Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 12 January 2022 · 34 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 19 Not answered 0

Key points

  • James Davies questioned the Prime Minister about delays in urgent breast clinic appointments in north Wales, highlighting the contrast with England's faster referral times.
  • Keir Starmer criticized the Prime Minister for his handling of lockdown rule breaches, accusing him of deceit and inconsistency.
  • The Prime Minister apologized for the events in question but urged Keir Starmer to wait for the full inquiry before making further judgments.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Davies Con
NHS
Context

A constituent in north Wales faces prolonged wait times for an urgent appointment at a breast clinic.

Question

My constituent Carol Ridgway faces eight weeks of stress and worry as she waits for an urgent appointment at the local breast clinic in north Wales. Despite the pandemic, 85% of patients in England wait only two weeks for their urgent suspected cancer referrals. What can my right hon. Friend do to ensure equality of healthcare across Britain?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank my hon. Friend for his question. I am sorry about the case that he raises. Health of course is a devolved matter, but I thank our NHS colleagues across the whole of the UK. I point out that the Welsh Government will benefit from an additional £3.8 billion of funding this year, plus a further £270 million to support the response to covid.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment or action related to reducing wait times in north Wales

How: Health Is A Devolved Matter

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Q2 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

MPs are questioning the Prime Minister about his involvement in parties during lockdown, which is against the rules.

Question

I join the comments about Jack Dromey. We will, I think, be doing tributes in due course in relation to Jack. Well, there we have it: after months of deceit and deception, the pathetic spectacle of a man who has run out of road. The Prime Minister's defence that he did not realise that he was at a party is so ridiculous that it is actually offensive to the British public. He has finally been forced to admit what everyone knew—that when the whole country was locked down, he was hosting boozy parties in Downing Street. Is he now going to do the decent thing and resign?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I appreciate the point that the right hon. and learned Gentleman is making about the event that I attended. I want to repeat that I thought it was a work event. I regret very much that we did not do things differently that evening, as I have said, and I take responsibility and I apologise. As for his political point, I do not think that he should pre-empt the outcome of the inquiry. He will have a further opportunity, I hope, to question me as soon as possible.

Not addressed: Request for resignation due to dishonesty

How: Wait Until Conclusion Of Inquiry

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Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

MPs are questioning the Prime Minister about his involvement in parties during lockdown, which is against the rules.

Question

Well, that apology was pretty worthless, wasn't it? Let me tell the Prime Minister why this matters. Yesterday in this Chamber, hon. Members told heart-wrenching stories about the sacrifices that people across the country were making. The House and the whole country were moved by the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) as he talked about his mother-in-law dying alone. He was following the rules while the Prime Minister was partying in Downing Street. Is the Prime Minister really so contemptuous of the British public that he thinks he can just ride this out?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I heard the testimony of the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) and I echo the right hon. and learned Gentleman's sentiments. It was deeply moving; nobody who heard that could fail to have been moved. I know that people up and down the country made huge sacrifices throughout the pandemic and I understand the anger—the rage—that they feel at the thought that people in Downing Street were not following those rules. I regret the way that the event I have described was handled. I bitterly regret it and wish that we could have done things differently. I have and will continue to apologise for what we did, but he must wait for the inquiry that will report as soon as possible.

Not addressed: Request to show respect for the British public

How: Wait Until Conclusion Of Inquiry

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

MPs are questioning the Prime Minister about his involvement in parties during lockdown, which is against the rules.

Question

When the Prime Minister's former Health Secretary broke the rules, he resigned and the Prime Minister said he was right to do so. When the Prime Minister's spokesperson laughed about the rules being broken, she resigned and the Prime Minister accepted that resignation. Why does the Prime Minister still think that the rules do not apply to him?

Answer from Boris Johnson

That is not what I have said. I understand the point that the right hon. and learned Gentleman makes. As I have said, I regret the way things happened on the evening in question and I apologise, but if I may say to him, I do think it would be better if he waited until the full conclusion of the inquiry—until the full facts are brought before this House—and he will then have an opportunity to put his points again.

Not addressed: Request to admit rules apply equally

How: Wait Until Conclusion Of Inquiry

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Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

MPs are questioning the Prime Minister about his involvement in parties during lockdown, which is against the rules.

Question

This just isn't working, Prime Minister. Everyone can see what happened. It started with reports of boozy parties in Downing Street during lockdown. The Prime Minister pretended that he had been assured there were no parties—how that fits with his defence now, I do not know. Then the video landed, blowing the Prime Minister's first defence out of the water. So then he pretended that he was sickened and furious about the parties. Now it turns out he was at the parties all along. Can the Prime Minister not see why the British public think he is lying through his teeth?

Answer from Boris Johnson

It is up to the right hon. and learned Gentleman to choose how he conducts himself in this place, and he is wrong—[Interruption.] He is wrong. I say to him that he is wrong in what he has said—[Interruption.] What he said is wrong in several key respects, but that does not detract from the basic point that I want to make today, which is that I accept that we should have done things differently on that evening. As I have said to the House, I believe that the events in question were within the guidance and were within the rules, and that was certainly the assumption on which I operated, but can I say to him that he should wait—he should wait—before he jumps to conclusions, and a lawyer should respect the inquiry? I hope that he will wait until the facts are established and brought to this House.

Not addressed: Request to admit lying

How: Wait Until Conclusion Of Inquiry

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Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Standards & Ethics
Context

MPs are questioning the Prime Minister about his involvement in parties during lockdown, which is against the rules.

Question

So we have the Prime Minister attending Downing Street parties—a clear breach of the rules. We have the Prime Minister putting forward a series of ridiculous denials, which he knows are untrue—a clear breach of the ministerial code. That code says: “Ministers who knowingly mislead Parliament will be expected to offer their resignation”. The party is over, Prime Minister. The only question is: will the British public kick him out, will his party kick him out, or he will he do the decent thing and resign?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I just want to repeat: I know it is the right hon. and learned Gentleman's objective and he is paid to try to remove me from office—I appreciate that and I accept that—but may I humbly suggest to him that he should wait until the inquiry has concluded? He should study it for himself, and I will certainly respond as appropriate and I hope that he does, but in the meantime, yes, I certainly wish that things had happened differently on the evening of 20 May, and I apologise for all the misjudgments that have been made, for which I take full responsibility.

Not addressed: Request to resign due to misleading Parliament

How: Wait Until Conclusion Of Inquiry

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Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

Shaun Brady, a key worker from Holborn and St Pancras, died at age 55 due to covid-19. His daughter Hannah met the Prime Minister last year but was later informed of his alleged partying on the day her father's death certificate was signed.

Question

Hannah Brady's father Shaun lost his life to covid at 55 as a key worker. The Prime Minister met Hannah and told her he had done everything possible to protect her dad. However, Hannah discovered the PM had partied in Downing Street on the same day her father's death certificate was signed. She feels sick thinking about it.

Answer from Boris Johnson

The Prime Minister sympathises with Hannah and acknowledges mistakes made during his tenure, but he highlights efforts to protect people through testing, antivirals, vaccine roll-out, and economic recovery.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address why the PM's actions affected Hannah's feelings or acknowledge her specific concerns about partying while people suffered.

How: Sympathises With Individuals, Highlights Overall Positive Actions

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Q8 Antony Higginbotham
Education
Context

Burnley College has been successful in becoming an institute of technology and the University of Central Lancashire is expanding its campus there.

Question

Will the Prime Minister work with me to ensure that Burnley becomes the best place for people to study, from primary school to university?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The Government is investing in education across the country. Burnley College has been successful as an institute of technology and UCLan is expanding its campus.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions or support for Antony Higginbotham's mission to transform lives through education in Burnley.

How: General Statement About Investment

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Q9 Ian Blackford SNP
Standards & Ethics
Context

Jack Dromey was a fighter for workers' rights and his death prompted condolences.

Question

Paul, an ex-soldier, wrote that the PM broke laws and followed no rules. The public thinks he should resign; will he?

Answer from Boris Johnson

The right hon. Gentleman's political advice is noted but I think most people would agree we have delivered the fastest vaccine and booster roll-out in Europe.

Not addressed: Did not address whether he will resign or be removed by Tory MPs, instead praising government achievements.

How: Changing Subject To Government Accomplishments

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Q10 Ian Blackford SNP
Democracy & Elections
Context

The PM's alleged partying violated laws set by his own Government, causing pain among the public.

Question

The PM broke law and showed no shame; the public thinks he should resign. Will Tory MPs remove him?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Advice from the Scottish nationalist party is taken with a pinch of salt; most people would agree we have delivered the fastest vaccine and booster roll-out in Europe.

Not addressed: Did not address whether Tory MPs will remove him, instead praising government achievements.

How: Changing Subject To Government Accomplishments

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Q11 Simon Fell
NHS Social Care
Context

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust faces a 12% to 15% workforce isolation rate and 140 blocked beds due to social care issues.

Question

Will the PM consider reducing isolation period to five days if safe, and accepting MACA requests to help with social care issues?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Reducing isolation period is being considered. MACA requests will be looked at, but more fundamentally addressing the health and social care divide is key.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to reducing isolation period to five days or accepting all MACA requests, instead focusing on broader issues.

How: General Statement About Considering Actions, Changing Subject To Health And Social Care Divide

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Q12 Stephen Farry
Democracy & Elections
Context

Constituents in North Down feel betrayed by the Prime Minister. There have been more than 150,000 deaths from COVID-19 over two years.

Question

Today's apology is too little, too late. My constituents in North Down and people across the UK feel betrayed by the Prime Minister. We have had more than 150,000 deaths from covid over the past couple of years, and we have seen standards in public life trashed. For once, can the Prime Minister do the honourable thing and resign?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I understand the hon. Gentleman's feelings about the effect of this pandemic on the country, and I certainly grieve for everybody who has died and who has suffered. On his political point, can I propose that he waits for the inquiry to report?

Not addressed: The specific request for resignation was not addressed.

How: Waiting For The Inquiry

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Q13 Suzanne Webb
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The adult claimant count in the local jobcentre is down 28%, and the young adult claimant count is down 40%. There have been 61,000 new jobs since March 2021.

Question

I recently visited my local jobcentre. The adult claimant count is down 28%, and the young adult claimant count is down 40%. Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking Stourbridge jobcentre for all its hard work, and for its dedication in achieving those results?

Answer from Boris Johnson

Yes indeed, and I thank my hon. Friend for that. It is notable that the Opposition do not like to dwell on these points, but it is an astonishing fact that we have 420,000 more people in work now than before the pandemic began, and youth unemployment is at a record low.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for joint thanks was not addressed; instead he highlighted broader employment statistics.

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Q14 Steven Bonnar
Democracy & Elections
Context

The Prime Minister has been involved in scandals for two years. Recent figures show that 79% of people in Scotland think the Prime Minister should step down.

Question

Another week, another scandal for this Prime Minister and his utterly shameless Government. My constituents made sacrifices during the pandemic while he partied away. Figures released last night show that 79% of people in Scotland think the Prime Minister should step down. Does he realise that it is now clear to all that there is no doubt that he is morally distant from us, and that the best thing he can do now is to go?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank the hon. Gentleman from the SNP, and I repeat the point I made earlier: I do not think that he should pre-empt or anticipate the inquiry.

Not addressed: The specific request for resignation was not addressed.

How: Waiting For The Inquiry

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Q15 Joy Morrissey Con Beaconsfield
Environment
Context

The Colne Valley regional park runs through both Joy Morrissey's and the Prime Minister's constituencies. Volunteers work tirelessly to preserve that green space.

Question

The Colne Valley regional park runs through my constituency and that of the Prime Minister. Will my right hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to the volunteers who tirelessly work to preserve that precious green space, and will he work with me to create better protections for that park moving forward?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I certainly will, and I join my hon. Friend in thanking the wonderful volunteers. I will do what I can to assist her in protecting that beautiful green space.

Answered
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Q16 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Economy Parliamentary Procedure Standards & Ethics
Context

The Prime Minister was previously asked whether his claims about inflation were unfounded. He initially denied making such claims but later it was shown on social media that he had.

Question

Last week at PMQs, the Prime Minister was asked whether his previous claims about inflation were unfounded. In his reply he told the House that he had said “no such thing”. Within minutes videos on social media showed him saying exactly that. Would the Prime Minister like to take this opportunity to correct the record and apologise for misleading the House on that matter?

Answer from Boris Johnson

No, Mr Speaker, because I immediately said in my answer to the question that of course we have to be concerned about inflation at all times. What I said, I think on TV, was that some of the predictions then about inflation had not proved well-founded, but clearly inflation is a serious risk.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for correction and apology was not fully addressed.

How: Immediate Clarification

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Q17 Richard Drax Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Grant Bailey, a constituent of Richard Drax's, went back to Afghanistan and disappeared around Christmas time. It is believed that the Taliban have him.

Question

My constituent Grant Bailey went back to Afghanistan in September. He disappeared in December, around Christmas time. We think the Taliban have him. Can my right hon. Friend advise me and his family whether he knows anything about this man, who has him, and what is being done to get him home?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank my hon. Friend for raising the case with me. I will organise a meeting for him with the relevant Minister as soon as possible to establish what we can do to help Grant.

Answered
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Q18 Karl Turner Ind Kingston upon Hull East
Standards & Ethics
Context

The Prime Minister has not apologised for breaking the rules and laws. He is forced to avoid media attention.

Question

The Prime Minister has not apologised for breaking the rules and breaking the law; he is sorry because he has been caught. He is bang to rights. When my constituents were making unimaginable—unimaginable—decisions, he was hosting a boozy party in Downing Street. So how does he think he can still maintain one rule for him and another for the rest of us? He cannot, and he must resign.

Answer from Boris Johnson

I refer to the answer I gave earlier.

Not addressed: The specific question about moral standing was not addressed.

How: Reference To Previous Answers

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Q19 Peter Bone Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Peter Bone's private Member's Bill, the BBC Licence Fee (Abolition) Bill, is scheduled for its Second Reading on Friday. The bill aims to abolish the BBC licence fee.

Question

This Friday, my private Member's Bill, the BBC Licence Fee (Abolition) Bill, gets its Second Reading. It will abolish the BBC licence fee and require the BBC to be funded by subscription. In this day and age it is ridiculous to have a state broadcaster, it is ridiculous that people are forced to pay a fee just because they have a television. Will the Prime Minister, if he is free on Friday, come along and support the Bill?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I have the highest respect for the media judgment of my hon. Friend. Though I understand some of his strictures about the BBC, I would also say that it is a great national institution. But I will study what he has to say with interest.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for support was not addressed; instead he expressed mixed views on the proposal.

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Q20 Toby Perkins Lab Chesterfield
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The Prime Minister was previously sacked from two jobs for lying. He is now avoiding media attention.

Question

We have all had Prime Ministers who we disagreed with or did not rate, but there has never been one who has debased the office in the way that he has. He is now forced to lie down in the back of his car to keep away from photographers. We all know that the Prime Minister was sacked from two previous jobs for lying, so can he explain to the House why he believes that the great office of Prime Minister can be held to a lower standard than those previous jobs that he was sacked from?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I welcome the point that the hon. Gentleman makes in the partisan spirit with which I think it was intended. I do not agree with him, but can I suggest respectfully that he waits until the inquiry is concluded, which I hope will be as soon as possible?

Not addressed: The specific question about moral standards was not addressed.

How: Waiting For The Inquiry

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Q21 Alberto Costa Con South Leicestershire
Environment
Context

Manufacturers are considering installing microfibre filters to address microplastic pollution.

Question

Washing machine manufacturers are considering installing microfibre filter systems in all new washing machines. Will the Prime Minister ask his Ministers to look at this issue?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank my hon. Friend for his campaign. I believe that we should tackle microplastic pollution, and I am glad that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is looking at the introduction of legislation for microfibre filters on washing machines as a cost-beneficial solution. I will ensure that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs keeps him informed of how we are doing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was partially addressed with ongoing review but no commitment to a definite timeline or action.

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Q22 Virendra Sharma Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

Thousands of people supported the NATO mission in Afghanistan and are now stranded without a safe exit route.

Question

After six months, we do not have a credible route to help people out of Afghanistan safely. The most recent update from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is directly contradicted by the UN. While the FCDO claims that from spring the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees will make referrals to evacuation schemes, the UNHCR's own website is clear that it makes no such referrals. Are the Government creating a Kafkaesque system to intentionally fail those we owe something to?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I believe the hon. Member does a serious injustice to the efforts of local councils up and down the country to look after people coming from Afghanistan and I think he does an injustice to the efforts of the UK. We are proud under Operation Pitting to have already evacuated 15,000 people from Afghanistan. We have allocated £286 million in assistance for people in Afghanistan and we are continuing to offer safe passage to this country from Afghanistan.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The inconsistencies mentioned were not directly addressed; only general support was stated.

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Q23 Paul Holmes Con Hamble Valley
Transport
Context

Eastleigh has a proud railway heritage and would make an ideal location for the new GBR headquarters.

Question

Given that pedigree, its excellent transport links and the need to level up the south, does he agree that Eastleigh would make the perfect home for the new headquarters of Great British Railways?

Answer from Boris Johnson

My hon. Friend is a great champion for Eastleigh. As I told the House earlier, further details of the competition to identify the new Great British Railways headquarters will be announced in the coming weeks.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not provide a direct answer regarding agreement with Eastleigh being ideal; instead he referred to upcoming details.

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Q24 Navendu Mishra Lab Stockport
Housing
Context

Rents in Stockport have significantly increased, and a constituent recently received a section 21 notice after living in the property for almost 20 years.

Question

The Prime Minister's own manifesto promised a better deal for renters, which included abolishing no-fault evictions. So when will he scrap that practice and reintroduce the much-needed renters' reform Bill?

Answer from Boris Johnson

One of the first things that I did when I became Prime Minister was to uprate local housing allowance so that people on social rent would be able to afford where they live more easily, as a key component of tackling the cost of living. We are also building record numbers of homes. I was very pleased to see a huge increase in the number of people able to get the homes that they need, but the hon. Member's point about renters is also very important, and that is why we are tackling the rights of renters as well.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No direct commitment to abolish no-fault evictions or reintroduce the Renters' Reform Bill was made.

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Q25 Jack Brereton Con
Economy Transport Local Government
Context

Stoke-on-Trent has received significant investment through the levelling up fund and transforming cities programme.

Question

£56 million through the levelling up fund and £40 million through transforming cities—that is just some of the investment that we have recently secured for Stoke-on-Trent. Will my right hon. Friend agree that, after decades of neglect, this Conservative party is the only party that is levelling up opportunities in Stoke-on-Trent?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank my hon. Friend, who is a fantastic champion for Stoke-on-Trent. In addition to all the things that we are supporting in Stoke-on-Trent, I am delighted to say that it will become home to the Home Office as well.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific investment figures were acknowledged but not directly responded to with agreement on levelling up opportunities.

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Q26 Philippa Whitford SNP
Business & Trade
Context

A recent survey showed that 37% of small businesses felt totally unprepared for the introduction of import controls, rules of origin and the upcoming sanitary and phytosanitary checks.

Question

This session shows how much of a distraction the Prime Minister's behaviour has been. After a recent survey showed that 37% of small businesses felt totally unprepared for the introduction of import controls, rules of origin and the upcoming sanitary and phytosanitary checks, will he listen to the Federation of Small Businesses and introduce financial and technical support for those small businesses?

Answer from Boris Johnson

What we are doing is offering financial and technical support to businesses, which are responding magnificently. As we come out of the pandemic, as I said to the House earlier, we are seeing record numbers of people in work and youth unemployment at a record low.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was partially addressed but did not directly commit to listening to FSB or providing support.

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Q27 Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Significant Roman and fossil discoveries have been made recently in Rutland, prompting a call to build new tourism infrastructure.

Question

The motto of England's smallest county, Rutland, is “multum in parvo”—much in little—and never has that been more true than in the last two weeks, with the greatest Roman discovery in 200 years and the discovery of an ichthyosaur, the greatest fossil discovery in 100 years. Will my right hon. Friend please support us to build a new tourism industry and two heritage museums in Rutland to preserve these amazing discoveries?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am agog. I long to come to see these extraordinary additions to the cultural heritage of Rutland. I thank my hon. Friend for drawing it to my attention, and I look forward to making a visit as soon as I can.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment was made regarding support for building new tourism infrastructure or museums.

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Q28 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Energy Environment
Context

The Government's flagship green homes grant scheme has collapsed, with very few vouchers issued.

Question

The Government's flagship green homes grant scheme collapsed in a £1.5 billion shambles at the end of last year, with just 81 vouchers issued in Cambridge and just 85 issued in the Prime Minister's constituency. With energy bills about to go through the roof, what is it about this Government that makes them so peculiarly unable to run a basic loft-lagging scheme?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We are supporting measures to retrofit homes up and down the country to improve insulation. We are also supporting people with the costs of their fuel, and we will continue to do that through the warm homes discount, the winter fuel allowance and all the other payments we make.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The collapse of the green homes grant scheme was not directly addressed; instead general support for insulation was stated.

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Q29 Virginia Crosbie
Wales Local Government
Context

The UK Government is considering establishing a freeport in Wales, which could impact local economies and industries.

Question

Can the Prime Minister confirm to me and my Ynys Môn constituents that the UK Government are committed to at least one freeport in Wales? Will he update the House on how discussions are progressing with the Welsh Government?

Answer from Boris Johnson

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is indeed talking to his counterparts in the Welsh Government about establishing a freeport in Wales. I urge our friends in the Welsh Government to agree those plans as a matter of urgency.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm commitment to at least one freeport, only mentioned ongoing discussions without progress update or timeline.

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Q30 Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Government commissioned the National Centre for Social Research to research the use of health and disability benefits, but have not yet published findings despite their protocol stating that social research must promote public trust.

Question

The cost of living crisis is hitting disabled people hard. Will the Prime Minister commit today to publishing the research on the use of health and disability benefits?

Answer from Boris Johnson

We will do everything we can to support people throughout the recovery from the pandemic, we will support disabled people and we will continue to increase our support for families up and down the country. The hon. Lady requests that we publish the research, and we will do so as soon as we can.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeline or deadline for publishing the research, only promised to do it 'as soon as possible'.

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Q31 Mark Jenkinson
Energy
Context

The Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill is undergoing legislative processes, and there is interest in bringing both large and small new nuclear projects to Cumbria.

Question

Following the Third Reading of our landmark Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill this week, will he put his weight behind my efforts and those of my Cumbrian colleagues to bring large and small new nuclear to Cumbria?

Answer from Boris Johnson

My hon. Friend is right that one of the disasters of the Labour Administration was that, over 13 years, they allowed a total collapse in our nuclear power, which is one of the reasons why we have a shortage of energy. That is why we are now investing in small modular reactors, as well as investing in the big projects.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specifically commit to supporting Cumbria's nuclear projects, only stated general support for nuclear investment without mentioning Cumbria specifically.

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Q32 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Democracy & Elections
Context

The Prime Minister's conduct at a social event has been scrutinised, leading to reputational damage for individuals involved and questioning of his integrity.

Question

How stupid does he think the British people are? The worst of it is that he has already managed to completely destroy Allegra Stratton's career and tarnished the reputation of Lord Geidt. Would it not be absolutely despicable if, in the search for a scapegoat, some junior member of staff ended up losing their job while he kept his?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I am grateful, as ever, to the hon. Gentleman—I think a former member of the Conservative party, as I understand it—for his party political advice. I do not agree with him. I have come to this House to make amends, to explain what happened on 20 May and to apologise.

Not addressed: Did not address why only one person has resigned; instead defended himself against criticism.

How: Deflecting Onto Party Political Advice

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Q33 Jonathan Gullis
Transport
Context

The Stoke-on-Trent City Council has submitted a Bus Back Better bid for £90 million to improve local bus services and infrastructure, reflecting public demand.

Question

Hundreds of respondents took part in the Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke Bus Back Better survey, with 80% saying they would use the bus more if services were improved. Will the Prime Minister make our day in Stoke-on-Trent and announce that the £90 million is coming soon?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank my hon. Friend for his fantastic championing of Stoke-on-Trent. I also thank him for volunteering to serve as a teacher again during the pandemic—a wonderful thing to do. I will certainly see what we can do to satisfy his request for more buses in Stoke as fast as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm funding or provide a timeline, only promised to 'see what we can do' and to work towards it.

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Q34 Edward Davey Lib Dem Kingston and Surbiton
Standards & Ethics
Context

The Prime Minister's conduct in a partygate incident has been widely criticised, prompting calls for his resignation.

Question

I join the tributes to Jack Dromey. After another shameful week for the Prime Minister's Government, this has been a shameful attempt to apologise to the House today. Can the Prime Minister explain why the only person to have resigned so far following this scandal is Allegra Stratton, while he still sits in his place? Will he accept that the party is over and decide to resign?

Answer from Boris Johnson

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question. I respect the point he is making, but I must say I disagree. I would ask him to wait and see what the inquiry says. I will be very happy to talk to him then.

Not addressed: Did not explain why only one person has resigned; instead asked for patience until an inquiry completes.

How: Deflecting Onto Waiting For Inquiry Results

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