Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 2 December 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 2 Partly answered 15 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Chris Green congratulated the Prime Minister on the creation and rapid deployment of the new vaccine, emphasizing support for those involved in its development.
  • Keir Starmer acknowledged the vaccine's licensing as positive news, expressing concerns about the roll-out plan and calling for a communications strategy to boost public confidence.
  • Ian Blackford highlighted the hope generated by vaccine approval but raised issues about delayed support for vulnerable individuals, urging the Prime Minister to commit to meaningful assistance.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Green Con
NHS
Context

The speaker acknowledges the creation of a new vaccine and its rapid deployment, expressing support for its voluntary uptake.

Question

I would like to share in the congratulations of the Prime Minister on the creation of this new vaccine and the speed with which it has been got out, and to give those congratulations especially to the engineers, technicians and scientists who have delivered it. I believe that we should support the widest distribution and take-up of safe and effective medicines, but does my right hon Friend agree with me that it should always be taken on a wholly voluntary basis by individuals and families?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Absolutely. I strongly urge people to take up the vaccine, but it is no part of our culture or our ambition in this country to make vaccines mandatory. That is not how we do things.

Answered
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Q2 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

The MP congratulates the Prime Minister on the vaccine development, expresses gratitude to all involved, and inquires about the detailed roll-out plan.

Question

May I join the Prime Minister in his comments on disabled people? Like the Prime Minister, can I start with the fantastic news about the licensing of a vaccine? This pandemic has caused so much grief and so much loss, but we are now a big step closer to the end of the tunnel. Like the Prime Minister, can I express my thanks and the thanks of everyone on these Benches and across the House to all the scientists who have worked on this and to everybody who has taken part in the trials. Delivering a vaccine fairly, quickly and safely will now be the next major challenge facing the country, and whatever our differences across this House, we have all a duty to play our part in this national effort and to reassure the public about the safety of the vaccine. This morning, a priority list has been published for the first phase of the roll-out. We understand that around 800,000 doses will soon be available, and that is good news. Because of the two doses that will be required, that means 400,000 people can be vaccinated in the first batch. So can the Prime Minister tell the House: who does he expect to receive the vaccine next week?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am grateful to the right hon. and learned Gentleman for his point about the roll-out, and I will perhaps update the House on what the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has concluded so far. The priority list will be: residents in a care home for older adults, and their carers, in order to stop transmission; those of 80 years of age or older; front-line health care and social care workers; all those of 75 years of age and over; all those of 70 years of age and over; and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals.

Answered
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Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

The MP inquires about the vaccination plan for priority groups, particularly residents of care homes and their carers.

Question

The Prime Minister has referenced the priorities for the first phase, and as he said, the top two priority groups are residents in care homes for older adults and their carers, all those of 80 years of age and over, and front-line health and social care workers. I am not criticising that list in the slightest, but it is obvious that that is more than 400,000 people. The Prime Minister will understand how anxious people in those particular groups are, after having sacrificed so much. Will he give the House the answer to the question that they will be asking this morning, which is: by when does he expect that all people in those two top groups can expect to be vaccinated?

Answer from Boris Johnson

At this stage it is very important that people do not get their hopes up too soon about the speed with which we will be able to roll out this vaccine. As my right hon Friend the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said, it is beginning from next week, and we are expecting several million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine before the end of the year. We will then be rolling it out as fast as we possibly can.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked for a specific timeline but the answer provided was vague about the exact time frame.

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Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS Social Care
Context

The MP inquires about the plan for vaccinating care homes, highlighting practical difficulties such as storage temperatures.

Question

May I press the Prime Minister a bit further about the plan for care homes? I do so because we all want this to work. The top category is residents in care homes, and this will obviously be a huge concern for many people. This morning the Welsh Government have already raised some serious practical problems about the delivery of vaccines into care homes, bearing in mind the temperatures at which the vaccines have to be stored. The Prime Minister must know that this is going to be a four-nation problem, and he must be aware that this problem will arise. We all want to overcome that problem, and in that spirit I ask the Prime Minister what plans he has put in place to address the particular problems of getting the vaccine safely and quickly into care homes, given the practical difficulties of doing so, and the anxiety that those in care homes will have about getting it quickly?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The right hon. and learned Gentleman is entirely right to raise the issue of care homes and our ability to distribute this particular type of vaccine rapidly into care homes, because it does need to be kept at minus 70°, as I think the House understands, so there are logistical challenges to be overcome to get vulnerable people the access to the vaccine that they need. We are working on it with all the devolved Administrations in order to ensure that the NHS across the country—it is the NHS that will be in the lead—is able to distribute it as fast and as sensibly as possible to the most vulnerable groups.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked for specific plans but the answer provided was generally acknowledging the issue without detailed specifics.

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Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

Public concern over disinformation threatening vaccine uptake, with calls for emergency legislation to clamp down on it.

Question

I pay tribute to everybody who has got us this far. This has to be something that we all pull together to deliver as quickly and safely as possible over the next few months. I have made an offer to work with the Prime Minister before, and I do it again. Public confidence in the vaccine is a real cause for concern because it is going to be crucial to the success of getting this rolled out across the country and getting our economy back up and running. As the Prime Minister knows, we have the highest regulatory and medical safety standards in the world, but it is really important that we do everything possible to counter dangerous, frankly life-threatening disinformation about vaccines. The Opposition have called for legislation to be introduced with financial penalties for companies that fail to act. Will the Prime Minister work with us on this and bring forward emergency legislation in the coming days?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are working to tackle all kinds of disinformation across the internet. The right hon. and learned Gentleman is right to single out the anti-vaxxers, and he is right to encourage take-up of vaccines across the country. We will be publishing a paper very shortly on online harms designed to tackle the very disinformation that he speaks of.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to introducing emergency legislation as requested.

How: Working To Tackle Disinformation, Publishing A Paper

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

The collapse of the Arcadia Group and Debenhams in the last 48 hours put 25,000 jobs at risk. It threatens to rip the heart out of many high streets.

Question

May I urge the Prime Minister once the Government have a communications plan for the vaccine, to share it with the House so that we can all say the same thing in the same way to encourage as many people as possible to take up the vaccine? The arrival of the vaccine is obviously wonderful news but it will come too late for many who have lost their jobs already. I want to turn to the collapse of the Arcadia Group and Debenhams in the last 48 hours. That has put 25,000 jobs at risk and caused huge anxiety to many families at the worst possible time. It threatens to rip the heart out of many high streets in our towns and cities. Can the Prime Minister tell the House what he is going to do now to protect the jobs and pensions of all those affected by these closures?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are looking at what we can do to protect all the jobs that are being lost currently across the country. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has written to the Insolvency Service to look at the conduct of the Arcadia directors. We will be doing everything we can to restore the high streets of this country with our £1 billion high streets fund and the levelling-up fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify any concrete action or commitment beyond a general statement about protecting jobs and conducting an inquiry.

How: Looking At What We Can Do, Restoring High Streets

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Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Employment Business & Trade
Context

Over 200,000 retail jobs have been lost this year with the closure of 20,000 stores. The collapse of Arcadia Group is not an isolated incident.

Question

When I abstain, I come to the House and explain. When the Prime Minister abstains, he runs away to Afghanistan and gives the taxpayer a £20,000 bill. Over 200,000 retail jobs have been lost this year—that is 200,000 individuals and their families—and 20,000 stores have been closed on our high street before the latest restrictions. I urge the Prime Minister to take this seriously; do not deflect. As well as providing emergency support, will he work with us, the trade unions and the sector to finally bring forward a comprehensive plan to save retail jobs and provide the sector with much greater support through this crisis?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are, of course, supporting every job we possibly can. In addition to our £200 billion programme, my hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has written to the Insolvency Service to look at the conduct of the Arcadia directors.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a comprehensive plan or collaboration with trade unions as requested.

How: Supporting Every Job We Possibly Can, £200 Billion Programme

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Q8 Imran Ahmad Khan
Economy Transport Local Government
Context

The Prime Minister promised a new infrastructure bank as part of his plan to level up. Wakefield is proposed as the ideal location due to its significance.

Question

Next week marks one year since the Prime Minister won a mighty majority. His bold vision turned the red wall blue, ensuring our communities would no longer be neglected. As part of the Prime Minister's plan to level up, a new infrastructure bank has been promised. Mr Speaker, you know Wakefield as the crossroads of the kingdom—our cathedral spire the tallest in God's own county; historically, the principal city of West Yorkshire; and the pulsating, oxygenating heart of the red wall. All make it the perfect city for the new bank's home. Will my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister commit to establish the new infrastructure bank in Wakefield and restore my city's glory?

Answer from Boris Johnson

My hon. Friend is a magnificent and doughty campaigner for Wakefield. I know that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor will listen very closely to his call for the national infrastructure bank to be established in Wakefield.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to establishing the new infrastructure bank in Wakefield as requested.

How: Listening Very Closely, Hon. Friend

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Q9 Ian Blackford SNP
Benefits & Welfare Mental Health
Context

The question arises from the lack of financial support provided to around 3 million people who have been left without help during the pandemic. The question highlights an urgent situation as the Christmas season approaches, with mental health issues and suicides being reported among this group.

Question

This morning, for the first time in months, people have woken up with a genuine sense of hope. The news on the vaccine approval is the news we have all been waiting for. However, many still have not had any support from the UK Government despite others receiving it. I met ExcludedUK, representing millions without help since March, and they are aware of eight people who have taken their lives in the past 10 days. Prime Minister, these people need help now. Will you commit to reviewing the support package for excluded individuals?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I sympathise with those who have taken their lives and their families. The UK Government has invested heavily in mental health support, increased universal credit, provided billions more to local authorities, and announced £400 million for vulnerable children and families through the winter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about reviewing the support package was not directly addressed.

How: Sympathising, Talking About General Support

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Q10 Ian Blackford SNP
Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

Continuing from the previous question, Ian Blackford highlights the abject failure of the UK Government in supporting approximately three million people who have been left behind without financial assistance during the pandemic. He mentions that these individuals work across various sectors like construction, creative industries, and retail.

Question

These individuals need help now. The Prime Minister has failed to provide support for nine months. Why cannot he U-turn on this issue? ExcludedUK has not been offered a formal meeting with any Government Minister despite repeated requests. Will the PM commit to a meaningful package of support or abandon these people three weeks before Christmas?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We have not abandoned anyone. We are continuing to support people through increased universal credit, local housing allowance increases, billions more for local authorities, and nearly £400 million to support vulnerable children and families.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about a meeting with ExcludedUK was not directly addressed.

How: Talking About General Support, Mentioning Previous Support

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Q11 Thomas Tugendhat Con Tonbridge
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

The new combined medical facility in Edenbridge will benefit from £20 million investment in the medicines and diagnostic manufacturing transformation fund. The sale of the existing Edenbridge and District War Memorial Hospital, built by public donation a century ago, is under discussion.

Question

Will the Prime Minister confirm that the sale of the existing Edenbridge hospital will help to fund the new building? He has invested £20 million in Wales, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. Will he join me in welcoming this investment?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Any decision on selling the hospital is a matter for the local clinical commissioning group. I congratulate my hon. Friend and confirm £12 million investment for a new health and wellbeing centre in Edenbridge.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about confirming the sale of the existing hospital was not directly addressed.

How: Mentioning Local Decision-Making

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Q12 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Transport Wales
Context

The UK Government's statement on funding shows a significant decrease in transport spend allocated to Wales from 80.9% to 36.6%. This is seen as an unfair distribution due to the fact that Welsh taxpayers are contributing to English transport projects like HS2, but not receiving a fair return.

Question

How much investment will be diverted away from Wales because of your Government's decision to label HS2 an England and Wales scheme despite no part being in Wales?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The Welsh Government will receive £1.3 billion next year, with additional funding for farmers and fisheries in Wales. The previous Labour-led government spent £144 million on plans for an M4 bypass which they then abandoned.

Not addressed: The specific ask about HS2 investment loss was not addressed.

How: Mentioning General Funding, Bringing Up Past Projects

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Q13 Robin Millar
NHS Business & Trade
Context

Small businesses in Aberconwy, particularly those affected by flooding and the pandemic, are looking forward to a brighter future with the licensing of the new vaccine. The news offers hope for entrepreneurs like Y Siop Flodau, Siop Sioned, and Emma James Cakes.

Question

The people of Aberconwy thank the Prime Minister for approving the vaccine early this year. Small businesses in Llanrwst have faced challenges from flooding and the pandemic since March. Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking these three female entrepreneurs for their perseverance, and does he agree that this news gives hope for a better 2021?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I congratulate the three female entrepreneurs mentioned by my hon. Friend. They will be helped by the vaccine and allowed to do business again. Unfortunately, our programme for reopening was not supported by the Leader of the Opposition.

Not addressed: The specific ask about congratulating businesses was partially addressed but then shifted to criticism of opposition.

How: Congratulations, Criticising The Opposition

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Q14 Mark Hendrick Labour (Co-op)
Northern Ireland Brexit Democracy & Elections
Context

The Prime Minister's promises have been questioned regarding the Good Friday Agreement, test and trace system, and Brexit deal.

Question

The Prime Minister has put at risk the Good Friday agreement and peace in Northern Ireland after promising to not do so. He promised a world-beating test and track and trace system but did not deliver on the tracking part. He also failed to provide an oven-ready deal with the EU, leading to potential no-deal scenarios. When will the Prime Minister follow through and deliver on his promises?

Answer from Boris Johnson

If the hon. Gentleman wants to keep this country in the EU, which I think was the gist of what he was saying, he will be sorely disappointed and so will the Labour party.

Not addressed: Delivering on promises

How: Attacking Opposition

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Q15 Matt Vickers Con Stockton West
Business & Trade
Context

Retailers in Stockton have faced challenges this year, seeking assurance on the future of business rates.

Question

Local retailers in Stockton have had a tough year but are grateful for government support. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the Government remain committed to reviewing business rates fundamentally and encourage people to shop locally?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes, indeed. My hon. Friend reminds me that it is Small Business Saturday this Saturday. Everybody should be shopping local. I can also tell him that the Treasury is considering the responses to the call for evidence on business rates ahead of the review's conclusion in the spring.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Fundamental review commitment

How: Hedging

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Q16 Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd
Employment Business & Trade
Context

The aviation sector and its supply chain have been uniquely impacted by the pandemic, with over a quarter of a million jobs at risk.

Question

Many workers in the aviation sector, including those at GE Aviation in Pontypridd, face financial ruin due to the global impacts of the pandemic. Will the Prime Minister commit to a sector-specific support deal for the aviation industry?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are doing a huge amount to support our aviation industry, but I appreciate the stress and difficulties that many families are in at the moment because of the threats to that sector, which are global. I have every hope that it will bounce back very strongly, particularly in this country, which is a world leader in aviation.

Not addressed: Specific support deal commitment

How: Changing Subject

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Q17 Liam Fox Con
Business & Trade
Context

Post-covid recovery requires a small business-led approach, with every tax, regulation and legislation measured against its impact on these businesses.

Question

Will the Prime Minister consider a new discipline within the Government in the form of a small business test to ensure that every measure supports small businesses?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank my right hon. Friend for his excellent suggestion. He is a great champion of small business. Every measure that the Government produce is judged by the effect or impact it will have on businesses large and small. As he knows, we are also providing for these particularly difficult circumstances about £100 billion in business support—the bounce back loans and many other forms of support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific test commitment

How: Hedging

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Q18 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
Economy Taxation Brexit
Context

The Prime Minister faces criticism over high covid deaths, economic performance, Brexit negotiations, and government spending.

Question

Over 71,000 covid deaths in the UK, the highest rate in Europe; over £2 trillion in debt with the worst-performing economy in the G7; failing Brexit negotiations; and at least £1.5 billion spent on contracts for Tory friends and donors. Which of these achievements is he most proud of?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I would take the hon. Lady's point more seriously if she and her party could be bothered to vote for measures.

Not addressed: Achievements

How: Attacking Opposition

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Q19 Karl McCartney Con
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The Prime Minister has approved funding for a relief road, but local businesses are concerned about the new tier system.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend seriously consider allowing local decision makers to set tier systems locally based on their knowledge of their areas?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am grateful to my hon. Friend, and I repeat what I said to the House several times yesterday afternoon. Of course we want to reflect local conditions as closely and accurately as we can in taking our decisions about tiering, but we must look at the entire national picture.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Allowance of local decision making

How: Hedging

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Q20 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Benefits & Welfare
Context

A constituent diagnosed with ME in 2019 faces challenges after her employer confirmed she was unable to work. The Department for Work and Pensions denied her application for Personal Independence Payment, ruling she is fit to work.

Question

My constituent was diagnosed with ME in 2019; her employer agreed she can no longer work but the DWP ruled she is fit to work without engaging with the employer. The benefits system must work for sufferers of chronic fatigue and should not limit decisions to single points of evidence. Will the Prime Minister meet me to address this?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The hon. Lady raises an important issue; I will ensure she gets a proper meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss her objectives.

Partly answered

How: Acknowledged Importance But No Specifics

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Q21 Scott Mann Con
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The Government announced a £4 billion levelling-up fund, and the Green Book review aims to better support projects outside London. The shared prosperity fund is also separate and should be simpler for small businesses.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the shared prosperity fund is separate from the levelling-up fund? Will there be an announcement soon on this, ensuring the fund will be less time-consuming for small businesses compared to EU schemes?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes, the shared prosperity fund is different from the levelling-up fund. We will work closely with Cornwall to ensure best use of funding.

Partly answered

How: Acknowledged But No Specifics

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Q22 Richard Thomson
NHS Scotland
Context

The Scottish Government announced a £500 bonus scheme for health and social care workers during the pandemic, while the UK government is responsible for England. The question asks if the Prime Minister will match this initiative in England.

Question

Will the PM match the £500 bonus scheme for healthcare workers in Scotland with an equivalent scheme in England? Will he instruct the Chancellor to ensure these bonuses are tax-free?

Answer from Boris Johnson

On the last point, that is a matter for the Scottish Government. I thank health and social care workers in Scotland and across the UK; we have invested 12.8% over three years, with a pay rise for 1 million NHS staff.

Not addressed: Scottish Government responsibility vs funding for England

How: Changed Subject

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Q23 Philip Dunne Con
Climate
Context

The UK hosts the UN climate summit before COP26. The question asks if the Prime Minister will set an ambitious target for emissions in 2030 as part of the path to net zero.

Question

Will the PM show international leadership by setting out a very ambitious but achievable target for emissions in 2030, ahead of COP26 next year?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The UK led the way with a net zero by 2050 target. We are looking at our nationally determined contribution, which will be published around the time of the climate summit on December 12th.

Partly answered

How: Future Publication

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Q24 Drew Hendry SNP
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Prime Minister increased Universal Credit by £20 a week during the pandemic. In January, the cap on benefits will affect thousands of claimants, with average losses of £250 per month for families with children.

Question

Given that UC is not enough to live on and the Government has acknowledged this through a £20 increase, will they now scrap the cap and guarantee to continue the £20 uplift or throw these families 'to the wolves'?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The Government have invested over £200 billion in supporting families, including a UC uplift of £1,000. We will support families during the pandemic but aim to get people back into work; our unemployment rate is lower than France, Spain, Italy, Canada and the US.

How: Changed Subject

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