Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 10 March 2021 · 30 questions

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

At a glance

Answered 9 Partly answered 16 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister committed to increasing starting nurse salaries by 12.8%.
  • Government is investing 5.2 billion to build 2,000 new flood defences.
  • Prime Minister pledged a 2 billion recovery fund for cultural enrichment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Daisy Cooper Lib Dem St Albans
NHS
Context

The Liberal Democrats criticise the Government's £37 billion investment in test and trace, arguing it has made little difference. They also argue that NHS workers have not received a sufficient pay increase despite the Prime Minister previously acknowledging their value.

Question

I am concerned about the government throwing £37 billion at a test and trace system that we know has barely made any difference. Yet they say they cannot afford to give more than 1% pay rise to NHS workers whom the Prime Minister himself owes his life to. Will he do more than just praise them?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We owe an incalculable debt to our nurses and we are proud that we have delivered a 12.8% increase in starting nurse salaries, and asked the public sector pay review body to look at increasing their pay exceptionally of all professions in the public sector.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for a meaningful pay rise was not directly addressed.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire
Context

The Conservative MP visited several areas affected by flooding and is concerned about the loss of momentum in finding long-term solutions.

Question

I recently visited Long Marston, Bovingdon, Rickmansworth and Berkhamsted to see first-hand the damage caused by flooding. Will the Prime Minister assure us that we will not lose momentum in finding sustainable flood prevention solutions as weather improves?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are investing £5.2 billion to build 2,000 new flood defences over the next six years, thanks to the Environment Agency's tireless and creative work.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

The Labour Party is questioning the disparity between promised NHS pay rises and actual increases, citing a comparison with a high-profile Government advisor's salary increase.

Question

Who does the Prime Minister think deserves a raise more: an NHS nurse or Dominic Cummings?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We believe in supporting our nurses with higher starting salaries and have asked the public sector pay review body to look at increasing their pay, although we note that nurse recruitment has increased by 10,600 in the last year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific comparison was not addressed directly.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

The Labour Party is questioning the Government's ability to recruit more nurses when there are significant pay cuts proposed for NHS staff.

Question

How does the Prime Minister plan to address nursing vacancies with a real-terms pay cut?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We have provided £5,000 in bursaries for nurses and another £3,000 to help with training costs. This is why we are seeing a 34% increase in nursing applications this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The pay cut issue was not directly addressed.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

The Labour Party is concerned about broken promises regarding NHS funding, particularly the minimum pay rise commitment.

Question

Does the Prime Minister accept that NHS staff will be hundreds of pounds worse off because of last week's Budget?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Under this Government, we have increased NHS funding significantly. There are 6,500 more doctors, 18,000 more healthcare workers, and 10,600 more nurses than last year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific concern about hundreds of pounds reduction was not addressed directly.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

The Labour Party is questioning the Prime Minister's commitment to NHS funding as promised in previous documents, highlighting a specific promise of a 2.1% minimum pay rise.

Question

Why is the Prime Minister breaking his promise on a minimum pay rise for NHS staff when they have been essential during the pandemic?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We will go on and build 40 more hospitals, recruit 50,000 more nurses, and get on with delivering our pledges to the British people because of sound management.

Not addressed: The specific promise was not addressed; instead, focus shifted to future plans.

How: Deflection

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

MP expressed concerns about the Prime Minister's decision to cut nurse pay, citing that Conservative MPs have criticized this policy.

Question

The Prime Minister says he supports nurses but is cutting their pay. A 1% rise versus a 1.7% inflation rate equates to a real-terms cut. Given the government can afford a 40% pay rise for Dominic Cummings, why are they unable to properly reward NHS staff? If determined to proceed with the nurse pay cuts, will he put it to a vote in Parliament?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The last time we put this to a vote, Keir Starmer voted against it. We are increasing pay for nurses and massively investing in the NHS. The Opposition is inconsistent on testing, PPE, and vaccine roll-out policy.

Not addressed: Vote on nurse pay cuts

How: Changed Subject, Criticized Opposition

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q8 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

The success of the UK's vaccination programme has made it possible for tourism businesses to look forward to a successful summer season.

Question

With the reopening of the economy, will the Prime Minister support and launch a campaign encouraging people to holiday in the UK this summer? Will he join me in Blackpool to showcase what we have to offer?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I will look at my diary to see if I can visit Blackpool. The town has an important role in the recovery of the tourism industry, with successful summers ahead.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete commitments on campaign support or joining

How: Will Look At Diary

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

The Prime Minister announced an Erasmus replacement without consultation with devolved Governments, offering lower living and travel support.

Question

Why did the government publish plans for an Erasmus replacement without consulting devolved Governments? The new scheme offers less support than Erasmus. Why are they taking opportunities away from young people?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The Turing project is designed to help students across all income groups, unlike Erasmus which benefited those from better-off homes. The SNP is failing Scotland in education, crime, and the economy.

Not addressed: Reconsideration of funding levels or rejoining Erasmus

How: Criticized Opposition, Changed Subject

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

MP expressed concerns about the Prime Minister's decision to cut nurse pay, citing that Conservative MPs have criticized this policy.

Question

The government's 1% rise in nurses' pay is a real-terms cut given inflation. They can afford significant pay rises for others but not nurses. Why proceed with these cuts? If determined to do so, will he put it to a vote?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The public know we have increased starting pay for nurses by 12.8% over three years and given them £5,000 bursary support. The Government are investing heavily in the NHS and increasing its workforce.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Vote on nurse pay cuts

How: Highlighted Investment

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

The Prime Minister announced an Erasmus replacement without consultation with devolved Governments, offering lower living and travel support.

Question

The government's new Turing project does not match EU levels of support for students. Why proceed with this when Scottish MP Andrew Bowie told the BBC that young people will not benefit from Brexit? Will you reconsider your position?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I think students should choose Turing because it is fantastic and reaches out across the whole country. The SNP fails Scotland in education, crime, and economy.

Not addressed: Reconsideration of funding levels or rejoining Erasmus

How: Criticized Opposition, Changed Subject

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q12 Jeremy Wright Con Kenilworth and Southam
Context

The MP noted that children have missed out on cultural, artistic, and sporting activities due to covid restrictions.

Question

While children have had to learn online and miss out on cultural activities, cultural organisations remain restricted. Will the government consider providing funded enrichment activities by culture and sport sectors while they are unable to reopen?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The massive £2 billion recovery fund will be used for the benefit and cultural enrichment of young people up and down the country.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q13 Colum Eastwood Social Democratic & Labour Party Social Democratic and Labour Party
Context

The MP questioned the cost of a proposed bridge to Northern Ireland, noting that it could be £33 billion while road networks have suffered from decades of underinvestment.

Question

The PM's proposed £33 billion bridge for Northern Ireland could go through unexploded munitions and radioactive waste. With only 2,399 votes in the last election, what mandate does he have to override democratically elected people?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The review includes upgrading the A75 and improving connections within Northern Ireland. The PM thinks it is a fantastic Union connectivity review that should be appreciated.

Not addressed: acknowledgement of democratic mandate

How: Changed Subject To Review Benefits

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q14 Paul Holmes Con Hamble Valley
Context

The MP highlighted the resurfacing of a concrete section of the M27 starting this summer.

Question

Does the Prime Minister agree that Conservative Governments invest in infrastructure, as evidenced by the planned resurfacing of the M27?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Conservative Governments are putting £640 billion into an infrastructure revolution and Jerry Hall is doing well to resurface the road.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

The MP welcomed the Prime Minister's decision to extend the £20 uplift to universal credit for six months.

Question

While extending the £20 uplift is welcome, why was it not extended to those on legacy benefits such as disabled people?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Throughout the pandemic, we have done whatever we can to look after people on benefits and those who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific ask about legacy benefits extension

How: General Statement Of Looking After People

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

The MP celebrated the Chancellor's announcements on the towns fund and Humber freeport, highlighting the next challenge as raising skills and educational achievements.

Question

How can people take advantage of the new lifetime skills guarantee being launched next month?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The £3,000 for an A-level-equivalent qualification is available to adults over 23 and instrumental in helping them retrain and get jobs.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q17 Claire Hanna Social Democratic & Labour Party Social Democratic and Labour Party
Context

The MP noted the cost of staffing Northern Ireland's health service and questioned why a windfall tax was not applied to internet giants who benefited during lockdown.

Question

Why has the Prime Minister and Chancellor not applied a modest windfall tax on businesses that have benefited much from the pandemic?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The Chancellor is addressing the discrepancy in tax paid by online businesses compared to concrete businesses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: windfall tax specifics

How: Acknowledges Discrepancy But Avoids Specific Commitment

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

The MP invited the Prime Minister to show how easy it is to prepare a dish using British-caught fish.

Question

Will the Prime Minister join in showing how to prepare and cook a dish with British-caught fish?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The PM is very happy to take up the suggestion, though he will not be the best chef.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

Tessa Stevens, a constituent, has had to keep her salon closed despite shrinking government support. The beauty industry is calling for VAT to be reduced to 5%.

Question

People like my constituent Tessa Stevens have had to keep their salons shut due to shrinking Government support. I am urgently seeking the Prime Minister's support to protect the immediate and long-term recovery of beauty businesses. Will the Prime Minister explain why his Government refuse to listen to the beauty industry, which is calling for VAT to be temporarily reduced?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The hon. Lady is right about the importance of beauty businesses and we want them to bounce back strongly from the pandemic, but the Chancellor has extended furlough and other provisions necessary.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address why VAT reduction for beauty businesses was refused

How: Focusing On The Importance Of Salons, Mentioning Extensions Of Furlough

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

In West Dorset, there are single-track railway lines and a three-hourly rail frequency. The area has the highest level of roadside pollution in the UK.

Question

May I warmly welcome the Union connectivity review? In West Dorset, we have single-track railway lines, a three-hourly rail frequency, and high roadside pollution levels. Will my right hon. Friend support a levelling up rail proposal to upgrade services?

Answer from Boris Johnson

My hon. Friend knows whereof he speaks and we are determined to follow his lead in upgrading services in the west country and Dorset, including Network Rail proposals.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q21 Dan Carden Lab Liverpool Walton
Context

Commissioning for alcohol and drug addiction treatment was taken out of the NHS a decade ago, leading to service fragmentation. Last year saw record high alcohol-specific deaths.

Question

In 2012, commissioning for alcohol and drug addiction treatment moved from the NHS to local authorities, overwhelming them with cuts and fragmentation. Addiction is an illness that can be treated. Will the Prime Minister urgently investigate the rise in deaths and bring addiction treatment back into the NHS within mental health services?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The hon. Gentleman is right about the importance of addiction treatment and its relationship to mental health, and we are investing record sums in mental health, including £13.3 billion.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to investigating deaths or bringing back treatment into NHS

How: Acknowledging Importance But No Specific Commitments

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

Veterans and others receive mental health support at St George's Hospital and County Hospital in Stafford. The pandemic is likely to have a negative impact on people's mental health.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the pandemic has negatively impacted mental health, and will he commit to working with me and the Stafford mental health network to improve mental health provision?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes, I am happy to discuss that with my hon. Friend and support mental health charities throughout the pandemic, focusing on the needs of children and young people.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q23 Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South
Context

Before the pandemic, apprenticeship starts were down by 28% for under-19s. £330 million of unspent levy was returned to the Treasury. The promised number of new apprenticeships fell short.

Question

This Government are failing young people on apprenticeships. Apprenticeship starts are down, and there is an unspent levy that went back to the Treasury. Will the Prime Minister join me in urging all young people to support my apprenticeships fair?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I think jobs fairs are important and I know colleagues do them. The Government can be proud of our record in getting record numbers into employment, addressing pandemic issues with lifetime skills guarantee and kickstart funds.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to attending the apprenticeships fair

How: Acknowledging Importance But No Specific Commitment

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

Southport received a £37.5 million town deal that will be transformational, representing the levelling-up agenda.

Question

After putting in a fantastic bid, Southport got a £37.5 million town deal, which is transformational and represents the levelling-up agenda of the Prime Minister and this Government. Will he come to see these projects unfold?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes, indeed. I am told that the boulevard of light on Lord Street rivals the Champs-Élysées itself and will keep my hon. Friend's invitation in mind.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

In this country, there are 375,000 care workers on zero-hours contracts.

Question

In this House, we all know the importance of those who have looked after our vulnerable loved ones over the past year. Will the Prime Minister explain why in this country we have 375,000 care workers on zero-hours contracts?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am proud of what we have done to increase wages for care workers with record increases in the living wage and vaccinating care home workers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address why there are 375,000 care workers on zero-hours contracts

How: Mentioning Pride In Wage Increases

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

The reopening of Golborne station in James Grundy's constituency has been enabled by a £15 million allocation from the Government's transforming cities fund. The progress is part of the government's commitment to levelling up the north.

Question

I thank the Prime Minister for his commitment to levelling up the north, the benefits of which we are already beginning to see, with a £15 million allocation from the Government's transforming cities fund enabling the plans to reopen Golborne station in my constituency to progress. Will the Prime Minister not only welcome that progress but back my campaign to reopen Kenyon Junction railway station, which will help unlock the potential of Leigh, provide my constituents with a vital rail connection between Liverpool and Manchester, and ensure that Leigh is no longer one of the largest towns in the UK without a railway station?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am very happy to support my hon. Friend's initiative, and I understand that Golborne, which he represents, was the sight of the world's first railway junction.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The reopening of Kenyon Junction railway station

How: Changed Subject To History Of Golborne

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

Anthony Jones, a student at Stirling University, faced a significant increase in master's degree course fees after Brexit. Pre-Brexit fees were £2,168, while post-Brexit they are £14,600.

Question

Anthony Jones, a ferociously bright student at Stirling University, was looking to do a master's degree in Amsterdam. Pre- Brexit, the course fees were £2,168. Post Brexit, the fees are £14,600. The Turing scheme will not touch the sides of what is necessary. Would the Prime Minister like to apologise to Anthony and countless hundreds of thousands of students like him for limiting their life horizons against their will?

Answer from Boris Johnson

No, because I think that the Turing scheme is fairer and will enable students on lower incomes to have access to great courses around the world. I believe it is a highly beneficial reform of the way we do this, and it is truly global in its ambitions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Apologizing for increased fees and limitations

How: Defended Turing Scheme

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

There is investment in Meir station, restoration of the Stoke to Leek line, and improvements at Longton station.

Question

With a new station at Meir, investment in Longton station and restoration of the Stoke to Leek line, does my right hon. Friend agree that investment from this Government has the potential to reverse the Beeching cuts, restore our local railways in Stoke-on-Trent and cement our position as one of the best-connected places in the whole UK?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes. I thank my hon. Friend; I know that he supported the bid for the reinstatement of the Stoke to Leek line. That is currently being assessed by the Department for Transport as one of the Beeching reversals, which are so popular around the country and so right, and he can expect an outcome in the summer.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q29 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Context

The Chancellor has allocated financial support to his constituency of Richmondshire, which raises questions about the fairness of levelling up efforts.

Question

If the Prime Minister is serious about levelling up the country, does he honestly think that favouring the Chancellor's Richmondshire constituency over Barnsley for financial support is the best way to do it?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are devoted to levelling up across the entire country, and that goes for Barnsley as well as everywhere else.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific favouring of Richmondshire over Barnsley

How: General Commitment To Levelling Up

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

There is a need to ensure that consumers can easily identify whether the food they buy comes from sustainable sources or contributes further damage to the environment.

Question

I know that the Prime Minister shares my commitment to conservation around the world, and I am sure he agrees that we have to reverse the tide of deforestation. Will he ask Ministers in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to look seriously at my proposals for a kitemark scheme for food products in the UK, so that consumers can see clearly whether the products they buy come from sustainable sources or from producers who are doing further damage to our environment?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am very happy to look at my right hon. Friend's interesting suggestion for a kitemark scheme. In the meantime, this Government are leading the world in tackling deforestation, with a £3 billion investment being led across Whitehall.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Reviewing specific proposals for kitemark scheme

How: Highlighted Current Efforts Against Deforestation

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)