Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 30 June 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 3 Partly answered 19 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Katherine Fletcher asked about the EU settlement scheme, and the Prime Minister thanked her and encouraged more applications.
  • Keir Starmer questioned the Prime Minister about the former Health Secretary's dismissal, arguing for immediate action.
  • Ian Blackford highlighted concerns over delays in processing EU settlement scheme applications, leaving many in uncertainty.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Katherine Fletcher
Immigration
Context

German friends are heading home after a game, and the EU settlement scheme deadline is approaching.

Question

After yesterday's game, many of our German friends are heading home, but does my right hon. Friend agree that, as the song goes, if they want to stay here drinking all our beer, they need to join the 5.6 million people who have already successfully applied for the EU settlement scheme forthwith, before today's deadline?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes. I thank my hon. Friend, who is absolutely right. I am thrilled that an astonishing 5.6 million EU nationals have already applied for this wonderful scheme. I encourage anybody who is still eligible to submit their applications today.

Answered
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Q2 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Standards & Ethics
Context

The former Health Secretary was involved in a scandal, prompting calls for his resignation.

Question

Why did the Prime Minister not sack the former Health Secretary on Friday morning?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I read this story in common with you, Mr Speaker, and everybody else on Friday, and we had a new Health Secretary in place by Saturday. Given that we have a pandemic, to move from one Health Secretary to the next with that speed was fast, but it was not as fast as the vaccine roll-out, which is now going so fast that, in this week, half of under-30s have now had their first jab.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly answer whether he sacked or asked to resign; instead discussed speed and vaccine progress.

How: Discussed Speed, Vaccine Roll-Out

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Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

The Prime Minister's handling of the former Health Secretary was criticized.

Question

What a ridiculous answer. The Prime Minister must have been the only person in the country who looked at that photo on Friday morning and thought that the Health Secretary should not be sacked immediately. On Friday, the Prime Minister's spokesperson said that the Prime Minister “considers the matter closed.” Minister after Minister were then sent out to defend the indefensible. It was briefed that the Prime Minister was “quite happy” for the Health Secretary to stay in his post. Can the Prime Minister clarify, now that he has the chance, did he sack the Health Secretary, or at any point ask him to resign—yes or no?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The right hon. and learned Gentleman will notice that the Health Secretary has changed in the past five days. He complains about the speed with which that happened.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly answer whether he sacked or asked to resign; instead criticized Labour's handling of its own issues.

How: Criticized Labour

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Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Standards & Ethics
Context

The former Health Secretary was involved in a conflict of interest with his non-executive director.

Question

On Friday, the Prime Minister said that the case was closed. Then on Monday, he tried to take the credit for the Health Secretary resigning. In a minute, he will be telling us that he scored the winner last night. Let me press the Prime Minister a bit more on this. The person with whom the Health Secretary was in a relationship was his non-executive director. From the outset, it was blindingly obvious that there was a conflict of interest here and a whole host of unanswered questions. Why on earth did the Prime Minister judge that this matter was closed on Friday morning?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I observe that the non-executive director in question is also no longer with the Department. What that continuity means is that that Department is getting on with the fastest vaccine roll-out of any European country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address why he thought it was closed; instead focused on non-executive director's departure and vaccine progress.

How: Vaccine Roll-Out

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

The former Health Secretary was involved in a conflict of interest with his non-executive director, who received taxpayers' money.

Question

Let me get this right: the Prime Minister was happy to keep a Health Secretary in place during a pandemic who he not only thought was absolutely “hopeless”, but who he also knew had broken the rules and was in a relationship with somebody he was employing at the taxpayers' expense. It does not sound like case closed to me.

Answer from Boris Johnson

We all share the grief and pain of Ollie and his family, and millions of people up and down the country who have endured the privations that this country has been through in order to get the coronavirus pandemic under control. That is why we had a change of Health Secretary the day after the story appeared.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address why he thought it was closed; instead discussed vaccine progress and Ollie's case.

How: Vaccine Roll-Out, Ollie'S Case

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Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Ollie's mother spoke about the impact of government rules on her family during the pandemic. The Prime Minister previously declared Ollie's case closed.

Question

I am concerned that the Prime Minister's response to a question about Ollie was dismissive, calling it the 'Westminster bubble'. I spoke with Ollie's mum and she said every day she watched press conferences for guidance but then followed rules. The case is not closed for her family or millions of others. Can the PM withdraw his phrase? Also, did he ask Health Secretary on Friday if he broke any other rules?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The new Health Secretary has been in place since the day after the stories appeared, which was right. The best response to families' grief is getting on with vaccinating people. Had we followed Labour's proposals, it would not be possible due to staying in the EMA.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The PM did not withdraw his phrase or answer whether he asked Health Secretary about breaking other rules.

How: Under Review

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Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Economy Standards & Ethics
Context

The Prime Minister backed Dominic Cummings, Housing Secretary for a £1 billion property deal, Home Secretary for breaking ministerial code, and former Health Secretary despite rules broken.

Question

Why did the PM back former Health Secretary when he broke rules? It is one rule for them and another rule for everyone else. He failed to sack him on Friday and now takes credit for a new Health Secretary.

Answer from Boris Johnson

The new Health Secretary is in place, and we are getting on with vaccinating people. The vaccine roll-out has been successful due to our policies, leading to higher vaccination rates and unlocking of the UK economy. Growth is up to levels not seen since last July.

Not addressed: The PM did not address why he backed former Health Secretary despite breaking rules.

How: Changed Subject

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Q8 Jacob Young
Business & Trade
Context

The steel industry is a national strategic asset. British Steel employs over 600 people in Redcar and Cleveland, more than 3,000 in Scunthorpe. The Government supported British Steel until a new buyer was found.

Question

In light of the Trade Remedies Authority's recommendations to the International Trade Secretary, how will the Prime Minister ensure that steel remains a national strategic asset?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We have an ambitious plan for better use of British steel with a 7.6 million tonne pipeline over the next decade. The Government is considering the Trade Remedies Authority's recommendations and the Department for International Trade will update the House later today.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The PM did not provide specific details on ensuring steel remains a national strategic asset based on TRA recommendations.

How: Under Review

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Q9 Ian Blackford SNP
Immigration
Context

Prime Minister gave an unequivocal guarantee to EU nationals living in the UK. Now hundreds of thousands have been left in limbo, including children. Many cases remain unprocessed.

Question

Hundreds of thousands of EU nationals are left in limbo due to failures by this Government on the settlement scheme deadline. Will the PM honour his word and give certainty by scrapping the disastrous settled status deadline?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank him for raising this, over 5.6 million people have applied to the settlement scheme and we are processing all applications as fast as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The PM did not commit to scrapping the settled status deadline.

How: Under Review

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Q10 Ian Blackford SNP
Immigration Brexit
Context

Hundreds of thousands of cases are in backlog due to delays. Many EU citizens fear deportation despite wanting to stay.

Question

There is a backlog of hundreds of thousands of cases because of delays on decisions. Overnight, thousands could become illegal immigrants. They live in fear for their jobs, families and livelihoods, all because the Prime Minister will not keep his word. We know the Home Office's experience: dawn raids, deportations, and a hostile environment for Windrush generation. One woman feels suicidal after 44 years; another feels like a third-rate citizen.

Answer from Boris Johnson

It is obvious from statistics that this is an outstanding success, with huge numbers of people applying. There have been several extensions to deadlines; it is now five years since Brexit referendum. Funded 72 organisations to help vulnerable EU citizens understand rights and make applications.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address whether the deadline will be scrapped or automatically granted settled status introduced

How: Under Review

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Q11 Henry Smith Con
Economy
Context

Praised government's world-leading covid-19 vaccination programme. Aviation sector is suffering job losses due to pandemic.

Question

Pay tribute to the Government for the world-leading covid-19 vaccination programme. Can I encourage my right hon. Friend to press ahead with allowing fully vaccinated people greater international travel to save aviation and travel jobs, help regrow economy?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Congratulate my hon. Friend on his campaign for aviation sector. Invested £7 billion already in aviation since pandemic start. Vaccine roll-out programme and double-jabs will enable people to fly again, giving industry long-term sustainable recovery prospect.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address allowing vaccinated individuals greater international travel permissions

How: Under Review

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Q12 Caroline Lucas Green
Climate Environment
Context

Environmental Audit Committee's report calls for transformational change in Government approach to restoring nature. Current policy lacks teeth.

Question

Committee report calls for transformational change; 15% of UK species threatened with extinction, ebbing away of natural world. Will the Prime Minister look at Government amendment to Environment Bill that refers only to measures 'to further' rather than meeting biodiversity loss objective? One-word change from 'furthering' to 'meeting' would introduce legally binding target to halt biodiversity loss by 2030.

Answer from Boris Johnson

This Government are committed not just to halting, but reversing biodiversity loss around world. Can see this from conclusions of G7 summit and actions promoting biodiversity.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address one-word change or legally binding target introduction

How: Under Review

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Q13 Damian Collins Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Hate speech, harmful content and anti-vaccine conspiracy theories on social media. Government published world-leading draft online safety Bill.

Question

Over past few years, proliferation of hate speech, harmful content and anti-vaccine conspiracy theories on social media. In response, Government published world-leading draft online safety Bill. Can the Prime Minister say when Parliament will start scrutiny of that draft Bill?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Bill has been published in draft form and pre-legislative scrutiny will start as soon as Joint Committee established. My hon. Friend may be in position to serve with advantage in scrutiny of that Bill.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify when Joint Committee would be established or when Parliament would begin scrutiny

How: Under Review

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Q14 Catherine McKinnell Lab Newcastle upon Tyne North
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Over 400 leisure and fitness facilities have closed permanently since March, including West Denton swimming pool. Many more are under threat.

Question

We all know great sport starts at grassroots level; need help encouragement to live healthier lives post pandemic. Since last March over 400 leisure and fitness facilities have permanently closed, many thousands more under threat. Will Prime Minister expand extend national leisure recovery fund to fund these facilities? Also back Newcastle's bid for Outer West leisure centre from levelling-up fund?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Thank hon. Lady; question was great, championing grassroots sport health of country. Hope successful in levelling-up fund, but cannot control this myself.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address expansion or extension of National Leisure Recovery Fund, nor back Newcastle's bid explicitly

How: Under Review

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Q15 Kelly Tolhurst Con
Education Culture, Media & Sport
Context

University of the Creative Arts board decided to close Rochester campus, which has inspired successful artists like Dame Zandra Rhodes. Closing will be detrimental to levelling-up agenda locally.

Question

Rochester proud long-standing creative arts community; great blow that university board decided to close site after 135-year history in town and inspiration of many successful artists. Does my right hon. Friend agree that university's plan to close at difficult time for sector will be detrimental to levelling-up agenda locally, but also opportunities for working-class kids for whom this campus provides instrumental route into further higher education?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Thank my hon. Friend; right to campaign for higher education in constituency. Engaged university leaders ground in Rochester, sure they listened carefully.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address detrimental impact on levelling-up agenda or opportunities for working-class children explicitly

How: Under Review

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Q16 David Linden SNP
Employment Brexit
Context

The hon. Member visited a haulage firm in Baillieston, Glasgow, which is facing significant challenges due to the HGV driver shortage exacerbated by Brexit.

Question

I am concerned about the huge problems with the shortage of HGV drivers in this country, especially after Brexit. Why can we not add HGV drivers to the UK shortage occupation list?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I will certainly look at what the hon. Member is proposing, but I think the most important thing is to get our entire workforce back at work. There are currently millions of people still on furlough, and of course there are labour shortages at the moment, but we need to get people back into work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked specifically about adding HGV drivers to the shortage occupation list. The PM did not address this point directly.

How: Under Review

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Q17 Gary Streeter Con
Economy Business & Trade Local Government
Context

The counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset have formed the great south-west to generate regional growth. However, they have been waiting for recognition from Government for over three years.

Question

My right hon. Friend will be aware that the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset have come together to form the great south-west to generate regional growth. With support from all local authorities, LEPs, and business community, can my right hon. Friend please look into this matter and give us the green light?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am a passionate supporter of the great south-west and the prospects that it brings. I understand that my hon. Friend has met the Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government to discuss these proposals, and I look forward to hearing their outcome.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked specifically about a green light from the government. The PM did not provide this directly.

How: Under Review

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Q18 Christina Rees Lab
Employment
Context

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency staff have been harassed, with cases rising significantly in the third wave of the pandemic. DVLA returned over 450 staff to its Swansea site despite Government advice.

Question

Many constituents are angered by the treatment of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency staff and harassment of PCS Union rep Sarah Evans. With cases rising significantly, why does the Prime Minister feel it is acceptable for the DVLA to return over 450 staff to their Swansea site contrary to Government advice?

Answer from Boris Johnson

As I understand it, rates of infection and disease have been declining at the DVLA site. I hope very much that everybody there can return to work in the normal way as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked specifically about the return of staff against government advice. The PM did not address this point directly.

How: Rates Declining

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Q19 Tom Randall
Economy Transport Local Government
Context

Gedling Borough Council's levelling-up fund bid will help kick-start high street regeneration, improve Arnold town centre and encourage healthy travel in Netherfield. The council officers Mike Hill and Joelle Davies are working on the bid.

Question

The high street has had a difficult time lately, but Gedling Borough Council's levelling-up fund bid will help kick-start high street regeneration, improve Arnold town centre and encourage healthy travel in Netherfield. Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking the council officers for their efforts?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes, I thank Mike Hill and Joelle Davies for their efforts. I also thank them for calling upon the levelling-up fund which will invest in infrastructure projects that improve life across the country.

Answered
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Q20 Philippa Whitford SNP
Immigration Employment
Context

Due to the Prime Minister's failure to maintain strict border quarantine and delay in adding India to the red list, cases of the delta variant are surging across the UK. This is impacting sectors such as hospitality, entertainment, and aviation.

Question

Cases of the delta variant are surging due to failure to maintain strict border quarantine and adding India to the red list. Will the Prime Minister extend full furlough and business support beyond September for geographical areas and businesses most affected?

Answer from Boris Johnson

No, because although the delta variant is seeded in at least 74 countries, including this one, protection by immunity against it here is the highest. That is why we are going to continue with our cautious but irreversible road map.

Answered
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Q21 Peter Gibson
Economy Transport
Context

The levelling-up agenda aims to invest in the north, including providing the northern link road for Darlington and supporting local services.

Question

A rising tide must float all ships; will my right hon. Friend deliver the northern link road for Darlington? Will he also stop LNER's train service reduction from our station?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes, my hon. Friend is right to support Ryan Stephenson in his campaign for Batley and Spen tomorrow. I believe that Ryan will offer a strong local voice for change and progress.

Not addressed: The questioner asked about the northern link road for Darlington and stopping LNER's train service reductions, but the PM did not address these issues directly.

How: Changing Subject

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Q22 Stephen Farry
Northern Ireland
Context

The High Court in Belfast upheld the Government's view on the Northern Ireland protocol. A joint EU-UK agreement is expected to extend grace periods around chilled meats.

Question

Today may well be a watershed after which we can stop talking about the protocol in constitutional and identity terms, instead working through general problems for pragmatic solutions. Will the Prime Minister also call for calm ahead of the marching season?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes, I do indeed hope that all of these problems can be fixed and we can move on. The EU should remove all problems associated with their application of the protocol.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked specifically about calling for calm ahead of the marching season. The PM did not directly address this point.

How: Under Review

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Q23 Anthony Mangnall
Policing & Resources
Context

Ryan Stephenson, the candidate for Batley and Spen, is campaigning to deliver necessary police services. The councillor advocate scheme was launched by Alison Hernandez.

Question

I am concerned about delivering the necessary police on our streets as campaigned for by Ryan Stephenson in Batley and Spen. Will the Prime Minister support initiatives like the councillor advocate scheme proposed by Alison Hernandez?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am a big fan of Alison Hernandez and I think she is doing absolutely the right thing. To support her, we are increasing our policing presence on the streets of the city. We are rolling up county lines drugs gangs; we have tackled about a third of them so far. We have also instituted tougher penalties for serious sexual and violent offenders.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not explicitly commit to supporting initiatives such as the councillor advocate scheme

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Q24 Bell Ribeiro-Addy Lab Clapham and Brixton Hill
Crime & Law Enforcement Education
Context

In the past decade, over 70% of youth services have been cut, leading to a knife crime epidemic with many young people losing their lives. The Prime Minister is aware of the importance of youth services in preventing crime.

Question

We are experiencing a knife crime epidemic in London, with 50 people killed and 17 being young people. I fear more violence this summer. Given the importance of youth services for prevention, why did his Government cut over 70% of them? Will he pledge to do more and reverse these cuts?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We invested in youth services and will continue to do so, but it is quite extraordinary that the hon. Lady continues to avoid the Macavity-like performance of the Mayor of London, who is totally failing to grip this issue. There was a previous Mayor of London who got the murder rate down by 50%. I think it is shocking to see what Sadiq Khan is doing on this issue.

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address why his government cut youth services or pledge to reverse these cuts. He instead criticised the Mayor of London.

How: Criticised Previous Government, Changed Subject

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Q25 Ian Paisley Jnr DUP
Northern Ireland
Context

The Belfast High Court found that the Northern Ireland protocol conflicts with the Act of Union, leading to ongoing litigation in England. The judgment confirms Parliament's sovereignty.

Question

Today's ruling by the Belfast High Court indicates that the Northern Ireland protocol conflicts with the Act of Union and has repealed aspects of it. Litigation is ongoing in England over a commercial case involving hundreds of millions of pounds for British businesses trading in Northern Ireland. Under section 8 of the withdrawal agreement, Parliament is sovereign. With a solid majority on his benches, will the Prime Minister now seize this moment to reverse the protocol and defend the Union?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank the hon. Gentleman. We will study the ruling of the court in detail but I can give him general reassurance that nothing will affect the position of Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not commit to reversing the protocol or unilaterally fixing it. He only provided general reassurance without specific action details.

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