Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 30 September 2020 · 27 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 19 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister committed to supporting the events sector through the 1.57 billion culture recovery fund.
  • Local lockdown measures are necessary due to virus resurgence, with varying success depending on adherence to guidance.
  • Government pledges to help those at risk of job losses through economic support and the winter economic plan.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jason McCartney Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The events sector has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with revenues down by 90% since last year. The sector supports nearly one million jobs and is worth over £30 billion to the UK economy.

Question

I am concerned about the devastation of the events sector due to the revenue loss from the pandemic. Will the Prime Minister look at financial support, focusing on grants for freelancers including musicians and performers? Will the Government support proactive testing for events?

Answer from Boris Johnson

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to champion the sector in the way that he does. The £1.57 billion culture recovery fund is clearly intended to support organisations and freelancers he mentions. We hope people will visit theatres as they reopen when tested before events.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for grants was not addressed directly, only the broader culture recovery fund mentioned without specifics on types of support or proactive testing plans.

How: We Hope People Will Visit Theatres As They Reopen

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Q2 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Crime & Law Enforcement Economy
Context

Sergeant Matt Ratana died tragically due to a suspected murder. Over 16 million people, or one in four, are now living under local restrictions. Since the beginning of the year, only Luton has maintained its exit from local restrictions.

Question

I join the Prime Minister in sending my deepest condolences for Sergeant Matt Ratana's death and express concern over the ineffectiveness of local lockdowns as no area besides Luton has exited restrictions. Why does this occur?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The right hon. and learned Gentleman is correct about the importance of local lockdown measures. Since I last updated the House, there has been a serious virus resurgence, which prompted our recent package of measures. Luton's success lies in their adherence to guidance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for an explanation was not fully addressed with concrete reasons or strategies, only general reference to local efforts and compliance.

How: Local People Pulled Together

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Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Economy
Context

The Prime Minister previously described the strategy as 'whack-a-mole', implying that restrictions should be lifted eventually. However, in some areas like Bradford and Oldham, restrictions have been in place for months with rising infection rates.

Question

When local restrictions were introduced, they were referred to as a 'whack-a-mole' strategy but in reality, many places are still under restrictions and infection rates are increasing. What is the Prime Minister's plan for lifting these restrictions?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Nobody wants to impose restrictions, including in Bradford or elsewhere. We work closely with local authorities on measures and must take strong action where virus levels are rising. The illness appears more localized now compared to spring, so direct local actions are necessary.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for a strategy was not fully addressed; only general statements about localized response were provided without clear plan or timeline.

How: We Work Closely With Local Authorities

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Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Parliamentary Procedure Local Government
Context

There is widespread confusion about the local restrictions, as noted by a Conservative council leader in Bolton who described the Government's handling of restrictions as 'breeding resentment' due to complexity and mixed messages.

Question

The Prime Minister does not understand his own rules according to recent incidents. The council leaders are complaining about mixed messages breeding resentment among residents who feel forgotten. How does the PM expect people to follow these complex rules?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Actually, I think the people in this country do understand and overwhelmingly follow the rules. The restrictions are clear for the north-east: no indoor mixing or socialising outdoors due to virus spikes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about public understanding was not fully addressed; only general statements on rule-following were provided without addressing confusion issues.

How: Actually, I Think The People In This Country Do Understand

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Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Economy Employment Business & Trade
Context

Newcastle City Council indicates that by the end of the year, 10,000 jobs in hospitality will be lost due to restrictions. Keir Starmer questioned why the government decided these jobs are not worth saving.

Question

I support the restrictions. Because of them, lots of people's jobs—in Newcastle, it is 10,000 people's jobs in hospitality—are at risk. I asked the Prime Minister: can economic support go into those who will lose their jobs? He did not answer that. There are 10,000 people who wanted an answer to this question because they are going to lose their jobs by Christmas.

Answer from Boris Johnson

Last week, the Labour party supported the package—the winter economic plan—that the Chancellor put forward. We will help; we have invested £190 billion in supporting people across this country. The furlough plan is far more generous than any other European country. This Government are putting their arms around the people of this country and helping them through it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The economic support requested for jobs at risk due to restrictions was not addressed with specific commitments or figures.

How: Working Together, Supporting Restrictions

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Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Economy Business & Trade
Context

A business owner in Richmond, North Yorkshire expressed that the Chancellor's latest plan does nothing to help his wedding venue. He mentioned viable jobs but cannot afford wages due to lockdown.

Question

This is not about supporting restrictions; it is about what the Prime Minister has to say to those who are at risk of losing their jobs and businesses. What, on behalf of the Chancellor, does he say to that business owner?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The best way forward is if we all pull together now, get the virus done, and keep the economy moving. The Government are able to supply support that is needed. Of course this Government can help; it is only possible because of a prudent Conservative party in power over the past 10 years.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific economic support for wedding venues was not addressed with concrete measures or figures.

How: Prudent, Sensible Government

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Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

Black women in the UK are five times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth. Keir Starmer called for an urgent investigation into this issue.

Question

Tomorrow marks the start of Black History Month. Will the Prime Minister commit to addressing structural inequalities like black women being five times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The Government have launched an urgent investigation into inequalities across society. The Government are addressing them thoroughly, taking tough decisions to take this country forward with huge investments in NHS, policing, and affordable housing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Launching a specific investigation was not directly addressed; rather, general efforts were mentioned.

How: Investigations Across Society

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Q8 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Business & Trade
Context

The US has placed iniquitous tariffs on Scotch malt whisky.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is essential that the iniquitous tariffs the US has placed on Scotch malt whisky be removed during the current presidential term? So that that can happen, will he commit the Government, as a matter of urgency, to reaching a bilateral agreement with the US on the Airbus-Boeing dispute?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for raising that important matter, which I have raised several times myself with President Trump and others in the US Administration. We will continue to take a very robust line. It cannot be right that American consumers should continue to pay over the odds for Scotch, or that this discrimination should continue. We will fight it every step of the way.

Answered
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Q9 Ian Blackford SNP
Scotland Democracy & Elections
Context

A recent Scottish social attitudes survey revealed that just 15% of people trust the UK Government to work in Scotland's interest. The Prime Minister forced through a Bill against the will of Scotland's MPs, which is seen as a power grab.

Question

May I associate myself with the remarks of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition on the murder of Sergeant Matt Ratana? It was a truly shocking incident. We should applaud the efforts of our police and all our emergency services, who do a wonderful job keeping the rest of us safe. Our thoughts are with Matt's family, friends and colleagues. I also associate myself with the Leader of the Opposition's remarks on Black History Month and the responsibility we all have to eradicate inequality. Yesterday, the Scottish social attitudes survey revealed that just 15% of people trust the UK Government to work in Scotland's interest. Last night, Scotland's MPs voted overwhelmingly against the Tory power grab Bill, but the Prime Minister forced it through anyway, in the biggest attack on our Scottish Parliament in the history of devolution. If the Prime Minister cares to listen—it is not a difficult question—why does he think the people of Scotland have no trust in him or his Government?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am afraid the right hon. Gentleman is completely wrong in what he says about the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill. Perhaps the people of Scotland deserve to hear from him a clearer account of what it does. After all, the Bill, which I believe the Leader of the Opposition supports, actually devolves power back to Scotland—it gives power back to Scotland. Not only does it enable Scotland to take back control of its spectacular fisheries but it opens up markets for Scottish agriculture around the world. I can tell the House that today is an historic day: after 23 years in which every successive Government have failed, this Government have managed to lift the ban on British beef in America. Scottish beef will be going to the United States, thanks to the efforts of the British Government. That is a fact of which the right hon. Gentleman might, with advantage, inform his electorate in Scotland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The reason for lack of trust among people in Scotland was not addressed directly; instead, the answer focused on benefits from the UK Internal Market Bill and lifted ban on British beef.

How: Working With Partners, Benefits Of Policy

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Q10 Ian Blackford SNP
Brexit Democracy & Elections
Context

The Prime Minister did not directly address the reasons for lack of trust among people in Scotland.

Question

I do not know what that was, but it certainly was not an answer to the question. After that performance, it is little wonder that trust in the Government is at 15% and falling. Here we go again—yapping, bumbling, mumbling, but no answer. Since he cannot answer a straight question, I will tell the Prime Minister—[Interruption.]

Answer from Boris Johnson

I think the right hon. Gentleman demonstrates once again that his ambition is simply to foment grievance where no grievance should exist. All the Bill does, in fact, is devolve power back from Brussels to Edinburgh; it gives powers back to Edinburgh, which he should welcome. More important than the powers is the fact that the people of this country are not really interested in wrangling between parties. What the Bill does is protect jobs, protect growth and protect trade in the United Kingdom. That is the most important thing and that is why he should support it.

Not addressed: No direct answer was given to the question about trust; instead, the PM discussed devolution issues without addressing the issue of low trust.

How: Changing Subject, Deflecting

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Q11 Ben Spencer Con Runnymede and Weybridge
Transport Environment
Context

The MP notes that despite the challenges of the covid pandemic, there has been a reduction in noise and air pollution from the M25 during lockdown.

Question

Despite the many challenges of the covid pandemic, one unexpected relief to many of my constituents has been reductions in noise and air pollution from the M25 during lockdown. Runnymede and Weybridge greatly benefits from the connections that our motorways provide, but that comes at a cost. Does my right hon. Friend agree that, as we build our economy, we must ensure that our infrastructure—the backbone of our country—is sustainable and minimises the impact on our communities?

Answer from Boris Johnson

My hon. Friend is absolutely spot on. He talks about noise and pollution from the M25, and the Government have a vision: we want to accelerate the introduction of electric, zero-emission and quieter vehicles in order to reduce not just pollution but noise. That is what we are going to do.

Answered
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Q12 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Wales
Context

2.3 million people in Wales will not be able to travel out of county without good reason from tomorrow, while people from lockdown areas in England can still visit rural Wales.

Question

Diolch yn fawr, Lefarydd. From tomorrow, 2.3 million people in Wales will not be able to travel out of county without good reason, yet people from lockdown areas in England can still visit rural Wales. Travelling from Betws-y-Coed to Beddgelert could land someone with a fine, but Rochdale to Rhosneigr is no problem. I raised that with the Prime Minister last week. Leisure travel from lockdown areas has to stop. Will he make good on that today?

Answer from Boris Johnson

There are different measures in place, as we have discussed already this afternoon. Overall, the UK is proceeding with the same approach. I am very grateful to Mark Drakeford and everybody else in the Welsh Government for the way we are working together to defeat the virus. Yes, there will be some differences and some seeming illogicalities, but that is inevitable in tackling a pandemic. I am grateful for the right hon. Lady's co-operation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about enforcing leisure travel restrictions was not addressed directly; instead, the PM discussed different measures and the need to work together.

How: Working With Partners, Differences In Approach

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Q13 Rob Butler
Transport
Context

The House of Lords report suggests that the constituents of Wendover will be worst affected by phase 1 of High Speed 2.

Question

My constituents in Wendover will be worst affected by the construction of phase 1 of High Speed 2, according to the House of Lords. The best mitigation for the village would undoubtedly be a bored mined tunnel, but that has been refused. Does my right hon. Friend agree with that decision? If so, will he ensure that HS2 Ltd and its contractors works constructively with the Wendover HS2 Action Group to minimise noise pollution and avoid damaging the aquifer by other means?

Answer from Boris Johnson

As the Prime Minister, I totally support HS2 and the ambition of linking up our country better. As a local MP, I feel my hon. Friend's pain and I understand exactly where he is coming from. I have been assured in my conversations with HS2 that it is having extensive engagement with the Wendover group. I know Wendover well, as he knows. I will ask the relevant Minister to make contact with him.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about agreement on a bored mined tunnel was not directly addressed; instead, the PM discussed engagement with the Wendover group and assurances of extensive engagement.

How: Working With Partners, Extensive Engagement

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Q14 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Benefits & Welfare Standards & Ethics
Context

The Prime Minister has allegedly stated that improving lives of disabled individuals is a personal mission, but his legislation appears to weaken their care rights.

Question

How does the Prime Minister's intention to renew the Act today align with his personal mission and conscience? Will he work across parties to replace these restrictive laws protecting our most vulnerable?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are ensuring that everyone gets necessary protections. The easements in the Care Act were temporary and we will continue to provide the required protection, reflecting our commitment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to work across parties on replacing restrictive laws was not addressed

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Q15 Jacob Young
Employment Climate Business & Trade
Context

The Prime Minister announced a hydrogen-fuelled future for the UK, focusing on Redcar and Cleveland to build back better and greener.

Question

Does the Prime Minister agree that this initiative will create jobs and put Britain at the forefront of this new industry?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am delighted about Teesside being UK's first hydrogen transport hub as part of our green industrial revolution.

Answered
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Q16 Tommy Sheppard SNP
Scotland Democracy & Elections
Context

Upcoming May elections in Scotland and the question of how Scotland should be governed will likely dominate the campaign.

Question

If the Conservative party secures a majority of seats, would that represent a mandate for maintaining the Union?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am a supporter of democratic principles and recall 2014 referendum result in favour of keeping the Union.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Direct answer to mandate question was not provided, only referenced past results

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Q17 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Housing Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Prime Minister pledged to increase homebuilding but the current formula allocates too many homes, potentially harming rural areas.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend commit to changing elements of the algorithm when the consultation closes tomorrow?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are committed to a planning system that gives young people home ownership opportunities without desecrating countryside and green belt.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to changing the formula was not addressed directly

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Q18 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
NHS
Context

Over 7,000 new cases and 71 deaths from covid yesterday with a seven-day case average of 183 per 100,000 in Oldham.

Question

What does the Prime Minister think his biggest mistake has been during the pandemic?

Answer from Boris Johnson

There will be time to review all decisions. Encourages following guidance, testing, and local measures.

Not addressed: No specific mistake was identified or addressed

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Q19 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The Prime Minister has the opportunity to mark a successful conclusion for Syria's five-year resettlement program.

Question

What plans does he have to celebrate the completion of this significant refugee resettlement initiative?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The UK can be proud of resettling over 25,000 Syrians through safe routes from conflict zones.

Answered
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Q20 Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East
Economy Employment
Context

The hospitality sector faces significant job losses due to the Chancellor's decision to withdraw financial support, with nearly 200,000 jobs at risk in London alone.

Question

The hospitality sector has already suffered hugely as a result of this crisis and is now facing further damage because of the Chancellor's decision to withdraw support. Nearly 200,000 jobs in the hospitality sector across London are now at risk, including more than 800 jobs in my constituency of Lewisham East. Working people deserve a Government who work for them. Instead, they are being told that their jobs are unviable. Why do the Chancellor and the Prime Minister feel that these jobs are not worth saving?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are doing everything we can to save every job in the country. That is why the Chancellor set out the winter economic plan and why we have the job retention bonus at the end of January. But, of course, things are tough. As the Chancellor has said, alas, we cannot save every job, but we have the kickstart funds, with £2 billion to support young people into work, plus we now have a lifetime skills guarantee to ensure that people can retrain for the jobs that are going to be created by this economy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address why these specific jobs are unviable or worth saving.

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Q21 Darren Henry
Economy Local Government
Context

The Midlands, the largest regional economy outside of London, is concerned about being left behind in the Government's levelling-up agenda.

Question

As co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on the midlands engine, I am determined to champion the midlands engine and make sure that the midlands, the largest regional economy outside of London, is not left behind in the Government's levelling-up agenda. Will the Prime Minister commit to investing in the heart of our country and fire up the midlands engine?

Answer from Boris Johnson

My hon. Friend is completely right in his support for the midlands engine. That is why we are investing another £200 million from the getting building fund into the midlands engine region. I will be happy to write to him in the next few days about what we are doing for levelling up in the midlands.

Answered
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Q22 Mick Whitley
Economy Employment
Context

The Chancellor's decision to write off a million jobs as unviable has raised concerns about the impact on constituencies such as Birkenhead.

Question

Last week, the Chancellor made the political choice to write off 1 million jobs as unviable. There are more than 1,000 jobs at risk in my constituency of Birkenhead, and 141,000 jobs at risk in the north-east. This would be unemployment on a scale even worse than under Thatcher. Why do the Prime Minister and the Chancellor think that that is a price worth paying?

Answer from Boris Johnson

That is completely to misrepresent what the Chancellor is trying to do. As I have just told the House, we have already put £190 billion into supporting livelihoods, people and families. We are going to continue to put our arms around the people of this country. The most important thing is to get the economy moving and get people into work, and, at the same time, to keep kids in school, but the only way we can do that is if we suppress the virus in the way that the Government have set out, with the local lockdown measures that we have announced and the national measures that, I hope, are the subject of cross-party support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The PM did not directly address why job losses were considered acceptable or necessary.

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Q23 Laurence Robertson Con
NHS
Context

The local hospitals trust has stated that the closure of A&E at Cheltenham General Hospital is only temporary.

Question

Does the Prime Minister believe in the value of local accident and emergency units, and will he work to ensure the return of the A&E at Cheltenham General Hospital? The local hospitals trust has said that it will return, but can he try to ensure that it does so sooner rather than later?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes, indeed. I am assured that the closure to which my hon. Friend refers is only temporary, and I remind him that this is the Government who are putting in the record—the biggest ever—capital investment in the NHS, with £34 billion of investment in the NHS, to say nothing of the investments we have made just in the last nine months.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The PM did not commit to a specific timeline for returning the A&E unit.

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Q24 Neil Coyle Lab Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Housing
Context

During the lockdown, 15,000 rough sleepers were supported under the Everyone In programme, raising concerns about continued funding for homeless charities.

Question

In January, the Government were still pretending that there were only 5,000 rough sleepers across the whole country. During the lockdown, 15,000 rough sleepers were supported under the Everyone In programme. Will the Prime Minister ensure that the homeless charities, councils and others who stepped up and provided accommodation in the crisis are funded for every single person they helped?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The hon. Gentleman raises a very important point. One of the consolations of this crisis was that we were able to prevent so many rough sleepers from succumbing in the way that, alas, happened in other countries. That was a great effort by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the charities, working together. Of course, we will continue to do what we can to support those vital charities, to prevent rough sleeping and homelessness.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The PM did not commit to specific funding for every person housed during lockdown.

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Q25 Jane Hunt
Context

UK Government is one of the top donors to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which has made Africa free from wild polio.

Question

The rotary club of Loughborough Beacon would like to pass on its thanks to the UK Government for being one of the top donors to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which has made Africa free from wild polio. Will the Prime Minister join me in congratulating Rotary and its supporters on their monumental contribution to this effort? They have contributed more than $2 billion and helped to vaccinate more than 2.5 billion children around the world.

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank my hon Friend because that is a classic and fine example of the philanthropy and public spirit of the British people, which has been shown clearly throughout this crisis.

Answered
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Q26 Navendu Mishra Lab Stockport
Housing
Context

The local housing provider, Stockport Homes, has a waiting list of more than 7,000 households and Shelter reports that 200,000 renters are at risk of imminent covid eviction.

Question

I know that the Prime Minister refused to recognise my figures last week, but my local housing provider, Stockport Homes, has a waiting list of more than 7,000 households. With Shelter saying that 200,000 renters are at risk of imminent covid eviction, will he reinstate the ban upon evictions to prevent an even bigger housing crisis in Stockport this winter?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We have changed the law to ask landlords to provide tenants with at least six months' notice before eviction. We are not going to have evictions in lockdown areas, there will not be any enforcement of evictions over Christmas and we are putting £180 million into discretionary payments for local authorities to help hardship cases. We are also embarking on a huge programme to build hundreds of thousands more homes, particularly affordable homes, which I hope the hon. Gentleman's constituents will want to buy and to part-buy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The PM did not commit to reinstating an eviction ban beyond current measures.

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Q27 Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham
Transport
Context

The A47 Acle Straight is a critical road linking Great Yarmouth to Norwich with a long-standing campaign for dual carriageway status. The highways authority recently announced no plans for upgrade until at least 2030.

Question

The A47 Acle Straight, the only road linking Great Yarmouth to Norwich, is a bottleneck and dangerous site with a 30-year campaign for dual carriageway status. Despite this, the highways authority has announced no plans even to consider it until 2030 at the earliest. What can my right hon Friend do to give hope that this decision will be reconsidered?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I appreciate the temporary disappointment my hon Friend is experiencing, but this Government are immensely ambitious for transport infrastructure improvement. Active consideration is now being undertaken again for the project. Parliamentary colleagues will meet Baroness Vere, the roads Minister, this week to discuss additional scheme options from 2025 onwards.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline and concrete commitment to reconsider and expedite the upgrade of the A47 Acle Straight were not provided.

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