Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 26 October 2022 · 26 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 6 Partly answered 13 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Alan Whitehead congratulated the Prime Minister on becoming PM and asked if he would change his stance on onshore wind development, which the Prime Minister declined to do.
  • Philip Davies questioned the Prime Minister about levelling up in Yorkshire, to which the Prime Minister confirmed his commitment to the levelling up agenda, particularly in Yorkshire.
  • Keir Starmer welcomed the Prime Minister as the first British Asian PM and inquired about the resignation of the Home Secretary, with the Prime Minister stating it was justified and that the Home Secretary had made a mistake.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alan Whitehead Lab
Energy
Context

During his campaign to become Prime Minister, he pledged to prohibit onshore wind development. This pledge is now under scrutiny as onshore wind has become the cheapest form of power in the UK.

Question

I congratulate the Prime Minister on his new post and welcome a fellow Southampton supporter into No. 10. During his last campaign for PM, he pledged to prohibit any onshore wind development, which is now the cheapest form of power available. Will he change his mind?

Answer from Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind words and look forward to seeing him at St Mary's, although my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House may have something to say about our love of the Saints. When it comes to energy policy, I stick by what we said in our manifesto: more renewables, offshore wind, and indeed more nuclear, which is what this Government will deliver.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify if he would reconsider onshore wind development

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Q2 Philip Davies Con
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The speaker expected to be offered a ministerial position and is surprised not to have been.

Question

I am shocked to be asking a question, knowing Mr Speaker thought I would already have received an offer for a ministerial post. Can you confirm your commitment to levelling up in Yorkshire?

Answer from Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)

I am grateful for my hon. Friend's warm remarks and can confirm he is the only person who texted me to say he does not want a job. I give him my cast-iron commitment to levelling up, particularly in Yorkshire. However, by the end of the year an announcement will be made on successful bids, which he wishes luck with.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details about levelling up commitments

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Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Standards & Ethics
Context

The Home Secretary resigned for a breach of security after sending sensitive documents from her personal account.

Question

May I welcome the Prime Minister as the first British Asian PM? This is significant in our national story. It was also recently announced that the Home Secretary resigned last week due to a breach of security. Was this resignation justified?

Answer from Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)

I thank the right hon. and learned Gentleman for his kind welcome. The Home Secretary made an error of judgment but recognised it, raised the matter and accepted her mistake. That is why I was delighted to welcome her back into a united Cabinet focused on cracking down on criminals and defending our borders.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address whether resignation decision was valid

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

The Prime Minister appointed a Home Secretary who was recently sacked by his predecessor for sending sensitive documents from her personal account.

Question

Yesterday, the PM promised integrity and professionalism but then appointed a Home Secretary sacked last week for sending around sensitive documents. Has there been any criticism or concerns raised internally about this decision?

Answer from Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)

I just addressed the issue of the Home Secretary. The right hon. and learned Gentleman talked about fighting crime. I hope he welcomes the news that there are over 15,000 new police officers on our streets. The Home Secretary will support them to tackle burglaries.

Not addressed: Changed topic entirely without addressing internal concerns

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Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Economy Democracy & Elections
Context

The Prime Minister admitted that the Tories have crashed the economy and now someone has to pay for their mess. Labour argues it should not be working people.

Question

Yesterday, on the steps of Downing Street, he admitted what everyone knows: the Tories have crashed the economy and now somebody must pay for their mess. I say it shouldn't be working people but those with broad shoulders stepping up. Does he agree?

Answer from Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)

The right hon. and learned Gentleman talked about party first and country second. Perhaps he can explain why, a few years ago, he supported Jeremy Corbyn. My record is clear: I protect the most vulnerable during difficult times.

Not addressed: Attacked Labour's past support for Corbyn instead of answering economic policy stance

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Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Taxation
Context

Labour argues that non-domiciled status allows very rich people to live in the UK but register abroad for tax purposes, costing £3.2 billion annually.

Question

The Prime Minister says he will protect the most vulnerable. Let's test this: the Government allow very rich people to live here and register abroad for tax purposes (non-dom status). It costs £3.2 billion annually. Why not get rid of it?

Answer from Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)

We will take difficult decisions to restore economic stability and confidence, which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor will set out in an autumn statement soon. We will protect the most vulnerable during difficult times. Labour has finally realised spending needs to be paid for.

Not addressed: Did not address why non-domiciled status is not removed

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

Keir Starmer referenced a video revealing Rishi Sunak boasting about moving money away from deprived areas to wealthy places.

Question

He was secretly recorded at a garden party in Tunbridge Wells, boasting to Tory members that he moved money away from deprived areas to wealthy places. Why does he not now undo the changes made to funding formulas?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

This Government will support deprived areas in rural, coastal, and southern communities because we are a Government who delivers for people across the UK. When I was running for leader, I promised honesty about challenges; he told his party what they wanted to hear.

Not addressed: Did not address the request to undo changes to funding formulas

How: Changed Subject, Criticised Opposition

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Q8 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS Education Democracy & Elections
Context

Keir Starmer referenced a video revealing Rishi Sunak boasting about moving money away from deprived areas to wealthy places.

Question

He was secretly recorded at a garden party, saying one thing in public but doing another. Why does he not call a general election for working people to judge?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Our mandate is based on a manifesto that won the last election, promising a stronger NHS, better schools, safer streets, control of borders and levelling up. This is what we will deliver for the British people.

Not addressed: Did not address call for general election

How: Changed Subject, Criticised Opposition

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Q9 Heather Wheeler Con
NHS
Context

A new Prime Minister took office, and Heather Wheeler welcomed the opportunity to ask about NHS workforce issues.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend use his first appearance at the Dispatch Box to make it clear that, as well as opening up more training spaces, they must allow new doctors and dentists to work in the UK so that the good people of South Derbyshire can get treatment on the NHS?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

3,500 more doctors and over 9,000 more nurses are working this year than last. We are simplifying registration for dentists who have not trained here so they can practise here.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q10 Ian Blackford SNP
Economy Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The new Prime Minister promised to bring compassion to challenges. Ian Blackford tested this by asking about the upcoming energy price increase and social security benefit cuts.

Question

A winter of uncertainty is coming, with millions facing a double whammy when the energy price guarantee is cut off while households are hit by austerity 2.0 and real-terms cuts to social security benefits. Will he reassure people today and guarantee that benefits will rise in line with inflation?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My record is clear: I protected the most vulnerable during difficult times. We will continue to act like this in the weeks ahead.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific commitment on benefits rising with inflation

How: Promised General Principles

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Q11 Ian Blackford SNP
Scotland Standards & Ethics
Context

Ian Blackford questioned the Prime Minister's recent Home Secretary appointment, citing previous controversies.

Question

The Prime Minister appointed a Home Secretary who was forced to resign for breaching the ministerial code. Given his promise of governing with integrity and humility, will he admit his mistake and sack the Home Secretary without delay?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I spoke to the First Minister of Scotland on my first day in office, expressing desire for constructive work with the Scottish Government. We will collaborate on shared challenges.

Not addressed: Did not address call to sack Home Secretary or admit mistake

How: Changed Subject

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Q12 Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire
Environment
Context

A proposed waste incinerator in the constituency has sparked local opposition. The government is reviewing air quality targets.

Question

I am concerned about the burning issue of a proposed waste incinerator at Westbury, which has been met with strong community resistance. With the Government now reevaluating their air quality goals, will you commit to placing a moratorium on any more unnecessary toxic waste burners to promote public health and environmental sustainability?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Local authorities determine such issues, but I reassure my hon. Friend that all large incinerators in England must comply with strict emission limits and receive permits only if they do not cause damage to human health.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about a moratorium was not addressed.

How: Reassuring Without Commitment

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Q13 Caroline Lucas Green
Environment
Context

The previous Prime Minister's actions regarding fracking have raised significant concerns among environmental groups. The Conservative manifesto included a pledge to maintain the moratorium on fracking.

Question

Given the predecessor's damaging actions towards nature, millions of people from conservation organisations are demanding action. Will you reverse her decision to allow fracking, which is known to be unsafe, and uphold the 2019 manifesto commitment to maintain the moratorium?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I stand by the manifesto on that issue. This Government passed the Environment Act 2021, which provides substantial protection for the natural environment with a clear plan to deliver it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about reversing fracking approval was not addressed.

How: Highlighting Other Achievements

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Q14 Simon Baynes
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farmers in the constituency are pleased with recent developments allowing Welsh lamb to be sold in the US market after a long period without access.

Question

I am delighted that farmers can once again export Welsh lamb to the United States. Could you comment on the potential size and prospects of this market for our high-quality Welsh lamb?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I congratulate my hon. Friend on that achievement. The US market could be worth nearly £40 million over the first few years, a significant boost to UK farming.

Answered
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Q15 Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East
Economy Democracy & Elections
Context

The cost of living is rising sharply, with constituents facing increased costs for wages, rent, energy, and mortgages. There are demands from constituents for a general election.

Question

My inbox is full of emails about the increasing cost of living impacting constituents' finances negatively. In light of this, my constituents are calling for an early general election to address these issues. When will there be a general election?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We will focus on reducing inflation and supporting those in need, rather than calling for an immediate election.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about the timing of an election was not directly addressed.

How: Focusing On Policy Instead

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Q16 Bim Afolami Con
Environment
Context

There is a campaign to extend the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to include more areas in rural Hertfordshire.

Question

I am launching a campaign to extend the Chilterns AONB across thousands of acres in my constituency. Will you support this initiative and celebrate areas protected by AONB status?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I thank my hon. Friend for his campaign. I understand that Natural England is considering an extension of the Chilterns AONB.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not directly committed to, only acknowledged consideration.

How: Acknowledging Without Commitment

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Q17 Richard Burgon Lab Leeds East
NHS Taxation
Context

The Prime Minister's wealth and the current economic situation have raised questions about fairness in taxation. There is a call for wealth taxes on the super-rich to address income inequality.

Question

Given my research, a nurse would need 20,000 years of work to match the Prime Minister's wealth. Considering this, wouldn't it be fairer to introduce wealth taxes on the wealthiest in our society rather than announcing further austerity measures?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We support hard-working nurses with increased training, funding, and pay. We will make decisions that are fair and compassionate as we tackle challenges.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about wealth taxes was not addressed directly.

How: Highlighting Support For Workers

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Q18 Helen Whately Con Faversham and Mid Kent
NHS
Context

The Care Quality Commission's report highlighted significant issues within the NHS, including backlogs in GP appointments and treatment waits. There is a call for prioritizing action to address these challenges.

Question

I welcome your commitment to be transparent about our national challenges. The CQC's latest report shows that the health system is facing severe blockages. Given my constituents' struggles with access to GPs and treatments, I urge you to prioritize unblocking the NHS as a top priority for both you and the Health Secretary.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My hon. Friend is correct about the challenges facing us. We are investing billions in busting backlogs through funding and staffing, as committed in our manifesto.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not directly addressed, only acknowledged.

How: Acknowledging Challenge Without Direct Commitment

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Q19 Alyn Smith
Scotland
Context

The SNP believes Scotland's best future is independence in Europe, as supported by recent opinion polls. The Prime Minister needs to maintain credibility with the Scottish public.

Question

I add my congratulations on the Prime Minister's appointment; we might not agree on everything, but I think we can all agree that a more diverse politics can only be to the good. We on the Scottish National party Benches believe that Scotland's best future is independence in Europe. If the Prime Minister is to maintain any credibility in the eyes of the people of Scotland, how long does he think he can deny Scotland's democracy?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind words. He talked about respect, and I gently urge him to respect the result of the referendum that we had on this topic. While we will disagree on that issue, I remain committed to working constructively in partnership with the Scottish Government to deliver for the people of Scotland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment or timeframe regarding Scotland's independence

How: Remain Committed, Working Constructively

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Q20 Mark Eastwood
Transport Local Government
Context

Year 3 and year 6 pupils at Boothroyd Primary Academy have suggested measures to improve road safety after a number of serious accidents.

Question

Last week, I visited worried year 3 and year 6 pupils to hear their suggestions to tackle road safety following a number of serious road accidents outside Boothroyd Primary Academy in Dewsbury. They suggested that the council should do more to help, that their parents should walk them to school to reduce traffic and that commuters should slow down. Does my right hon. Friend agree with me and with them that we all have a part to play in ensuring road safety outside our schools?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

It is fantastic that my hon. Friend is engaging with his younger constituents at Boothroyd Academy on such an important issue, and I know that they will welcome his commitment to supporting them. I agree that there are various things that we can do. There is an updated highway code that strengthens pedestrian access; local authorities can introduce lower speed limits; and we are increasing the number of school streets, which restrict motorised traffic at busy times.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q21 Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberafan Maesteg
Defence Standards & Ethics
Context

Gavin Williamson was sacked in 2019 for leaking sensitive information related to national security. There are serious consequences to political appointments based on horse-trading.

Question

Yesterday, the Prime Minister stood on the steps of Downing Street and said that he wanted to restore trust, yet in the past 24 hours, we have seen that he is prepared shamelessly to swap red boxes for political support. There are serious consequences to all this horse-trading, so I would like him to be clear on this point: did he seek or receive any advice on security concerns about the right hon. Member for South Staffordshire (Sir Gavin Williamson) before his appointment to the Government yesterday, given that the right hon. Member was sacked in 2019 for leaking sensitive information relating to our national security?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The hon. Member is talking about events that happened four years ago. He is right to raise the topic of national security, because four years ago Opposition Members were busy supporting the right hon. Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn), who wanted to abolish the nuclear deterrent, leave NATO and scrap our armed forces.

Not addressed: Security concerns about Gavin Williamson's appointment

How: Events That Happened Four Years Ago

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Q22 Andrea Leadsom Con
Justice & Courts Foreign Affairs
Context

Harry Dunn, a constituent of Andrea Leadsom, was killed in a tragic road accident more than three years ago.

Question

I sincerely congratulate my right hon. Friend and wish him every success. More than three years ago, my constituent Harry Dunn was killed in a tragic road accident. Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating Harry Dunn's family on the incredible campaign they have run for more than three years, with huge support from all colleagues across the House, and on finally achieving justice for Harry?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend for her role and to the former Foreign Secretary and colleagues across the House for the part that they have played in bringing about that outcome. My thoughts are with the family, and I join my right hon. Friend in her sentiment that it is very welcome.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q23 Daisy Cooper Lib Dem St Albans
NHS
Context

There has been speculation that the new Prime Minister and Chancellor might seek to cut infrastructure projects. Daisy Cooper's local hospital trust is set to benefit from the new hospital programme.

Question

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in my area is still hoping to receive funds from the new hospital programme—the same programme that is supposed to deliver the Government's so-called 40 new hospitals. There has been a lot of speculation that the new Prime Minister and his Chancellor might seek to cut infrastructure projects, so can the Prime Minister confirm that my local hospital trust, as well as all the other local hospital trusts that are set to benefit from the new hospital programme, will in fact get that money—yes or no?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Chancellor will set out our plans in the autumn statement shortly, but this is the Government who put in place plans that will significantly increase capital expenditure. Even though difficult decisions need to be made, I think the country can rest assured that we will continue to invest in our future productivity and, indeed, invest in our public services like the NHS.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific confirmation of funding for West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

How: Difficult Decisions Need To Be Made

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Q24 Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills
Housing Environment
Context

8,000 new homes are at risk in Wendy Morton's constituency. She seeks reassurance from the Prime Minister on protecting the green belt.

Question

In Aldridge-Brownhills, we are at risk of 8,000 new homes being dumped in the constituency. Will my right hon. Friend use this Prime Minister's question as an opportunity to reaffirm the Government's commitment to protecting the green belt and adopting a really rigorous “brownfield first” policy?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I can indeed give my right hon. Friend that assurance. She is absolutely right: we must protect our green belt and we are adopting a “brownfield first” strategy.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q25 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Crime & Law Enforcement Democracy & Elections Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The current Prime Minister was fined by the police for attending a birthday party hosted by his next-door neighbour during the pandemic.

Question

While we welcome the new Prime Minister to his place, we remember that lawbreaking was the order of the day in Downing Street during the pandemic. We will never forget that the current Prime Minister was fined by the police for attending a birthday party hosted by his next-door neighbour. As both a witness to and a participant in that lawbreaking, if he is called to give evidence to the Privileges Committee's investigation into the former Prime Minister, will he fully co-operate?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Of course, and I addressed these matters earlier this year.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q26 Michael Fabricant Con
Economy Housing Local Government
Context

The question follows Michael Fabricant's history of political campaigning in the west midlands and his support for previous Prime Ministers. It references the reappointment of the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Question

Mr Speaker, you will know that I fought hard to bring back Boris. In '97, I campaigned for Kenneth Clarke and then for Michael Portillo, so I cannot always get it right—but I do know about the west midlands. I know that the West Midlands Mayor very much welcomes the reappointment of the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and looks forward to working with our new Prime Minister. May I ask the Prime Minister what his vision is for levelling up?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Our desire is to ensure that wherever people live in our fantastic country, they have enormous pride in the place they call home and have every opportunity to succeed—and you know what? It is the fantastic Mayor Andy Street who is delivering that for his constituents in the west midlands.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not provide a detailed vision or specific commitments on levelling up, focusing instead on general principles and praise for the mayor of West Midlands.

How: General Principles Stated Without Concrete Details

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