Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 3 February 2021 · 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 8 Partly answered 16 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Claire Hanna questioned the Prime Minister about the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland and the stability of the Good Friday agreement.
  • Theresa May requested Government time for her Bill to ensure necessary changes in sentencing laws are implemented.
  • Keir Starmer inquired about the Government's response to new variants of the virus and the measures taken to prevent their importation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Claire Hanna Social Democratic & Labour Party Social Democratic and Labour Party
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The SDLP has warned for five years about the destabilising effects of Brexit in Northern Ireland. Recent decisions by the European Commission have led to disruption, criminal behaviour, and threats.

Question

I certainly echo those words about Captain Tom, a decent and inspiring man. The Social Democratic and Labour party has warned for the last five years about the destabilising impact Brexit would have on Northern Ireland... Will the Prime Minister, in affirming the rule of law in Northern Ireland, consider seriously the impact of their words, and work together through the available structures to ensure that the new arrangements work for everybody in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I certainly agree with the hon. Lady that it was most regrettable that the EU should seem to cast doubt on the Good Friday agreement and the principles of the peace process by seeming to call for a border across the island of Ireland. I can tell her that we will work to ensure that there are no such borders—we will respect the peace process—and, indeed, no barriers down the Irish sea, and that the principle of unfettered access across all parts of our United Kingdom is upheld.

Answered
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Q2 Theresa May Con
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The questioner's ten-minute rule Bill aims to increase the maximum penalty for death by dangerous driving to life imprisonment. The policy has cross-party support but not the Government time.

Question

I join the whole House in paying tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, who was indeed an inspiration to all of us... So, will the Government now give Government time to my Bill to ensure that this necessary change is put on the statute book as soon as possible?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend, and she is absolutely right to campaign for punishments that fit the crime; we are therefore bringing forward exactly those changes in our forthcoming sentencing Bill. Our proposals will, I believe, go as far as, if not even further than, those that she wants by raising the maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and they will tighten the law for those who cause serious injury by careless driving.

Answered
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Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

The Government's own scientists in SAGE suggested that a complete border closure or mandatory quarantine of all visitors was necessary to prevent new cases or new variants from coming into the UK.

Question

Today we are likely to hit 10 million vaccinations, which is remarkable. The biggest risk to the vaccine programme at the moment is the arrival of new variants... Why did the Prime Minister choose not to do the one thing that SAGE said could prevent new variants coming to the United Kingdom?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Actually, SAGE did not recommend a complete ban and says that a travel ban should not be relied upon to stop the importation of new variants... Anybody coming from South Africa not only has to do a test before they come here, but anybody now coming from South Africa—a British citizen coming from South Africa now—will find themselves obliged to go into quarantine for 10 days, and will have an isolation assurance agency checking up on them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address why the specific recommendation was not followed but instead explained current measures

How: Changed Subject, Provided Alternative

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Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

The Prime Minister has not published full SAGE minutes despite requests. The questioner is seeking clarification on whether quarantining all arrivals would be effective.

Question

I am intrigued by the Prime Minister's answer... I ask the Prime Minister to publish the full SAGE minutes so we can see what was said in full; or, if there is some other advice, perhaps he can publish that. The situation is this: we know that the South African variant is spreading across England, and measures are in place to try to deal with that... Is the Prime Minister really saying that quarantining all arrivals would make no difference to fighting new variants of the virus?

Answer from Boris Johnson

This is the right hon. and learned Gentleman who only recently said that quarantine measures are “a blunt instrument”... We have one of the toughest regimes in the world. When the right hon. and learned Gentleman calls for a complete closure of borders, or suggests that that might be an option, he should be aware that 75% of our medicines come into this country from the European continent, as does 45% of our food... It is not practical completely to close off this country as he seems to be suggesting. What is practical is to have one of the toughest regimes in the world and to get on with vaccinating the people of this country, which is what we are doing.

Not addressed: Did not address whether quarantining all arrivals would be effective but instead discussed practicality

How: Changed Subject, Provided Alternative

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Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Immigration NHS
Context

The UK faces a new wave of the virus with variants spreading. Schools are closed, but borders remain open despite daily influx of 21,000 people.

Question

With new variants in the country and schools shut while borders are open, why does the Prime Minister believe that variants will only arrive by direct flights? The first wave showed 62% of cases coming indirectly from countries without restrictions. Why is this approach different now?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The right hon. and learned Gentleman cannot have it both ways. He simultaneously says that he wants the borders to be kept open for freight reasons or to allow businesses to carry on as now, while calling for tougher quarantine measures. Seventy-two hours before flying, one must get a test; they must also have a passenger locator form; they are kicked off the plane if they do not have it. They then spend 10 days in quarantine. If from red list countries, they go straight into quarantine.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifically addressed border measures but avoided addressing why variants would only arrive by direct flights as asked.

How: He Simultaneously Says That He Wants The Borders To Be Kept Open For Freight Reasons Or To Allow Businesses To Carry On As Now

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Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Housing
Context

Three years after the Grenfell tragedy that took 72 lives, hundreds of thousands live in homes with unsafe cladding. Leaseholders face high costs to fix safety defects.

Question

Why are there still hundreds of thousands living in homes with unsafe cladding and millions of leaseholders in homes they cannot sell or afford repairs for? The situation is causing immense anxiety and anger among people.

Answer from Boris Johnson

On 95% of high-rise buildings with unsafe ACM cladding, work is either complete or under way. The Government are getting on with it. Many leaseholders are in this situation; we sympathise and will address the backlog. My right hon. Friends the Chancellor and Communities Secretary will come forward with a full package to address the issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify what actions or timelines would be taken beyond saying 'getting on with it' and 'a full package'.

How: We Are Getting On With It, My Right Hon. Friends Will Come Forward

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Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS Housing
Context

Leaseholders like Dr Martin, a frontline NHS doctor in Sheffield, face bills up to £52,000 for fire safety repairs they did not cause. They need concrete answers on financial relief.

Question

Dr Martin, a frontline NHS doctor, faces a bill of £52,000 for fire safety repairs. He does not want promises but clarity: Will he or will he not have to pay that £52,000 bill?

Answer from Boris Johnson

No leaseholder should have to pay for unaffordable costs of fixing safety defects they did not cause. We put in £1.6 billion to remove HPL cladding and set up a £1 billion building safety fund that has processed over 3,000 claims.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific commitment about Dr Martin's bill but discussed general measures.

How: No Leaseholder Should Have To Pay, The Building Safety Fund Has Processed Over 3,000 Claims

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Q8 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS Housing
Context

Leaseholders face significant financial burdens due to building safety issues, including bankruptcy. There is a need for immediate funding, timelines, and protection.

Question

There are thousands of leaseholders in similar situations, with some facing bankruptcy like Hayley who bought a flat and lost it. Leaseholders want immediate up-front funding for unsafe blocks, a deadline to make buildings safe by next year, and protection from financial harm. The Prime Minister ordered MPs to abstain on these proposals despite his claims of seriousness.

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are addressing leaseholder issues with funds for alarms and interim measures. We also clarified mortgage industry support and EWS1 process clarity. The government is focusing on the pandemic, having done 10 million first vaccinations. Labour previously opposed prioritising vaccine roll-out.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Immediate up-front funding commitment

How: We Are Getting On With Addressing Leaseholder Issues, Focusing On The Pandemic

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Q9 Marco Longhi
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Priory Park Boxing Club in Dudley has produced multiple champions and supports young people with academic qualifications.

Question

The Priory Park boxing club in Dudley is celebrated for producing champions and supporting excluded youth. Paul Gough at the club works on new opportunities, including a school partnership to ensure academic success alongside fitness training. The council leader Patrick Harley agreed to support this initiative.

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank Marco Longhi for highlighting Priory Park Boxing Club's work, praising Paul Gough and Patrick Harley's contributions. The club aids educational success alongside fitness training.

Answered
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Q10 Ian Blackford SNP
Scotland
Context

The Prime Minister visited a plant in Scotland with a recent covid outbreak, raising questions about his decision-making regarding public health risks.

Question

Last week we criticised the PM for visiting Scotland non-essentially. The Daily Record revealed an outbreak at the Livingston plant he visited. Serious questions arise: did PM know of the outbreak? When and why did he proceed with a risky visit despite clear health risks?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The Prime Minister's visit was important for vaccine roll-out encouragement, highlighting Scottish scientific efforts. Government remains willing to assist Scotland with vaccine distribution across the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details of PM's knowledge and decision-making on outbreak awareness

How: Visits Are Essential, Encouraging Vaccination Roll-Out

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Q11 Ian Blackford SNP
NHS Scotland
Context

The Prime Minister's campaign trip to a Scottish plant with recent outbreak raised public concerns about prioritising political gain over health safety.

Question

Prime Minister's visit was reckless and irresponsible given the known outbreak, posing risks. Was it a deliberate choice for political reasons despite awareness of potential dangers? Does this explain lack of faith in PM's leadership during crisis?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Scottish scientists and companies are vital for vaccine development. Valneva's potential against variants is highlighted. The Prime Minister emphasises his role in visiting every part of the country, expressing pride in vaccination roll-out efforts.

Not addressed: Explanation of visit decision with known outbreak

How: Emphasizing Vaccine Development, Pride In Visitation

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Q12 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Education
Context

Closing the attainment gap is a priority but has been complicated by the pandemic. Schools have reopened as per Prime Minister's commitment.

Question

The Prime Minister's commitment to opening schools is welcome, but will he also prioritise catching up on missed education for children due to the pandemic?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes, indeed. Of all the challenges now facing the country, the single most important is remedying the damage to children's education. We have to clear up the backlog in the NHS and address problems in the courts, but it is education that will be the focus of this Government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to any specific recovery programme for missed education

How: Under Review

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Q13 Stephen Farry
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The Northern Ireland protocol is in place and there are ongoing negotiations with the EU.

Question

In upcoming talks with the EU, will the Prime Minister prioritise a UK-EU veterinary agreement to ease implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We think it is very important that the protocol should not place unnecessary barriers—or barriers of any kind—down the Irish sea. We seek to make sure there are no such barriers down the Irish sea.

Not addressed: Did not address whether a veterinary agreement would be prioritised in talks with EU

How: Changed Subject

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Q14 Laurence Robertson Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Heavy rainfall and inappropriate local development have caused flooding issues for constituents.

Question

Will the Prime Minister establish a statutory body to ensure that new developments do not automatically tap into existing drainage systems, requiring full assessments of local capacity before proceeding?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I will study the proposals but in the meantime I will raise them with the Environment Agency. We are investing £5.2 billion in flood defences across the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to appointing a statutory body

How: Will Study

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Q15 Bell Ribeiro-Addy Lab Clapham and Brixton Hill
Immigration Benefits & Welfare
Context

Many children in the UK face barriers due to citizenship fees.

Question

The Government profits £1,012 per citizenship application. Will the Prime Minister reduce or eliminate these fees for child applicants?

Answer from Boris Johnson

British citizenship is a wonderful thing and fantastic that EU nationals have taken up opportunities in recent years. I will study the point made but there are costs for taxpayers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to reducing or eliminating fees

How: Will Study

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Q16 Damian Green Con
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The police have been essential during the pandemic. Matthew Scott, the Kent PCC, has announced additional police officers.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend welcome another 145 police officers on the streets of Kent and the reduction of 17,000 in crime numbers this year?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank my right hon. Friend for his long-standing campaign for law and order and congratulate Matthew Scott on recruiting more police officers. We are putting another 20,000 officers on the streets.

Answered
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Q17 Julie Elliott Lab
Care & Healthcare Workers Employment
Context

The Government stated pride in care workers but also that they do not set levels of pay.

Question

Why will the Government not commit to ensuring that our care workers are paid a wage they can live on?

Answer from Boris Johnson

This Government are proud of setting up the national living wage and making record-breaking increases last year. That is the most important thing we can do for care workers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to ensuring a livable wage specifically

How: Proud Of Established Measures

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Q18 Joy Morrissey Con Beaconsfield
Education Mental Health
Context

Children's Mental Health Week is ongoing and there are concerns about disruptions to children's mental health.

Question

Will he confirm that schools remain a priority and work with parents and charities to minimise disruption to children's mental health?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am grateful for my hon. Friend's championing this cause. We have announced a new youth mental health ambassador, Dr Alex George, who will work with the Government to underline the importance of mental health resilience.

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Q19 Ian Paisley Jnr DUP
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The questioner highlights the negative impact of Brexit and the EU's handling of the Northern Ireland protocol, expressing frustration among constituents.

Question

May I express condolences to the family of Captain Sir Tom Moore? The government's commitment to Northern Ireland is 'unshakeable', but the protocol has betrayed us. What specific actions will you take to address this issue, including using parliamentary majority and legislation if necessary?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I share the hon. Gentleman's frustration about the EU's actions, which contradict the Good Friday agreement. We will do everything necessary, whether legislatively or through article 16 of the protocol, to ensure there is no barrier between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

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Q20 David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington
NHS
Context

The questioner references Andalucia's success in reducing covid death rates by providing activated vitamin D to care home residents and some GP patients.

Question

Will the Prime Minister ask his advisers to urgently review the latest Spanish research on vitamin D treatment for COVID-19?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We will continue to monitor all evidence regarding the efficacy of vitamin D and treatments like those mentioned. We have discussed it before personally, and I will keep my right hon. Friend updated on the ongoing review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline or commitment to conducting an urgent review was given

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Q21 Rosie Cooper Lab
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The questioner notes that Skelmersdale residents rely on underpasses for transportation, which frequently flood during rain.

Question

Will the Prime Minister ask his officials to work with Lancashire County Council to find a permanent solution and fund it?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I appreciate the hon. Lady's desire for a solution. We are aware of the problem and will work with Lancashire County Council to mitigate it, using available funds.

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Q22 Mark Jenkinson
Context

The questioner is pleased with the future high streets fund success for Maryport and asks for a visit to understand its potential.

Question

May I thank my right hon. Friend for his efforts towards levelling up across the UK, particularly regarding the 50 additional towns announced last August? Will he visit Workington soon?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank my hon. Friend for his advocacy and will do everything possible to assist him. I will check my diary to find a suitable time to visit, hoping it can be as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific date or commitment was given for the visit

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Q23 Hywel Williams PC
NHS Employment
Context

The questioner reports significant delays in letter and parcel delivery due to a covid outbreak among postal workers in Caernarfon.

Question

What actions are the Government taking during this health crisis to ensure Royal Mail's robustness, especially for rural areas?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I pass on my sympathies regarding the outbreak. The most important thing is rolling out vaccinations to key workers, including postal staff over 50 within JCVI groups. This will help in maintaining robustness.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific measures for Royal Mail's operational resilience were outlined

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Q24 Tracey Crouch Con
NHS Mental Health
Context

The questioner highlights mental health impacts on frontline healthcare workers due to prolonged exposure and high mortality rates during the second wave of COVID-19.

Question

Will you utilise military expertise in PTSD treatment and invest in psychology professionals to support nurses and doctors facing psychological harm?

Answer from Boris Johnson

My hon. Friend raises a significant point about PTSD in NHS staff, who do an amazing job treating us all. We will ensure that we support their mental health through the £52 billion investment package and provide necessary helplines and counselling.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific military intervention or additional funding was committed

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Q25 Angela Crawley SNP
Immigration Scotland Brexit
Context

The Scottish Government announced a comprehensive system of supervised quarantine for those entering the country, citing evidence that effective international quarantine measures can help reopen economies and reduce loss of life.

Question

Yesterday, the Scottish Government announced they would go further than the Prime Minister by introducing a comprehensive system of supervised quarantine. It is clear countries with such measures are reaping economic rewards while reducing unnecessary deaths. Given the evidence of importing new cases undermining efforts, why does the Prime Minister wait and hope when his delays have had catastrophic consequences?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The Government will be happy to help accelerate vaccine roll-out, but does not want lectures on speed of delivery from the Scottish nationalist party. The vaccination programme is the most important thing now.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Why he should implement effective quarantine measures based on evidence

How: Does Not Want Lectures On Speed Of Delivery

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Q26 Stephen McPartland Con
Housing
Context

Millions of leaseholders are unsure about the safety of their buildings and facing significant bills for fixing historic fire safety defects.

Question

Millions of leaseholders face staggering bills to fix historic fire safety defects they did not cause. Will the Prime Minister assure me that leaseholders will not have to pay these costs, and rule out loans as a solution?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Leaseholders should not worry about costs of fixing historic safety defects. Loans are not a solution, but I appreciate my hon. Friend's care in representing their interests.

Answered
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Q27 Stephen Timms Lab East Ham
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Since the introduction of pension freedoms in 2015, an estimated 40,000 people have been scammed out of their pensions through attractive but fraudulent deals on Google or Facebook.

Question

It has been estimated that 40,000 people lost their pensions due to scams following the introduction of pension freedoms in 2015. Will the Prime Minister ensure the online harms Bill tackles these financial online harms to protect people, especially pensioners, from fraudsters?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The Government will look at what can be done with the online harms Bill or other measures to protect people from online fraud, particularly pensioners.

Partly answered

Not addressed: What specific actions will be taken beyond looking into it

How: Will Look At What Can Be Done

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