Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 9 September 2020 · 25 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 6 Partly answered 17 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister's Questions addressed issues including legal compliance, Gibraltar's sovereignty, NHS Test and Trace capacity, and the impact of the coronavirus on local communities.
  • The Prime Minister confirmed the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill's purpose is to protect jobs and ensure market fluidity across the UK.
  • Concerns were raised about mental health and suicide rates, with the Prime Minister acknowledging the importance of suicide prevention and recognizing the work of charities in this area.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Standards & Ethics
Context

The question arises from the public perception of the government not obeying the law.

Question

If Ministers think it is acceptable for this Government to not obey the law, how on earth can the Prime Minister expect the public at home to do so?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We expect everybody in this country to obey the law.

Not addressed: Specific reasons or details about why the government is expected to follow the law were not provided.

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Q2 Bob Neill Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The Prime Minister was asked about support for Gibraltar on their national day, including the sovereign status of Gibraltar and assistance in practical matters.

Question

Tomorrow is the National Day of Gibraltar. Will the Prime Minister join me in sending best wishes to Gibraltar? Also, will he pledge that Her Majesty's Government will continue to give them every support both in terms of sovereignty and all practical issues?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I congratulate my hon. Friend on his continual support for Gibraltar and its people, and I can assure him that the sovereignty of Gibraltar is inviolable.

Answered
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Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

A constituent faced difficulties in obtaining a coronavirus test, navigating various centers across the country without success.

Question

Yesterday, I spoke to a mum who lives in London. She tried to book tests but was directed to centers far from her location with no availability, leading to delays and anxiety for families needing urgent testing. Who does the Prime Minister think is responsible for this issue?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I take responsibility, as I have done throughout, for handling the coronavirus crisis. However, NHS Test and Trace has significantly increased test capacity from 2,000 per month in March to 320,000 daily now.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific responsibility of any entity or individual was not addressed directly.

How: Sympathising With The Difficulties But Shifting Focus To Overall Testing Achievements

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Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

There are conflicting statements regarding the cause of delays in obtaining coronavirus tests, with some attributing it to laboratory processing and others blaming the public's lack of cooperation.

Question

Who is right—the director of NHS Test and Trace, who says it's a laboratory problem, or the Health Secretary, who says it's due to the public?

Answer from Boris Johnson

This country has done more tests—17.6 million—than any other European nation. NHS Test and Trace faces unprecedented demand, particularly for asymptomatic patients.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The conflict between statements was not resolved directly.

How: Providing Test Numbers Rather Than Addressing The Specific Conflict

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Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

Families are struggling to get tests due to a lack of local testing facilities, with many being told to travel hundreds of miles for a test. This issue has persisted for the past week.

Question

Hundreds of families cannot get tests in their area despite symptoms; they are directed to travel long distances or receive no kits at all. Why is this happening when NHS Test and Trace reports high testing capacity?

Answer from Boris Johnson

NHS Test and Trace prioritizes front-line staff and care workers, leading to less availability for others. Despite criticism, 80% of contacts are reached and advised to self-isolate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reasons for long travel distances and unavailability of test kits were not addressed

How: Undermining Confidence In The Questioner'S Criticism

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Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

There is a significant discrepancy between unused testing capacity and reported difficulty in accessing tests. Many constituents are facing long distances to access tests or are told there is no availability.

Question

Despite unused test capacity, people face difficulties getting tests locally; 75,000 tests are not used daily. Why then are families being directed hundreds of miles for a test?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Increased demand from asymptomatic individuals is causing strain on NHS Test and Trace; 80% contact tracing success rate is reported.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reasons for local testing difficulties were not addressed

How: Undermining Confidence In The Questioner'S Criticism

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Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

In the last week, families have faced significant difficulties accessing local testing facilities. They are often told to travel hundreds of miles for tests or that no tests are available.

Question

When did the Prime Minister first know about problems with people having to go long distances for a test or finding tests unavailable? What is the solution?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Increased demand from public confidence in NHS Test and Trace; 320,000 tests daily now compared to 2,000 in March. Average travel distance is under 10 miles.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific solution or timeline for fixing access issues was not provided

How: Undermining Confidence In The Questioner'S Criticism

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Q8 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

The MP referenced rising infection rates and criticized the government for failing to address issues with the test, trace, and isolate system.

Question

Why has the government's programme failed to recognise the impact on organisations across Bristol South? The infection rate is rising. This is the very point at which we need a functioning testing regime. Far from the “world-beating” system we were promised, the Government cannot even get the basics right. My final question is this: when is the problem with test, trace and isolate going to be fixed?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I just say to him that we are working flat out to address all the issues confronting us today, including trying to get the infection rate down, and we are getting on with taking the tough decisions and making the tough calls that will take this country forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about fixing test, trace, and isolate system was not addressed directly.

How: When It Comes To Sticking Up For Our Uk Internal Market, He Is Totally Silent

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Q9 Andrew Lewer Con
Defence
Context

The MP acknowledged the inspirational work done by 103 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Northampton to support the NHS, councils, and volunteers during the lockdown.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking them and recognising the importance to the town of the Clare Street barracks now and into the future?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank my hon. Friend. I indeed recognise the importance of the Clare Street barracks. Indeed, I salute the work of the entire armed services in what they have done across the whole of our United Kingdom to help us fight coronavirus.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q10 Ian Blackford SNP
Scotland
Context

The MP criticized the UK Internal Market Bill as an attack on Scotland's Parliament, breaking both international and domestic law. He questioned why the Prime Minister thinks his actions are above the law.

Question

Shortly, the Government will publish their internal market proposals. I have seen them. They are nothing short of an attack on Scotland's Parliament and an affront to the people of Scotland. Why does the Prime Minister think that he and his friends are above the law?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The United Kingdom Internal Market Bill is about protecting jobs, protecting growth and ensuring the fluidity and safety of our UK internal market and prosperity throughout the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about breaking law was not directly addressed.

How: On The Contrary, What He Would Do Is Transfer Powers Back To Brussels

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Q11 Ian Blackford SNP
Scotland Brexit
Context

The MP questioned if the Prime Minister will break domestic law, disregard the settled will of the Scottish people, ignore concerns raised by various stakeholders including the National Farmers Union Scotland president, and press ahead with the UK Internal Market Bill.

Question

If the Prime Minister will not listen to the Scottish Government, will he listen to the National Farmers Union Scotland president, who warned that the proposals “limit” the devolved Administrations? The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee warned that they will create new reservations in areas of devolved competence. The General Teaching Council for Scotland has warned that the proposals undermine devolved education functions. Will the Prime Minister break domestic law, disregard the settled will of the Scottish people, ignore the concerns of Scotland's communities and press ahead with this Bill?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The answer is that yes, indeed, we will press on with the Bill, because I believe that the right hon. Gentleman's attacks on it are totally illogical.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about listening to stakeholders and considering warnings was not directly addressed.

How: On The Contrary, What He Would Do Is Transfer Powers Back To Brussels

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Q12 Ian Levy
Mental Health
Context

Since October last year, there have been 120 suicides in the Northumbria police force area and 24 deaths specifically in Blyth. The MP previously worked in mental health.

Question

Before being elected to represent Blyth Valley last year, I worked in mental health. Since October last year, there have been 120 suicides across the Northumbria police force area alone, and 24 deaths in Blyth. I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will agree that one death is one death too many. Will he join me in supporting World Suicide Prevention Day tomorrow and in acknowledging the fantastic work by the mental health charity Mind, as well as by ENGAGE and Davy Orr at Unit Twenty in Blyth?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Every suicide is an absolute tragedy, and my hon. Friend is right to focus on that issue in the way that he does. I am proud that the Government are rolling out record investments in suicide prevention. I also pay tribute to the charitable sector—to Mind, ENGAGE and Davy Orr—for the fantastic work it does to make a difference at that crucial moment and to prevent suicide.

Answered
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Q13 Siobhain McDonagh Lab Mitcham and Morden
Foreign Affairs
Context

A genocide of the Uyghur people by the Chinese Government is taking place, with reported mass detentions, forced labour, and cultural assimilation.

Question

They herd them on to trains, they shave their heads, they abort their babies. A genocide of the Uyghur people by the Chinese Government is taking place before our eyes. It is easy to criticise the next world superpower, but harder to take action. What action will the Prime Minister take to stop the ethnic cleansing of the Uyghur people in Xinjiang? When will he lead the organisation of an international tribunal, because this time no country can say that it did not know?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The hon. Lady is entirely right to draw attention to the plight of the Uyghurs, as both I and the Foreign Secretary have done. We raise these concerns directly with the Chinese authorities and will continue to do so in the G20, the UN and every other context.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific actions requested

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Q14 Elliot Colburn
Children & Families Local Government
Context

The BBC's “Panorama” revealed the failures of Sutton Council in handling special educational needs schools, affecting vulnerable children.

Question

On Monday night, the BBC's “Panorama” revealed what parents in Carshalton and Wallington have been telling me for months: that Lib Dem-run Sutton Council is failing our most vulnerable children. Given the shocking scenes we saw, does the Prime Minister agree that the council should hang its head in shame, meet with the parents and sack its failing arm's length company, and that the Lib Dem councillors who presided over this failure should resign?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I understand that the council concerned has acknowledged the failures and the improvements that are needed. For our part, we are reviewing the oversight of special educational needs schools and will be commissioning a new round of inspections by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission. I am happy to write to my hon. Friend further about that issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific actions requested

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Q15 David Linden SNP
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Mercy Baguma was found dead in her Glasgow flat with her starving one-year-old son, Adriel. The family is currently awaiting the Home Office's decision on an asylum application.

Question

The Prime Minister is aware of the tragic case of Mercy Baguma, who three weeks ago was found dead in her Glasgow flat with her starving one-year-old son, Adriel, lying next to her. Thankfully, little Adriel has made a recovery, and he was running around my constituency office on Friday when his father Eric came to meet me. Adriel has been through more than any one-year-old should ever have to go through, and his future hangs in limbo while the Home Office prolongs his father's asylum application. Will the Prime Minister agree to organise a meeting between me and the Home Secretary to look at Eric's case and make sure that the family can go forward with certainty after such a difficult time?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank the hon. Gentleman, and I know that the whole House will join me in sending our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mercy Baguma. We take very seriously the wellbeing of all who are in the asylum system, and I can assure him that the relevant Minister will take up that particular case with him.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific actions requested

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Q16 Cheryl Gillan Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Democracy & Elections Environment
Context

The MP has an 11-year track record of opposing HS2 due to environmental concerns. Extinction Rebellion's actions have harmed the reputation of peaceful protesters.

Question

The Prime Minister knows very well that I have an 11-year track record of opposing HS2, not least because of the environmental damage it is causing, and that I have expressed my support for peaceful environmental campaigns against this costly project. Regrettably, the actions of Extinction Rebellion, who have glued themselves to trains and now tried to interfere with the freedom of the press, have tarnished the reputation of peaceful environmental protesters. Will my right hon. Friend tell me what options he is considering to ensure that rather than offering encouragement to law breakers, such unacceptable behaviour and attacks on our democratic freedoms can be prevented from happening again, and that the integrity of peaceful campaigners is not impugned?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I draw a sharp distinction and contrast between the civilised approach of my right hon. Friend to environmental protest and that taken by those who tried in vain to frustrate the freedom of the press. I must say that I was struck by the silence of the right hon. and learned Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Keir Starmer) when he had an opportunity to condemn it. To answer my right hon. Friend's point directly, I do think it is important now, given the weight of the economic interests that were under threat and the threat to the freedom of the press, that we look at what we can do under public order and, indeed, under the law on nuisance. That is what we will do.

Answered
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Q17 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
NHS
Context

The Health Secretary said they have the largest testing system imaginable, yet people in Jarrow are struggling to get a covid test despite months of promises for a world-leading test, track and trace system.

Question

Yesterday, the Health Secretary said, and I quote: “We have the largest testing system imaginable.”—[Official Report, 8 September 2020; Vol. 679, c. 527.] Yet in my constituency of Jarrow, which is one of the Government's areas of concern, people are struggling to get a covid test. This is not criticism or an attack on our NHS, but it is months since the Prime Minister promised us all a world-leading test, track and trace system, so I ask him: where is it?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I have every sympathy with those who now want to get tests, and the demand is very acute, partly because so many people who do not have symptoms want a test. Our view is that the priority should be those who do have symptoms, and the groups that I mentioned earlier. We will do everything we can to address the issues in Jarrow and across the country. I remind the hon. Lady that NHS Test and Trace has so far conducted 17.6 million tests, which is more than any other European country, so she should take at least some pride in that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific system location

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Q18 Mark Eastwood
Context

Localised data allows for lifting of local restrictions in some areas, but the questioner is seeking reassurance for Dewsbury.

Question

While I am pleased that localised data has allowed local restrictions to be lifted in parts of my constituency—Mirfield, Kirkburton and Denby Dale—will the Prime Minister reassure the people of Dewsbury that if infection rates continue to reduce, Dewsbury will be lifted out of local restrictions sooner rather than later?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank my hon. Friend, and I thank the people of Dewsbury for their fortitude in doing what they have done and the local action that they are taking to defeat the virus. Of course, as soon as we see results in the case of a local lockdown, we do take that area out of lockdown. I have no doubt that the same will happen in Dewsbury and elsewhere.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific reassurance

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Q19 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Employment
Context

Recent reports suggest the Chancellor might reconsider raising the national living wage to £9.21 an hour in April.

Question

There have been reports that the Chancellor may scrap the planned increase in the national living wage due to affordability concerns. Can you rule this out, recognise that working people should not bear the cost of the crisis, and confirm the planned rise to £9.21 an hour?

Answer from Boris Johnson

It was this Government that introduced the living wage, and I am proud that we have so far delivered a record increase in the living wage and supported families throughout the crisis with a £160 billion package of support. This is a Government who put their arms around the people of the country and help them through tough times.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm or rule out scrapping the planned increase in national living wage

How: Put Their Arms Around The People Of The Country

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Q20 Antony Higginbotham
Education
Context

Burnley College was recently awarded as the highest achieving college in the country, with strong growth and innovative plans for expansion.

Question

Will you join me in supporting Burnley College's latest expansion plans that include teaching on drone technology, robotics, and clean engines?

Answer from Boris Johnson

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to champion Burnley College and its cutting edge education in technologies of the future. I welcome all the plans that Burnley College has for capital investment to develop its campus.

Answered
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Q21 Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside
Housing Local Government
Context

The refusal to extend the landlord licensing scheme and introduction of permitted development rights are seen as detrimental to local communities.

Question

Will you commit to withdrawing plans that bypass local control and prevent a return to 1860s-style slums?

Answer from Boris Johnson

This Government have already built far more council homes than Labour did in 13 years. We will deliver beautiful new homes through affordable rent or part-buy, part-rent schemes on brownfield sites.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to withdrawing plans that bypass local control

How: Building On Brownfield Sites In A Way That Is Affordable And Helps Young People

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Q22 James Wild Con North West Norfolk
Education
Context

King's Lynn has received £25 million through the towns fund to support local development.

Question

Will you encourage Ministers to look favourably at proposals for a school of nursing at the College of West Anglia?

Answer from Boris Johnson

My hon. Friend is an excellent champion for his area, and if he can just contain his impatience a little bit, he may hear something to his advantage and to the advantage of his constituency from his right hon. Friend and mine, the Communities Secretary.

Not addressed: Did not address the request for support on school of nursing proposal

How: Contain His Impatience

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Q23 Rushanara Ali Lab Bethnal Green and Stepney
NHS
Context

Concerns over the £150 million spent on faulty masks, £120 million contracts to a Tory council, and £1 billion in contracts without due diligence.

Question

Where has the money gone for PPE contracts that lack proper due diligence?

Answer from Boris Johnson

There has been a massive investment in PPE throughout this pandemic, and billions of items have been supplied. If you have specific concerns about particular contracts, I am happy to address them if you write to me.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify where the money went for poorly managed contracts

How: Write To Me

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Q24 Alan Mak Con Havant
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The UK is celebrating Back British Farming Day, highlighting the importance of farmers.

Question

Will you join me in thanking farmers for their contribution to national security and prosperity?

Answer from Boris Johnson

As somebody who grew up on a farm, I am thrilled to support Back British Farming Day. It is thanks to them that we have fantastic food on our plates every day and an amazing opportunity to increase agricultural exports around the world.

Answered
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Q25 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Northern Ireland Scotland
Context

Some Scottish nationalists advocate for an independence referendum similar to Catalonia's, which is illegal.

Question

If you think it is acceptable for your Government to ignore international law, on what basis would you oppose a wildcat independence referendum?

Answer from Boris Johnson

My job is to uphold the integrity of the UK and protect the Northern Irish peace process. We need a legal safety net to protect against extreme interpretations of the protocol that could lead to a border down the Irish sea, which would be prejudicial to the Good Friday agreement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify basis for opposing an illegal referendum beyond upholding UK integrity and peace process

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