Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 4 March 2020 · 27 questions

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

At a glance

Answered 26 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister agrees a robust plan is needed to support businesses affected by coronavirus, considering existing HMRC arrangements for firms struggling with payments.
  • Additional funding will be given to the NHS to deal with the coronavirus crisis, with statutory sick pay from day one to be implemented.
  • Prime Minister's government is committed to exploiting lithium resources in Cornwall, supporting the region's opportunity in battery technology development.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Context

Businesses face significant cash-flow losses due to the coronavirus pandemic, potentially impacting employees' financial stability.

Question

Does the Prime Minister agree that a robust plan is needed to cover cash-flow losses for businesses affected by coronavirus? Will the Treasury consider delaying VAT and PAYE collection?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

My hon. Friend is right; we are monitoring the situation and prepared to support individuals, businesses and the economy. Mitigations like HMRC's Time to Pay arrangements exist for firms struggling with payments.

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Q2 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North
NHS
Context

The NHS is already under strain with bed-occupancy levels at 94% and hundreds of patients treated in corridors.

Question

What additional funding will be given to an overstretched NHS to deal with the coronavirus crisis?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

This Government have put record funding into the NHS and will give it all it needs for the crisis. We are prepared to ask people to self-isolate if necessary; statutory sick pay from day one will be implemented.

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Q3 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North
Context

Police forces may become overstretched by the coronavirus, potentially extending emergency response times.

Question

Are police forces likely to become so stretched that 999 response times will have to be extended? Are investigations into murders halted?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

We are not at that stage; our police forces are well able to cope with pressures and have long-standing arrangements for eventualities.

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Q4 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North
Context

Many low-paid workers, including women in the care sector, are not eligible for statutory sick pay.

Question

Does the Prime Minister's statement about statutory sick pay from day one cover all claimants, including those on universal credit and zero-hours contracts?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Some self-employed and those on zero-hours contracts are entitled to statutory sick pay or help through universal credit; we urgently look at the application process for self-isolation.

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Context

Allegations about the Home Secretary's conduct in three Government Departments have emerged, raising concerns about her treatment of staff.

Question

Mr. Corbyn asks if PM was aware of recent allegations against the Home Secretary for repeated harassment and bullying across multiple departments, demanding an independent investigation to avoid a cover-up.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson asserts that Home Secretary is doing well; investigations are happening through Cabinet Office. He criticizes Labour's handling of bullying, citing their failure to address antisemitism.

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Context

Corbyn presses for clarity on PM's awareness of Home Secretary's alleged bullying, noting resignation of a permanent secretary due to her treatment.

Question

Mr. Corbyn questions if Boris Johnson is aware of the resignation of a permanent secretary over the Home Secretary's conduct and demands he address workers' rights issues, claiming PM defends bullying in his Government.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson counters with Labour's failure on handling bullying and highlights government achievements over 82 days, including Brexit progress and funding increases.

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Q7 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Context

UK's carbon emissions have decreased by a third over the past decade, reflecting environmental efforts.

Question

Ms. Coutinho congratulates Boris Johnson on UK's significant reduction in carbon emissions and asks for details on future climate change strategies.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson chairs first Cabinet Committee on Climate Change, noting commitment to net zero by 2050 and leading Europe in tackling climate issues.

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Q8 Ian Blackford SNP Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Context

Up to 80% of the population are at risk from coronavirus infection; concerns over financial impact on workers and those reliant on benefits.

Question

Mr. Blackford discusses the need for clear leadership during the coronavirus crisis, inquiring about financial support measures for all affected individuals and businesses.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson thanks SNP for cooperation; confirms plans to protect economy and ensure no one is penalised for self-isolating or taking necessary precautions.

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Q9 Ian Blackford SNP Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Context

Concerns about financial impacts on workers who may have to self-isolate or undergo sickness.

Question

Mr. Blackford asks for specific guarantees that all workers will be protected from day one of sickness, at the real living wage level, with emergency legislation ensuring support.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Johnson advances eligibility for statutory sick pay from fourth day to first day; assures business support and no penalization for doing the right thing. He invites further discussion with Chancellor.

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Q10 Steve Double Con Truro and Falmouth
Context

Cornwall is identified to have significant lithium deposits, which could contribute to the UK's domestic supply of critical minerals.

Question

Tomorrow is St Piran's day. Is the Prime Minister aware that significant deposits of lithium have been identified in Cornwall? Will he commit his Government to enabling Cornwall to make the most of this opportunity?

Answer from The Prime Minister Boris Johnson

This country leads in battery technology. Cornwall has extensive lithium resources, which we mean to exploit. The Government is committed to exploiting this opportunity.

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Q11 Caroline Lucas Green Brighton, Pavilion
Context

A court ruling found that the Government's decision to proceed with Heathrow Airport expansion violated UK law by not considering the Paris Agreement.

Question

Given a recent judgment against Heathrow expansion, will the PM provide details on how many other national policy statements have been reviewed for compliance with the Paris climate agreement?

Answer from The Prime Minister Boris Johnson

We will abide by the judgment and consider the Paris convention on climate change. However, this should not hinder our infrastructure development across the country.

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Context

The Government committed to recruit more police officers and enforce stricter sentences.

Question

Will the PM reaffirm his government's commitment to invest in the police and impose harsher penalties on offenders, unlike a Labour PCC who is closing down a local police station?

Answer from The Prime Minister Boris Johnson

My Home Secretary aims to recruit 20,000 more officers and enhance stop-and-search powers. We also plan to build new prisons and keep violent offenders incarcerated longer.

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Context

Karbon Homes' research shows that the universal credit delay causes rent arrears and destitution among tenants, especially those on benefits.

Question

Given the low conviction rate and high reoffending rates for sexual offences, will the PM commit to reviewing sentencing policies to ensure sex offenders serve full sentences?

Answer from The Prime Minister Boris Johnson

I agree with the hon. Lady that we need to address sentencing for sexual offences, as indicated by my earlier response.

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Q14 Ian Levy Lab Conservative
Context

The Government aims to 'level up' communities through investment.

Question

Will the PM ensure that Blyth Valley benefits from government initiatives aimed at leveling up across the country?

Answer from The Prime Minister Boris Johnson

We are supporting rail projects and investing £500 million in connecting towns. The west midlands will receive a £46 million investment for urgent care hubs.

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Q15 Ian Mearns Lab Auckland
Context

Karbon Homes research indicates that the universal credit delay results in significant rent arrears and destitution among tenants.

Question

Given the research by Karbon Homes, will the PM address the issues of Universal Credit delays causing rent arrears and destitution?

Answer from The Prime Minister Boris Johnson

I am happy to review the case. Universal credit is available from day one, and work remains the best route out of poverty with record employment figures.

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Q16 Peter Bone Con Wellingborough
NHS
Context

The PM visited the hospital secretly at night to listen to staff and patients.

Question

What did you learn from your secret nighttime listening visit to Kettering General Hospital?

Answer from The Prime Minister Boris Johnson

I learned about the wonderful NHS staff. Kettering General Hospital will receive £3.7 million for redevelopment and £46 million for urgent care hub.

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Q17 Matthew Pennycook Lab Greenwich and Woolwich
Context

An investigation into the Home Secretary's alleged breach of ministerial code is underway.

Question

If the Cabinet Office finds that the Home Secretary breached the ministerial code, will she be expected to resign or be removed from office?

Answer from The Prime Minister Boris Johnson

I return to my earlier statement: The Home Secretary is doing an outstanding job and delivering change. I am sticking by her.

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Q18 Theo Clarke Lab Conservative
NHS
Context

Clarke raised concerns about the future of A&E services in his constituency.

Question

Having knocked on doors across Stafford, Clarke noted that the A&E at County Hospital is a vital local service. Does the Prime Minister agree with him that A&E units like County are essential for the NHS's future delivery of care?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

My right hon. Friend the Health Secretary has just told me that my hon. Friend's A&E is certainly staying open, and I thank her for highlighting its importance.

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Context

Debbonaire criticized the government for promoting individuals involved in alleged bullying incidents while penalizing those who stood against it.

Question

Resignation of an experienced civil servant, sacking of a Government aide—with this Government it seems that allegations of bullying or just being incompetent gets you promoted, whereas standing up to it, you lose your job. What does this say about this Prime Minister?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

I loathe bullying, but I am not taking lessons from a party that has presided over systematic bullying and discrimination against those who stick up for the Jewish community and Israel. We still have yet to hear an apology from Labour.

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Q20 Nusrat Ghani Con Wealden
Context

Ghani raised concerns about the Taliban resuming attacks in Afghanistan, undermining a fragile peace deal that could release prisoners and fund extremism.

Question

The Taliban have resumed their attacks in Afghanistan, and today the US has undertaken defensive airstrikes. Does my right hon. Friend share my concern that no peace deal can bypass the Afghan Government? Will he give me his assurances that we will stand shoulder to shoulder with Afghan women?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

We of course stand shoulder to shoulder with the Government of Ashraf Ghani. My hon. Friend is right that millions of women were helped into education thanks to interventions by this country, and we can be proud of what we did.

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Q21 Carol Monaghan SNP Glasgow North West
Context

Monaghan expressed concern about MPs potentially becoming vectors for coronavirus spread while attending Parliament.

Question

Parliament must stay open, but what plans does the Prime Minister have to utilise systems such as conference calls and electronic voting to ensure that we do not become part of the problem? Every week 650 MPs come here from every part of the UK, spend several days operating in close proximity and meeting people from all over the world.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

We are still at the containment stage. The chief medical officer and the chief scientific adviser will say more in the next couple of days about what we are going to do to delay the advance of coronavirus—in Parliament and other large gatherings.

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Q22 Alun Cairns Con Vale of Glamorgan
Context

Cairns raised the case of Tom Channon, who died at the Eden Roc complex in July 2018 due to preventable circumstances.

Question

My consituent Tom Channon was just 18 years old when he tragically died at the Eden Roc complex in Majorca. This incident was totally preventable and avoidable. Nothing had been done to make the site safe. Will my right hon. Friend use all his influence to press the Spanish authorities to pursue a criminal prosecution?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

I thank my right hon. Friend very much for raising this appalling case and expressing our deepest sympathies to Tom's family and friends. To seek justice for Tom, I am happy to ask the Foreign Office to begin talks first with my right hon. Friend and then their Spanish counterparts.

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Context

Owatemi raised the issue of rising violent crime in her constituency, particularly stabbings.

Question

Violent crime in Coventry is rising, yet I only have 10 police officers in my constituency. As the Prime Minister makes such a big deal about his 20,000 new police officers, can he tell my constituents whether we are going to get our fair share?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

The hon. Lady is right to raise stabbings and violent crime, which must come down. We are increasing the number of police officers in this country, and in the west midlands that number is going up by 366 immediately.

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Q24 Paul Maynard Con Blackpool North and Cleveleys
Context

Maynard noted that demand for air travel has decreased due to coronavirus, leading to perverse incentives under slot allocation rules.

Question

Due to coronavirus, demand for air travel has decreased around the world. Is he aware that there are perverse incentives for airlines to fly half-empty planes around the globe so as not to lose lucrative slots? Will he seek a derogation for UK airlines from these international rules?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

My hon. Friend raises a brilliant point, which has not been drawn to my attention so far. I will look at it and see what we can do about planes flying simply to retain slots they are entitled to.

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Q25 Liz Kendall Lab Leicester West
Context

Kendall highlighted the crisis in social care, noting a need for an extra 580,000 staff to meet demand.

Question

The Prime Minister promised on the steps of Downing Street to fix the crisis in social care. We need an extra 580,000 care workers, not just to fill vacancies but also to grow demand. Where are we going to find all these extra staff when EU workers will be excluded under the new immigration system?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

Lindsay Hoyle: Order. I make the decisions; please, we want shorter questions.

Not addressed: Discussion was cut short by the Speaker's interruption.

How: Shortened Question

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Q26 John Hayes Con South Holland and The Deepings
Context

Concerns over judicial activists undermining the government's plans to curb early release of terrorist prisoners.

Question

My right hon. Friend has, with righteous zeal, acted to curb the early release of terrorist prisoners, but he must know that those plans will be put at risk by malign, bourgeois-liberal judicial activists, so will he, in the spirit of our wonderful new Attorney General, agree an urgent review of the legislative means they use to do their work and to put the Government's plan to tackle that in jeopardy?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

It is certainly true that people have been let out far too early, far too often. That is why we are not only looking into stopping the early release of serious sexual and violent offenders, but have already produced legislation to stop the early release of terrorist offenders.

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Q27 Jeffrey M. Donaldson DUP Lagan Valley
Context

Business in Northern Ireland has ongoing concerns about unfettered access to the UK market under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Question

The Prime Minister will be aware of continuing concerns in Northern Ireland among business about the Northern Ireland protocol. Will the Prime Minister agree to meet a cross-party delegation of Members of Parliament representing Northern Ireland and business representatives to discuss his commitment to maintain unfettered access to the UK market for Northern Ireland business?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

I have no difficulty at all making such an undertaking, because it is very clear from the protocol that unfettered access for Northern Ireland will continue.

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