out?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Yes, the Cotswolds needs broadband and the Cotswolds is going to get gigabit broadband. That is why we are putting £5 billion into the roll-out of gigabit broadband. My hon. Friend asks for a deadline and he will get it—2025.

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Q3 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Labour
NHS
Context

There are concerns about NHS underfunding, long waiting times for essential care, and insufficient staff.

Question

Will the Prime Minister let the British people know why, after almost 10 years of Tory Government, patients are waiting longer for essential NHS care, whether it is in A&Es, on waiting lists or for a GP appointment?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

We are investing record sums into the NHS. Indeed, I think the House should be very proud today that we are passing the NHS Funding Bill, which will guarantee such funding not just this year but into the future.

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Q4 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Labour
NHS
Context

There are concerns about NHS underfunding, long waiting times for essential care, and insufficient staff.

Question

Delays in cancer treatment can reduce a patient's chance of survival. The target of 85% of patients being seen within two months was last met four years ago, in December 2015. Action is needed urgently. Last week, we heard of the heart-rending case of a 92-year-old RAF veteran in Leicester who had to go through the indignity of waiting almost 12 hours on a hospital trolley because there were no beds available.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

The right hon. Gentleman is right to highlight the case of the RAF veteran, and I think everybody in this House will have every sympathy for people who have a bad and unacceptable experience in the NHS. We all share that. On the other hand, I would say that most people in this country—most patients of the NHS—have a fantastic experience of our healthcare, and we should pay tribute to our nurses and our staff.

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Q5 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North
NHS Social Care
Context

Jeremy Corbyn criticizes the government's approach to social care funding and proposes an alternative.

Question

Mr. Corbyn asks if the Prime Minister has read Labour's manifesto regarding free personal care, more funding and support for carers, and challenges the PM on his commitment to fixing NHS issues with sufficient funding.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson acknowledges Labour's manifesto but points out that it was rejected by voters. He emphasizes the Conservative Party's commitment to funding public services like the NHS and criticizes Labour for damaging the economy when in power.

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Q6 Robert Halfon Con Southend West
Education
Context

Halfon highlights the underperformance of white working-class boys in education and asks about reforming the apprenticeship levy.

Question

Mr. Halfon discusses the need to improve educational standards for white working-class boys and suggests that reforms to the apprenticeship levy could help them climb the skills ladder.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson agrees with Halfon's concerns and confirms that reforms to the apprenticeship levy are under consideration, stating that the Secretary of State for Education will update the House on their plans.

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Q7 Ian Blackford SNP Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Scotland Brexit Democracy & Elections
Context

Blackford criticizes the Prime Minister for rejecting Scotland's right to determine its own future regarding independence and calls out the government's relationship with Donald Trump.

Question

Mr. Blackford accuses the PM of being a democracy denier, points out that the Conservative party signed up to the Smith commission, and questions if backroom deals are being made with Donald Trump which could endanger Scotland's NHS.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson denies the accusations and criticizes the SNP, highlighting issues like high taxes in Scotland under their governance and poor performance in maths and science rankings. He insists on changing the record regarding Scottish independence.

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Q8 Andrew Griffith Con Burton
Economy Science & Technology
Context

Griffith asks about the government's scheme to guarantee minimum broadband speeds and its readiness for launch.

Question

Mr. Griffith enquires if the Government's plan to ensure access to superfast broadband is on schedule, particularly mentioning constituents of West Sussex with limited or no current broadband access.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson affirms Griffith's concerns, confirms £5 billion funding has been allocated for superfast broadband rollout, assures legislation is on track, and promises Chancellor's assurances of adequate coverage for Arundel and South Downs.

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Q9 Clive Efford Lab Qunuqunu
Climate Environment
Context

Research from Oxford University indicates an alarming increase in ocean temperatures leading to more extreme weather events. The Government is projected to miss its environmental goals.

Question

Given the research indicating worsening climate conditions, will you commit to legally enforceable targets for your government's environmental promises and empower the Office for Environmental Protection with fines if these are not met?

Answer from The Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Acknowledges the role of the Office for Environmental Protection in holding the government accountable but highlights achievements like a 42% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions since 1990, despite economic growth. Plans to lead COP26 with enforceable global limits.

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Q10 David Amess Con Shoeburyness
NHS Local Government
Context

The Prime Minister previously committed to granting Southend city status. A religious order, Nazareth House, has cared for vulnerable individuals in Southend for 147 years.

Question

Will the Prime Minister support Nazareth House's mission by meeting with relevant parties and express gratitude towards them? Additionally, will he expedite the process of granting city status to Southend?

Answer from The Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Expresses support for Nazareth House's work in caring for vulnerable individuals, recognizing its contribution since the author was Mayor of London. Affirms ongoing efforts towards achieving city status for Southend.

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Q11 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham West and Royton
NHS
Context

There are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, making it a leading cause of death.

Question

Will the Prime Minister commit to supporting recommendations from Alzheimer's Research UK for curing all forms of dementia? Additionally, will he support urgent calls from the Alzheimer's Society for immediate improvements in dementia care?

Answer from The Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Commends efforts by Debbie Abrahams to raise awareness on dementia issues. Acknowledges the importance of addressing dementia, noting plans to double funding towards finding causes and cures for the disease.

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