Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 19 May 2021 · 25 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 14 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister provided 5 billion for home safety investment following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
  • Prime Minister discussed the threat of new virus variants to the UK's plan for reopening.
  • Prime Minister addressed concerns over clarity in travel restrictions and their impact on public health.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gareth Thomas Labour (Co-op)
NHS Housing
Context

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, hundreds of thousands of families still live in unsafe homes due to cladding issues, with some facing large debts.

Question

I strongly associate myself with the earlier part of the Prime Minister's comments. May I raise something slightly different though? It is nearly four years since the Grenfell Tower tragedy claimed some 72 lives, yet hundreds of thousands of families still live in unsafe, unsellable homes, and many leaseholders face crippling debts, through no fault of their own—Trident Point, Pearmain House and Amber Court are all in my constituency. Given that this was the biggest building scandal in modern UK history, why did the Prime Minister order his MPs to vote down our efforts yesterday to get this scandal sorted once and for all?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I in no way underestimate the suffering of the victims of Grenfell or of those whose buildings—whose homes—have been prejudiced by the spectre of unsafe materials. That is why we have provided an unprecedented £5 billion of investment, and I can also tell the hon. Gentleman that the most dangerous cladding is already gone or is going from all high-rise buildings. We certainly agree that leaseholders should be protected from remediation costs, and people in high-rise buildings will pay nothing to replace their unsafe cladding.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address why his MPs voted down efforts aimed at resolving Grenfell Tower issues immediately.

How: Provided Funding Without Directly Addressing The Rejection Of Specific Efforts

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Q2 Andrew Rosindell Reform Conservative
Transport Local Government
Context

The question arises from the frustration in outer London boroughs like Romford over governance and control by the Mayor of London.

Question

The Prime Minister will understand that Havering, just like Hillingdon, is located on the outskirts of London and has very different needs and aspirations from those in the core area of the city. My borough still prides itself on being part of Essex, as I know his prides itself on being part of historic Middlesex. Although we need co-operation on things such as transport, will he accept that it is time for wholesale reform of the way London and the wider region are governed? Will he support my campaign to allow boroughs such as Havering to take back control from the Mayor and City Hall interference? This would allow Havering, and indeed all outer London boroughs, the freedom to make their own decisions that best meet the needs of local people.

Answer from Boris Johnson

I can understand the feelings of frustration that the people of Havering may have about a current Mayor of London who does not understand the needs of outer London and is not investing in outer London in the way that a previous Mayor did—I seem to recall that they set up the outer London fund and drove through many other benefits for the outer boroughs. However, I must tell my hon. Friend in all candour that what we need to do is work together to ensure that that glad day returns when we have a Mayor who truly represents all Londoners.

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address the question about supporting efforts for outer London boroughs to regain control.

How: Changed Subject To Previous Mayor'S Policies

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Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Northern Ireland
Context

The Prime Minister had made comments on the Ballymurphy inquest. Keir Starmer follows up to ask about potential threats to unlocking.

Question

I welcome the Prime Minister's comments on the Ballymurphy inquest and the sentiment behind them. Does the Prime Minister agree that the single biggest threat to hitting the 21 June date for unlocking is the risk of new variants coming into the UK?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I certainly think that that is one of the issues that we must face, but perhaps it would be of benefit to the House if I update it on where we are, because we have looked at the data again this morning. I can tell the House that we have increasing confidence that vaccines are effective against all variants, including the Indian variant.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not directly answer whether new variants are the greatest threat.

How: Changed Subject To Vaccine Efficacy

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Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Immigration NHS
Context

Keir Starmer is concerned about the weakening of travel restrictions despite previous comments.

Question

I think that is a yes: that the risk of other variants coming through our borders is one of the biggest threats to unlocking. We are not just talking about the Indian variant; we are talking about future variants. In those circumstances, why on Monday did the Prime Minister choose to weaken travel restrictions by moving 170 countries or territories to the amber list?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We have one of the strongest border regimes anywhere in the world. There are currently 43 countries on the red list. Everybody should know that if they travel to an amber list country for any emergency or any extreme reason that they have for doing so, when they come back they have not only to pay for all the tests, but to self-isolate for 10 days.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not explain why he moved many countries from red to amber despite variant risks.

How: Focused On Current Border Regimes

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Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

There is confusion about the Government's travel advice due to mixed messaging.

Question

I think everybody would agree that, having moved 170 countries to the amber list, absolute clarity is needed about the circumstances in which people can travel to an amber country. Yesterday morning, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that people could fly to amber list countries if they wanted to visit family or friends. By the afternoon, a Health Minister said that nobody should travel outside Britain this year, and that, “Travelling is dangerous.” The Prime Minister said that travel to amber countries should be only where it is essential. By the evening, the Welsh Secretary suggested that“some people might think a holiday is essential”. The Government have lost control of the messaging. Can the Prime Minister answer a really simple question that goes to the heart of this? If he does not want people to travel to amber list countries, if that is his position, why has he made it easier for them to do so?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I think that, after more than a year of this, the right hon. and learned Gentleman will understand that what the public would like to see is some effort to back up what the Government are saying to deliver clarity of message. On his point about legal bans, as he knows, we are trying to move away from endlessly legislating on everything and to rely on guidance and asking people to do the right thing.

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not provide clear guidelines or a reason for making travel easier despite discouraging it.

How: Reliance On Guidance Rather Than Legislation

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Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Foreign Affairs
Context

Since the government loosened travel restrictions, there has been an increase in flights to amber list countries. The question focuses on the inconsistency between the government's messaging discouraging travel and the actual travel data.

Question

That completely swerves the question. The point was that, if it is only in “extreme circumstances” —the Prime Minister's words—why make it easier to go? Let us test it by looking at the consequences. Since the Government loosened travel restrictions, 150 flights a day are going to amber list countries and travel agents are reporting surges in holiday bookings to those countries. Prime Minister, this is not just a coincidence; it is because of the messaging. Can he tell the House how many people are now travelling to and from Britain from amber list countries every day?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I can tell the House that there has been a 95% reduction in travel of any kind to and from this country, and that is exactly what we would expect in the circumstances of this pandemic. There are 43 countries on the red list, and if people come back from one of those countries, they have to go immediately into hotel quarantine.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not provide specific daily data requested.

How: Providing Unrelated Statistics About Overall Travel Reduction

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Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Immigration Migrants & Borders
Context

The question focuses on the inconsistency between government messaging discouraging travel to amber list countries and the reported surge in bookings due to recent policy changes.

Question

I think that's an “I don't know”. The suggestion that in the last few days there has been a 95% drop-off in travel to amber list countries does not hold water. I am trying to understand the logic of the Government's position. We know that new variants are the single biggest risk to unlocking. We know that the Government do not think that people should travel to amber list countries, save for in extreme circumstances, but the Government have made it easier to do so. The messaging is confused and contradictory. As a result, this week many people are now travelling to amber list countries, but the Government cannot say how many or when.

Answer from Boris Johnson

Actually, I think what would be helpful—I have set out the position on amber list countries very clearly at least twice; wouldn't it be great to hear the right hon. and learned Gentleman backing it up for a change and using what authority he possesses to convey the message to the rest of the country? The Labour position on borders is hopelessly confused.

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address how many people are now travelling to amber list countries or provide information on the system's effectiveness.

How: Attacking Labour'S Stance On Travel Restrictions

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Q8 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Community Security
Context

There has been a significant increase in antisemitic incidents, particularly after the outbreak of violence in Gaza and Israel. The question seeks to understand what more can be done to provide support and protection for Jewish communities.

Question

Finally, I want to raise the appalling rise in antisemitism in the last week, and the attacks and violence that we have seen. On Saturday, a rabbi in Chigwell was hospitalised after being attacked outside his synagogue. Many of us will have seen the appalling incident in Golders Green. The Community Security Trust reports a 500% rise in antisemitic incidents since the outbreak of violence in Gaza and Israel. I know that the Government are working on this, and both the Prime Minister and I have condemned these antisemitic attacks and violence, but across this House we all know that Jewish communities remain very anxious. What more does the Prime Minister think can be done to provide the extra support and protection needed to reassure Jewish communities at this really very difficult time?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I share the right hon. and learned Gentleman's horror at the outbreak of antisemitic incidents. The Government have conveyed that message loud and clear to those who are responsible for enforcing the law against hate crime of that kind. Obviously, we will continue to work and support the Jewish community in any way that we can.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not provide specific new measures or actions beyond reaffirming existing efforts.

How: Acknowledging Issue But Providing No Concrete Steps

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Q9 Mary Robinson Con
NHS Science & Technology
Context

The life sciences sector in Cheadle and surrounding areas has been receiving significant investment for R&D and innovation. The question asks the Prime Minister to endorse and recognize this work.

Question

My second AstraZeneca jab reinforced my confidence not only in normal life resuming but in the future of our life sciences industry. In Cheadle and across south Manchester and the Cheshire life sciences corridor, investment in R&D and innovation will bring high-skilled, well-paid jobs. Will the Prime Minister join me in recognising and endorsing the work of our northern universities, NHS trusts and life sciences sector, who, together with the Northern Health Science Alliance, are piloting health tech initiatives that will take us forward from jabs to jobs?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes, and I thank my hon. Friend, who is a great advocate for the people of Cheadle. As part of our plan to move from jabs, jabs, jabs to jobs, jobs, jobs, I am delighted to say that over £1 billion-worth of Government-funded science and innovation projects are currently taking place across the north-west, thanks largely, or at least in part, to her advocacy.

Answered
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Q10 Ian Blackford SNP
Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Reports suggest a potential trade deal with Australia could threaten the livelihoods of Scotland's farmers and crofters. The Ballymurphy inquest has raised concerns about government accountability.

Question

I thank the Prime Minister for his comments on the Ballymurphy inquest. As a member of Scotland's crofter community, I understand just how disastrous a Brexit trade deal with Australia would be for farming and crofting sectors. Farmers will lose their livelihoods, rural businesses will collapse, and families will be driven off the land. If reports are true, can the Prime Minister categorically rule out his Government being prepared to sign up to a trade deal that guarantees tariff-free access to Australian lamb and beef?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am delighted to see the shots of the right hon. Gentleman's croft, by the way—the humble representative of the crofter community. I do not think that he does justice to crofters and farmers across the country because he grossly underestimates their ability to do great things with free trade deals and export Scottish beef around the world.

Not addressed: Did not provide a categorical answer regarding tariff-free access to Australian lamb and beef in any future deal.

How: Grossly Underestimates, Free Trade Opportunities

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Q11 Ian Blackford SNP
Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Prime Minister could not give a straight answer regarding the proposed trade deal with Australia. The National Farmers Union Scotland president warned that farmers will feel “seriously betrayed” by these proposals.

Question

To treat something as serious as this in the way that the Government and the Prime Minister have done is really quite pathetic. The fact that the Prime Minister could not give a straight answer will send a real chill across Scotland's farming communities. This deal would be the final nail in the coffin for many Scottish crofters and farmers. Will the Prime Minister finally listen, think again, and ditch a deal that will send our farmers down under?

Answer from Boris Johnson

First, the right hon. Gentleman is totally wrong in what he says about the fisheries. In fact, there are massive opportunities for fisheries in the whole of the UK as we take back control of our territorial waters. That will be the same for Scotland and around the UK. Again he is grossly underestimating the ability of the people of this country to make the most of free trade.

Not addressed: Did not address concerns about farmers being driven off their land by a potential deal with Australia.

How: Totally Wrong, Massive Opportunities For Fisheries

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Q12 Jo Gideon
Economy Local Government
Context

The North Staffordshire YMCA has received the Queen's awards for enterprise, transforming lives in Stoke-on-Trent.

Question

North Staffordshire YMCA undertakes fantastic work transforming lives locally. It has been recognised through the Queen's awards for enterprise. There is no better example of levelling up in action. I invite the Prime Minister to join me in congratulating all the staff, volunteers and partners of the YMCA in north Staffordshire.

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank my hon. Friend very much, and she is totally right. It is part of our levelling up. We are absolutely determined to do that as fast as we possibly can.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to visiting Stoke-on-Trent but acknowledged the work of the YMCA in levelling up.

How: Absolutely Determined

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Q13 Edward Davey Lib Dem Kingston and Surbiton
Housing Environment
Context

Local planning reforms introduced by Liberal Democrat Ministers allowed communities to vote for new developments, including affordable housing.

Question

Local planning reforms have seen communities across England voting for new developments while protecting the environment. Why is the Prime Minister determined to push through his planning reforms that will not solve the housing crisis and allow developers to ride roughshod over local communities?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The right hon. Gentleman is completely wrong, and he should look at the Bill when it comes forward because we want to protect the green belt. We also think young people have been deprived of getting on to the housing ladder for too long.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not explain why the reforms will solve the country's real housing crisis as claimed by the questioner.

How: Completely Wrong, Protected Green Belt

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Q14 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The Prime Minister was invited to Stonehaven in Andrew Bowie's constituency to plant cherry blossom trees donated by the Sakura Cherry Tree Project.

Question

Two weeks ago, Scotland voted for a newly reinvigorated global Britain. With that in mind, will the Prime Minister accept my invitation to come and plant one of the 120 cherry blossom trees donated by the Sakura Cherry Tree Project to celebrate links with Japan?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I think that such a gesture would be the cherry on the cake of the free trade deal that we have already done.

Not addressed: Did not accept or decline the invitation to plant a cherry blossom tree in Stonehaven.

How: Cherry On The Cake

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Q15 Hywel Williams PC
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Prime Minister previously stated he would back Britain's farmers but now it seems this support is not being extended to Welsh farmers due to potential tariff-free access for Australian livestock.

Question

In 2019, the Prime Minister said: “I will always back Britain's great farmers”. Now it looks as if he is backing Australia's farmers instead. Will he keep his word and clearly support Welsh farmers by permanently ruling out tariff-free access for Australian lamb and beef imports?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I will back Britain's farmers and Welsh farmers in exporting their fantastic lamb around the world. Not a single morsel of Welsh lamb has passed the lips of Americans in over 20 years, or more. This Government is getting on with its agenda.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment regarding ruling out tariff-free access for Australian livestock imports

How: Changing Subject

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Q16 Virginia Crosbie
Wales Business & Trade
Context

There is a proposal for establishing a freeport in Anglesey to boost jobs and investment, protect Welsh culture, and stimulate economic activity.

Question

Does the Prime Minister agree that a freeport on Anglesey will create skilled jobs, protect Welsh language and culture, and encourage growth? Will he accept an invitation to visit Ynys Môn with me?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I must not express preference on location of freeports but my hon. Friend makes an outstanding case, as ever. Together with Welsh Conservative colleagues, she is helping to apply Vicks inhaler to bunged-up nostrils of the Welsh dragon.

Not addressed: Accepting invitation to visit Anglesey and specific support for freeport proposal

How: Changing Subject, Metaphorical Language

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Q17 Richard Thomson
Scotland
Context

The SNP won the most seats in the recent Scottish election, securing a majority in the parliament. The questioner challenges the PM to explain this success given his criticism of the party.

Question

Despite criticisms from the Prime Minister, the SNP secured 48% of votes and 51% support for independence referendum parties in Scotland's elections. Why did they perform so well while Conservatives performed poorly?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I totally reject what the hon. Gentleman just said. The SNP actually did less well than under Alex Salmond in 2011, and people of Scotland are disappointed by record of Scottish Government in fighting crime, improving education and making Scotland great place to live and invest.

Not addressed: Explanation for SNP's electoral success

How: Criticizing Opposition

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Q18 Danny Kruger Reform East Wiltshire
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

Veterans and their families in the questioner's constituency are concerned about treatment of veterans from conflict in Northern Ireland. There is a request for legislation to protect them.

Question

A large part of Salisbury plain falls within my constituency, representing many soldiers, veterans and their families. Feelings are high over treatment of British Army veterans from Northern Ireland conflict. Can PM assure me that legislation will be brought forward this session to protect them?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are committed to introducing legislation in this Session to address legacy of troubles in Northern Ireland, to introduce fair package for veterans and to protect them from unfair vexatious litigation when no new evidence has been brought forward.

Answered
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Q19 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Employment
Context

There are over 500,000 unemployed young people in the UK. The Government's youth employment scheme is insufficient, helping only about one in twenty-five young people.

Question

Queen's Speech did not include new measures to tackle youth unemployment. There are over 500,000 unemployed young people in this country. My hon. Friend and I have requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss local concerns from training providers and businesses. What exactly will PM do to address that?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are putting £2 billion into kickstart programme for 18 to 24-year-olds and investing massively in restart programme. Businesses I talk to currently face shortages of workers in many sectors, we will work flat out to ensure those who want jobs go to businesses that need them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to address unemployment among young people

How: Changing Subject

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Q20 James Cartlidge Con South Suffolk
Energy Business & Trade
Context

Offshore wind generation is increasing, but an offshore grid to manage and export surplus energy needs a clear timetable. The questioner seeks confirmation of this.

Question

I thank PM for support on coming forward with an offshore transmission grid which will help export our surplus offshore wind to continent and reduce infrastructure associated with new wind farm capacity. Given ambitious timetable already set out for increasing offshore wind generation, will he now come out with equally ambitious timetable for delivering offshore grid?

Answer from Boris Johnson

My hon. Friend is spot on in what he says about need for offshore grid. As well as building fantastic windmills, it is vital that we bring energy onshore in way that has minimal disruption for local communities and enables us to maximise efficiency.

Not addressed: Timetable for delivery of offshore transmission grid

How: Changing Subject

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Q21 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
NHS
Context

Jenny McGee, a nurse who saved the Prime Minister's life, resigned due to poor respect and low pay. NHS staff are facing issues with indecisiveness and mixed messages from the government.

Question

I am concerned about Jenny McGee, a nurse who saved the Prime Minister's life, resigning because of poor respect and low pay in the NHS. Given this situation, will he reconsider offering nurses more than an insulting 1% pay rise?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The House acknowledges our debt to NHS staff. We have asked the public sector pay review board to consider an increase in pay for nurses, and we have increased starting salaries by 12.8%. We have also restored bursaries worth £5,000 and provided £3,000 extra help. Additionally, there are now about 11,000 more nurses in the NHS today than last year, with another 60,000 in training.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a better pay rise beyond the current 1% figure.

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Q22 James Davies Con
NHS
Context

Patients in England have full access to specialist hospital care anywhere, but those in north Wales face restrictive contracts or individual funding requests.

Question

Patients in north Wales lack the same automatic healthcare choice as patients in England. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that healthcare features prominently within the UK levelling-up agenda?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We have worked with the Welsh Government throughout the pandemic, providing £8.6 billion in additional funding through the Barnett formula.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to prioritizing healthcare within the UK levelling-up agenda specifically.

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Q23 Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Social Care
Context

The Prime Minister said he had a plan for social care over 664 days ago, but the Department of Health and Social Care is still seeking policy advisers to develop proposals.

Question

It has been 664 days since the Prime Minister promised a social care plan. Why advertise for social care policy advisors if there's already a plan? Do you have a plan now?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes, we do have a plan, but Labour previously failed to address it during their 13 years in power. We will tackle this issue and support those who back our efforts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics about the current social care reform plan.

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Q24 Antony Higginbotham
Business & Trade
Context

Businesses in Burnley and Padiham have reopened their doors to customers. Local businesses need long-term support, including schemes like the levelling-up fund.

Question

Would the Prime Minister join me in wishing local businesses good luck as they reopen? Does he agree we need to create opportunities for them to succeed through initiatives such as the levelling-up fund?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are investing £3.6 million from the getting building fund for Pioneer Place in Burnley, and the high streets taskforce will also help.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to long-term support beyond current initiatives.

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Q25 David Linden SNP
Employment Scotland
Context

Pladis is proposing to close the McVitie's factory in Glasgow, placing 470 jobs at risk.

Question

The Prime Minister will be aware of Pladis's proposal to close the McVitie's factory in Glasgow, putting 470 jobs at risk. Will he join me in engaging with Pladis's CEO to reconsider this plan?

Answer from Boris Johnson

McVitie's has been a proud part of Scotland since 1800. Conversations are ongoing to see what can be done, and my Secretary of State for Scotland is meeting with you to discuss the situation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to engaging directly with Pladis's CEO.

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