Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 11 November 2020 · 24 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 7 Partly answered 12 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The hon. Lady is right to raise this issue. What happened to the Windrush generation was a disgrace and a scandal, and we are doing our best collectively to make amends.
  • Yes, indeed, and I thank my hon. Friend for the work that she does to champion that cause. We all know that wherever freedom of belief is under attack, other human rights are under attack as well.
  • The furlough programme has continued throughout this pandemic until March. It is one of the most generous programmes, with 80% income supported and an overall package of 210 billion to support jobs, families, and livelihoods.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Immigration NHS
Context

Home Office figures show only 12% of Windrush victims have received compensation, with nine deaths reported while waiting. This occurred two and a half years after the establishment of the Windrush taskforce.

Question

According to Home Office figures, just 12% of Windrush victims have received compensation and nine people have died waiting. This is two and a half years after the Windrush taskforce was set up. What will the Government do and what will the Prime Minister do both to rectify this injustice and to ensure that no others who have come to the UK to live and work suffer in the same way as the Windrush victims?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The hon. Lady is right to raise this issue. What happened to the Windrush generation was a disgrace and a scandal, and we are doing our best collectively to make amends. I can tell her I have met members of that generation, and this Government are taking steps to accelerate the payments and to make sure that those who are in line with payments are given every opportunity and all the information they need to avail themselves of the compensation that they deserve.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not specify any concrete actions or timelines for rectifying the injustice.

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Q2 Fiona Bruce Con
Standards & Ethics Religion & Faith
Context

Church leaders have called for prayer in the battle against COVID-19, highlighting persecution of people of faith worldwide.

Question

May I associate myself with the Prime Minister's remarks in respect of our servicemen and women, past and present, in protecting our peace? With regard to our battle against covid, senior Church leaders have this past week issued a call for prayer across our nation. The Prime Minister, I know, is very well aware of the persecution suffered by countless people of faith across the world for wanting to pray and manifest their faith. Will he join me in supporting our Church leaders' call for prayer and in championing the universal human right of freedom of religion or belief wherever one lives?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes, indeed, and I thank my hon. Friend for the work that she does to champion that cause. We all know that wherever freedom of belief is under attack, other human rights are under attack as well. We will continue to work closely with like-minded partners to stand up for members of such marginalised communities.

Answered
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Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS Veterans
Context

Help for Heroes, a veteran charity, is facing financial difficulties due to the pandemic. The Prime Minister acknowledges the importance of these charities.

Question

May I join the Prime Minister in his comments about Jonathan Sacks? May I also send all our thoughts to those affected by the terrible events in Saudi Arabia this morning? May I welcome the victory of President-elect Biden and Vice-President-elect Harris—a new era of decency, integrity and compassion in the White House? May I also welcome the fantastic news about a possible breakthrough in the vaccine? It is early days, but this will give hope to millions of people that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Today is Armistice Day, and I am sure the whole House will join me in praising the remarkable work of the veterans charities such as Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion. Like many other charities, Help for Heroes has seen a significant drop in its funding during this pandemic, and it is now having to take very difficult decisions about redundancies and keeping open recovery centres for veterans. So can the Prime Minister commit today that the Government will do whatever they can to make sure our armed forces charities have the support that they need so that they can carry on supporting our veterans?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I echo entirely what the right hon. and learned Gentleman says about Help for Heroes; it is a quite remarkable charity and does wonderful things for veterans. In these difficult times, many charities are, of course, finding it tough, and in addition to what the Government are doing to support charities through cutting business rates on their premises and cutting VAT on their shops, I urge everybody wherever possible to make online contributions to charities that are currently struggling.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not commit to specific actions or funding for veteran charities but suggested general support measures.

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Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

The Prime Minister's package for forces charities was £6 million during the pandemic, which is insufficient. The government spent £670,000 on PR consultants.

Question

I thank the Prime Minister for his reply. The truth is the Chancellor's package for forces charities was just £6 million during this pandemic, and that is just not sufficient. May I ask the Prime Minister to reconsider that support on their behalf, because at the same time we have all seen this weekend that the Government can find £670,000 for PR consultants? And that is the tip of the iceberg: new research today shows that the Government have spent at least £130 million of taxpayers' money on PR companies, and that is in this year alone. Does the Prime Minister think that is a reasonable use of taxpayers' money?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I think the right hon. and learned Gentleman is referring to the vaccines taskforce, and after days in which the Labour party has attacked the vaccines taskforce, I think it might be in order for him to pay tribute to it for securing 40 million doses. By the way, the expenditure to which he refers was to help to raise awareness of vaccines, to fight the anti-vaxxers and to persuade the people of this country—300,000—to take part in trials without which we cannot have vaccines. So I think he should take it back.

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address the specific funding for forces charities and instead discussed vaccine taskforce spending.

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Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS Taxation Standards & Ethics
Context

The Prime Minister mentioned the £130 million spent on PR companies. The government paid Ayanda Capital about £150 million for face masks.

Question

Nobody is attacking individuals—everybody is supporting the vaccine—but £130 million, Prime Minister: there is a real question about the way that contracts are being awarded and about basic transparency and accountability. I know the Prime Minister does not like that, but this is not the Prime Minister's money; it is taxpayers' money. The Prime Minister may well not know the value of the pound in his pocket, but the people who send us here do, and they expect us to spend it wisely. Let me illustrate an example of the Government's lax attitude to taxpayers' money. Earlier this year, the Government paid about £150 million to a company called Ayanda Capital to deliver face masks. Can the Prime Minister tell the House how many usable face masks were actually provided to NHS workers on the frontline under that contract?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are in the middle of a global pandemic in which this Government have so far secured and delivered 32 billion items of personal protective equipment; and, yes, it is absolutely correct that it has been necessary to work with the private sector and with manufacturers who provide such equipment, some of them more effectively than others, but it is the private sector that in the end makes the PPE, it is the private sector that provides the testing equipment, and it is the private sector that, no matter how much the Labour party may hate it, provides the vaccines and the scientific breakthroughs.

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address the specifics of mask delivery or provide transparency details.

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Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Economy Taxation Employment
Context

The MP criticizes the government's handling of contracts and furlough extension, citing specific figures on redundancies and unemployment. He mentions consultants being paid £7,000 a day and a contract given to Randox without proper process.

Question

Keir Starmer noted that not a single face mask was delivered at a cost of £150 million. Consultants are being paid £7,000 a day for test and trace. Randox received a £347 million contract despite recalling 750,000 unused covid tests earlier this summer. The Chancellor's delay in extending furlough caused record redundancies of 181,000. What is the Prime Minister's message to those who have lost their jobs?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The furlough programme has continued throughout this pandemic until March. It is one of the most generous programmes, with 80% income supported and an overall package of £210 billion to support jobs, families, and livelihoods. The net effect is disproportionately beneficial for the poorest in society.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address the specific ask about a message for those who lost their jobs due to the Chancellor's delay.

How: Working With Partners

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Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP highlights the high unemployment figures and redundancy rates, questioning the government's failure to extend furlough and close gaps in support for the self-employed. He mentions that 2.6 million self-employed people have received support at a cost of £13 billion.

Question

Redundancies are at a record high of 181,000; 780,000 off payroll since March; ONS saying unemployment is rising sharply. The Prime Minister's delay in extending furlough led to job losses and failure to address self-employment support gaps.

Answer from Boris Johnson

2.6 million self-employed people have received support at a cost of £13 billion. Universal credit is being uprated until next year, and the right hon. and learned Gentleman now champions its extension and calls for its uprating to be extended.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address why gaps in support for self-employed people are still present despite warnings from experts.

How: Working With Partners

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Q8 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Immigration Employment Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP discusses a self-employed photographer who is struggling due to the lack of support from the government's schemes. He mentions that millions have been left out by the scheme.

Question

Self-employment income support scheme does not apply to millions of self-employed people, causing real human cost. Chris, a self-employed photographer, says his industry has been devastated and millions are falling through cracks. What would the Prime Minister say to Chris?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The best way to get jobs working again is to continue on the path of driving down the virus. The country needs to observe tough autumn measures, secure help for rural communities, and secure borders.

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address the specific ask about what would be said to Chris.

How: Changed Subject

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Q9 Laurence Robertson Con
Immigration Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP questions the government's approach to securing help for rural communities, ending free movement, and securing borders as part of the post-EU future.

Question

As we tackle the pandemic, is it right that we also secure our post-EU future by helping rural communities and securing borders?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The landmark Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill receives Royal Assent today, ending free movement and having a new points-based immigration system. The right hon. and learned Member for Holborn and St Pancras would like to reverse this.

Answered
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Q10 Ian Blackford SNP
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Office for National Statistics reported UK unemployment at 4.8%, with redudancies at a record high and nearly 800,000 fewer people in employment.

Question

I want to send our best wishes to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on winning the election in north America. The figures published by the Office for National Statistics yesterday demonstrate that UK faces a growing Tory unemployment crisis: UK unemployment is now 4.8%, redundancies are at a record high, nearly 800,000 fewer people are in employment. To support those who have lost their incomes, will the Prime Minister now commit to making the £20 uplift to universal credit permanent and extending it to legacy benefits?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes, of course that uplift continues until March. The furlough scheme is being extended right the way through to March as well. That will support people across our whole United Kingdom, protecting jobs and livelihoods across the whole UK in exactly the way that he and I would both want.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Extending uplift to legacy benefits not addressed

How: Will Not Extend It

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Q11 Ian Blackford SNP
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The SNP continues to demand a permanent U-turn on Tory plans to cut universal credit. In the run-up to Christmas, 3 million people are struggling due to exclusion from government support.

Question

The idea is that he tries to answer the question put to him. The SNP will continue to demand a permanent uprating of universal credit. Another group who have been left behind by this Prime Minister are the 3 million people completely excluded from UK Government support. In the run-up to Christmas, those forgotten millions will be among those struggling and worried about their future. Will the Prime Minister finally fix the serious gaps in his support schemes?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are not only continuing with the uprating of universal credit until next year, but we have invested £210 billion in jobs and livelihoods. We have brought forward a winter support package for the poorest and neediest: supporting young people and kids who need school meals, and supporting people throughout our society throughout the tough period of covid.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific gap-filling measures not addressed

How: Will Support Through Winter Package

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Q12 Simon Jupp
NHS Taxation Business & Trade
Context

Regional airports are playing a critical role in delivering medical supplies and equipment during the pandemic but Exeter airport has passenger numbers at some 5% of normal. Regional airports face multibillion-pound business rates bills.

Question

As we continue to protect the NHS, regional airports are facing multibillion-pound business rates bills and they are asking for a payment holiday similar to businesses in retail and hospitality. What assurances can my right hon Friend give East Devon's aircraft engineers, cabin crew and pilots that the Government will look to temporarily scrap business rates so that our regional airports can keep the country connected throughout the pandemic?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The Bank of England's covid corporate financing facility is helping to support the airlines' current liquidity problems, with the sector drawing down £1.8 billion in support. The Department for Transport is also looking at giving bespoke support to particular regional airports to keep them going in these tough times.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Temporary scrapping of business rates not addressed

How: Giving Bespoke Support

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Q13 Jonathan Edwards PC
Wales
Context

West Wales and the valleys received over €2 billion in direct EU economic investment during the 2014 to 2020 multiannual financial framework, which will end. The British Government have yet to publish their alternative proposals.

Question

The people of Carmarthenshire and the rest of Wales are waiting for alternative proposals from the British Government despite all the promises of 'not a penny less'. When will the Prime Minister level with them about the UK Government being about to pick our pockets?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The UK Government are continuing to support all parts of the UK. We will now have the opportunity to fund projects with our own money, rather than siphoning it through Brussels. The quantum will be identical and, in addition, through the Barnett formula, the UK Government have already given the Welsh Government £2.4 billion in capital funding alone this year.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q14 Imran Ahmad Khan
Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

Mahboob Ahmad Khan, an 82 year-old Ahmadi Muslim was shot dead. His crime under Pakistani law: to call himself an Ahmadi Muslim.

Question

While we are focused on battling covid, humanitarian injustices and the plight of persecuted minorities should not be ignored. On Remembrance Sunday, Mahboob Ahmad Khan was shot dead, the fourth Ahmadi recently slain in Peshawar. Does my right hon Friend agree that hatred preached in Pakistan ends up on the streets of Britain and that it is in the interests of our own security that Her Majesty's Government should make it clear to Pakistan that state-supported persecution must end?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I agree passionately with my hon Friend. The Minister for South Asia and the Commonwealth recently raised this very issue with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, urging the Government of Pakistan to guarantee the fundamental rights of all their citizens.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q15 Ben Lake PC Ceredigion Preseli
Employment Wales
Context

Unemployment in Wales has seen a significant increase recently, affecting the hospitality and events sectors.

Question

We have seen the largest increase in Welsh unemployment for nearly 30 years. The Prime Minister will know that the hospitality and events sectors have been heavily impacted by covid-19, but we cannot forget about the businesses in their supply chains. Many are not eligible for grant support and need help to cover running costs through winter months. Will he raise this matter with the Chancellor?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The hon. Gentleman raises an excellent point. We are looking at ways, together with local authorities and Welsh tourist authorities, to keep a tourist season going throughout winter months.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide details on a specific package or support measures for businesses in supply chains.

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Q16 Alexander Stafford
Context

The Christmas season brings various festive events and activities in Rother Valley, but current pandemic-related restrictions may prevent families from celebrating as usual.

Question

Christmas is a time for joy and celebration. With numerous events planned across Rother Valley, will the Prime Minister assure me that families can celebrate this important occasion?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I say that if we all follow rules and guidance intensively from now until 2 December, there is a bigger chance of having as normal a Christmas as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide clear assurance about guaranteeing a normal Christmas.

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Q17 James Murray Labour (Co-op)
NHS
Context

A constituent reported issues with the track and trace system, including repeat calls and confusion due to local postcodes.

Question

A constituent emailed about multiple repeated calls from the track and trace system. The former Health Secretary criticised centralised contact tracing. Will the Prime Minister admit that the current outsourced model is ineffective?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are looking into issues of repeat calls. To say the test and trace system was a waste of time and money is incorrect. It has enabled us to locate where disease surges, take measures, and allow testing.

Answered
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Q18 Julian Sturdy Con
NHS
Context

York's virus figures have been falling and are well below the level at which they were put into tier 2.

Question

With positive news on vaccine roll-out and mass testing, can the Prime Minister outline clear criteria for York to move from tier 2 to tier 1 starting December 2nd? Will he urge York council to take up the offer of mass testing?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes, I urge York council to take up mass lateral flow testing. This is an exciting possibility. We hope this along with vaccine roll-out will help us fight the disease.

Answered
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Q19 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Immigration Employment
Context

The Migration Advisory Committee has recently changed its advice, classing deck hands as skilled labour eligible for visas.

Question

The Prime Minister met my constituent Ronnie Norquoy on his crab boat and discussed problems caused by the Migration Advisory Committee classifying deck hands as unskilled. The MAC now classes them as skilled labour. Will he put the Home Secretary straight on this?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. I will make sure the Home Secretary is seized of the matter and that we take it forward, thanks to taking control of our immigration system.

Answered
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Q20 Neil O'Brien Con Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

The National Security and Investment Bill has been introduced to ensure scrutiny of foreign investments in strategically important industries.

Question

I welcome the introduction of the National Security and Investment Bill. When countries trample human rights at home and threaten our allies abroad, they should not be able to buy up strategic UK industries without scrutiny.

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes. The Prime Minister agrees that we need once again for the United Kingdom and the US to stand together and stick up for our values around the world: human rights, global free trade, NATO, climate change.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific concerns about foreign investments without scrutiny.

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Q21 Angela Eagle Lab Wallasey
Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

Following President Biden's election victory, Angela Eagle inquired about the UK Prime Minister's advice for former US President Trump regarding his refusal to accept the election results.

Question

The Prime Minister spoke for many of us when he took a call yesterday to congratulate President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris on their emphatic win in the US presidential election, so does the Prime Minister now have any advice for his erstwhile best friend, President Trump, whose continuing refusal to accept the result is both embarrassing for him and dangerous for American democracy?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I had, and have, a good relationship with the previous President. I do not resile from that—it is the duty of all British Prime Ministers to have a good relationship with the White House—but I am delighted to find the many areas in which are the incoming Biden-Harris Administration are able to make common cause with us. In particular, it was extremely exciting to talk to President-elect Biden about what he wants to do with the COP26 summit next year, in which the UK is leading the world in driving down carbon emissions and tackling climate change.

Not addressed: Advice for Trump on accepting election results

How: Changed Subject To Biden-Harris Administration

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Q22 Chris Clarkson
Veterans
Context

With the limitations imposed by the pandemic, Chris Clarkson asked for praise and recognition of veterans' efforts to commemorate the day safely.

Question

This Armistice Day, restrictions mean that we cannot mark the occasion with services as we normally would. However, in Heywood and Middleton, veterans associations are following the guidance to mark the day in a covid-safe way. Will my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister join me in praising them, the Royal British Legion and, indeed, all those across the United Kingdom who are doing their best to ensure that we can pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes indeed. It was really impressive to see the way the Royal British Legion organised covid-secure memorials across the country in the way that it did. As we salute our veterans, I just want to remind the House that we have launched a new railcard for our veterans and their families that will entitle them to substantial reductions in rail fares, and that we are introducing a national insurance break for employers of veterans in their first year of employment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Praise for veterans' efforts during Armistice Day under restrictions

How: Shifted To New Veteran Railcard And Employment Support

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Q23 Kate Hollern Lab
Standards & Ethics
Context

Research showed that the government was taking an average of two and a half months to publish contracts related to coronavirus, exceeding the legal limit of 30 days.

Question

Every day, there is a new story about dodgy contracts signed by this Government. Research by Tussell, the data provider, shows that the Government take an average of two and a half months to publish covid-related contracts, exceeding the legal limit of 30 days. Will the Prime Minister commit to publishing all contracts within the legal limit, and does he accept that the failure to address this scandal affects his Government's awarding of public contracts?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Of course we publish all contracts, and quite right. I would just respectfully remind the hon. Lady, as I reminded the Leader of the Opposition earlier, that it is absolutely necessary in a massive global pandemic to work with those in the private sector, not to scorn them or despise them, and to understand that it is they who make the PPE and the tests. Indeed, it is thanks to the researches of giant conglomerates—which Labour would break up if it could—that we have the possibility of a vaccine.

Not addressed: Commitment to publishing all contracts within legal limits

How: Shifted Focus To Private Sector'S Role In Pandemic Response

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Q24 Andrew Selous Con
Defence Women & Equalities
Context

There was a report on making life better for UK Armed Forces families, focusing on improving their quality of life and addressing challenges like separation and employment.

Question

On Armistice Day, as we remember those who gave their lives for our country and those who still serve, will the Prime Minister give a positive response to the “Living in our shoes: understanding the needs of UK Armed Forces families” report on making life better for our armed forces families? These wonderful people put up with more separation, moving of family homes and worry about the safety of their loved ones than anyone else, and looking after them should be a national priority.

Answer from Boris Johnson

Our armed services simply could not function without the support of their families, and I thank my hon. Friend for what he is doing to raise this issue and for the comprehensive piece of research that he refers to. We are making good progress on increasing childcare provision for armed services families and on our support for employment of partners of members of the armed services.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Positive response to report

How: Shifted Focus To Progress On Childcare And Employment Support

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