Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 30 November 2022 · 27 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 14 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister was asked about Scottish independence and referenced a previous referendum as a once-in-a-generation event, focusing instead on constructive work and investment.
  • Prime Minister responded to concerns about China, noting different values and an intent to reshape the international order, with actions like the National Security and Investment Act.
  • Responses to questions about education funding included statements on increasing school standards and investment, contrasting with criticism of past Labour policies on school closures.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tommy Sheppard SNP
Scotland
Context

The Smith Commission promised that Scotland could become an independent country if the people chose so. The Prime Minister's predecessor committed to this view.

Question

In 2014, David Cameron signed up to the Smith commission promising Scottish independence as a choice for the people of Scotland. Does the Prime Minister share this view? If yes, will he bring forward legislation to allow this choice after last week's Supreme Court judgment?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The previous referendum was described as a once-in-a-generation event. The focus is now on working constructively together, and in the hon. Gentleman's area, we are investing hundreds of millions of pounds in growth deals and projects like the new concert hall to enhance Edinburgh's cultural reputation.

Not addressed: Bringing forward legislation for a Scottish independence referendum

How: Shifting Focus To Constructive Work, Promoting Investment In Scotland

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Q2 Paul Beresford Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Concerns over China's influence are growing, especially in the south Pacific region.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that China is more than just a systemic challenge and is an expanding, serious geopolitical threat?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

China has different values from ours with an authoritarian leadership intent on reshaping the international order. We have passed the National Security and Investment Act 2021, used it to block Newport Wafer Fab sale, and ensured China's state-owned nuclear energy corporation is no longer involved in Sizewell C project.

Answered
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Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Education Economy
Context

Winchester College charges over £45,000 a year in fees. The Prime Minister handed nearly £6 million of taxpayers' money to the college.

Question

Why did the Prime Minister hand Winchester College nearly £6 million of taxpayers' money this year when his Levelling Up Secretary has called it egregious state support? Is that better spent on rifle ranges at Winchester or driving up standards in Southampton?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We recently announced billions more in funding for schools, helping millions of disadvantaged children to catch up with their lost learning and driving up school standards. During covid, the Leader of the Opposition wanted to keep schools closed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Better use of funds in Southampton vs Winchester College

How: Changing Focus To Overall Education Funding

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Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Education
Context

The Prime Minister's Levelling Up Secretary described scrapping handouts to Winchester College as ending 'burning injustices'. In Southampton, four in ten pupils failed English or maths GCSE this year.

Question

Is £6 million of taxpayers' money better spent on rifle ranges at Winchester or driving up standards in Southampton? The Prime Minister's Education Secretary said we could scarcely find a better way to end burning injustices than scrapping these handouts.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Now almost 90% of schools are good or outstanding, thanks to Conservative reforms. The Leader of the Opposition attacks the aspiration of millions by attacking where I went to school.

Not addressed: Driving up standards in Southampton vs Winchester College funding

How: Attacking Opposition'S Approach, Highlighting Education Improvements

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Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Education
Context

The Prime Minister's Education Minister has asked how much better it would be if Conservatives got rid of handouts to private schools. The Prime Minister talks about his record on improving education.

Question

Is the route to better education giving tax breaks for private schools in hope they will help state schools? Is the Prime Minister willing to end Tory scandals and put £1.7 billion annually towards real improvement?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Our reforms are leading to higher standards in reading and writing, more good and outstanding schools, and increased investment in every single school.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Ending handouts to private schools for public funding improvement

How: Highlighting Improvements, Not Addressing Tory Scandals

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Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Housing
Context

The Prime Minister talks about aspiration but house ownership is more remote now than when his party came to power.

Question

How are they killing off aspiration in this country, not just for education but home ownership? Why is the dream of home ownership more distant now?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

In 12 years, we have seen the highest number of new homes started in 15 years and the largest number of first-time buyers in 20 years. When they came to power, there was a low level of house building.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Home ownership aspirations under current government vs previous one

How: Highlighting Home Building Achievements

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Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Housing
Context

Discusses the increasing age at which people can buy their first home under the current government. Highlights that a child born today may not be able to afford a home until they are 45.

Question

The simple fact is this: every year, the age at which people can buy their first home goes up. At this rate, under this Government, a child born in the UK today would not be able to buy their first home until they were 45. I have heard that the right hon. Gentleman is having a relaunch. Apparently it is called Operation Get Tough, so how tough is he going to get with his Back Benchers who are blocking the new homes this country so badly needs?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are delivering record numbers of new homes under this Government. That is what we are doing. The right hon. and learned Gentleman talks about toughness. He is too weak to stop dozens of his own MPs joining the picket lines.

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Q8 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Immigration Economy Housing
Context

Refers to the government giving money to private schools, oil giants, and those not paying taxes. Expresses frustration with government's inability to defeat amendments from Back Benchers regarding housing targets.

Question

Whether it is private schools, oil giants or those who do not pay their taxes here, every week the right hon. Gentleman hands out cash to those who do not need it. Every week he gets pushed around, and every week he gets weaker. But I can help him with this one. He does not need to do another grubby deal. If he wants to defeat that amendment from his anti-growth Back Benchers on national targets for housing, Labour will lend him the votes to do so.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We did hear that the right hon. and learned Gentleman is too weak to confirm there will be no one on the picket lines. It is the same old Labour ideas: more debt, more inflation, more strikes and more migration.

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Q9 Fiona Bruce Con
Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

UK hosted an international conference on preventing sexual violence in conflict, with over 50 countries agreeing to end such violence. Highlighted the need for more action and work with young people to stop religion or belief being weaponised.

Question

The UK again highlighted the need for more action to prevent sexual violence in conflict this week at an international conference. Given reports that a third of women in conflict zones can be victims, will the Prime Minister champion my work as his special envoy for freedom of religion or belief with young people across the world to stop religion or belief being weaponised?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I am incredibly grateful to my hon. Friend for her dedicated work in this area. She is absolutely right to highlight the fact that, this week, the UK hosted the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative conference where over 50 different countries have agreed to put an end to sexual violence in conflict.

Answered
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Q10 Ian Blackford SNP
Brexit
Context

Sent condolences to Doddie Weir's family. Criticized the Prime Minister for passing a Bill that would rip up 4,000 pieces of European law protecting workers' rights, food standards, and environmental protections.

Question

Let me wish everyone a happy St Andrew's day. That is why it is such a sad sight to watch this Prime Minister ram through a Bill that would rip up 4,000 pieces of European law—laws that protect workers' rights, food standards and environmental protections. And it is an even worse sight watching the leader of the Labour party desperately trying to out-Brexit the Prime Minister, ruling out freedom of movement and any hope of a Swiss-style deal.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I join the right hon. Gentleman in offering our condolences to the family and friends of Doddie Weir, to whom I pay tribute for his campaign to raise awareness of motor neurone disease, which has made a big difference.

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Q11 Ian Blackford SNP
Brexit
Context

Critiqued the Prime Minister's approach to Brexit, noting that many people now believe leaving the EU was wrong. Asked about the democratic path for Scotland to escape Westminster control and deliver independence.

Question

Once again, what we are seeing on Brexit is “better together”—we are used to that in Scotland. The problem for both the Prime Minister and the Labour leader when it comes to Brexit is that even their own voters do not agree with them. Can the Prime Minister finally tell people in Scotland what is the democratic path to escape Westminster control and deliver independence?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The right hon. Gentleman talks about democracy and votes. The difference between us is that I respect the result of referendums. Let us remember one thing: we had the fastest vaccine roll-out in the world because of our freedoms after leaving the European Union.

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Q12 Mark Pawsey Con
Business & Trade
Context

The UK aims for all new cars sold to be electric by 2030, necessitating a battery manufacturing site. Assembly of EVs is happening elsewhere where batteries are made.

Question

Manufacturing remains key in the west midlands, particularly automotive. My constituency has firms in Jaguar Land Rover's supply chain and I ask if the government will support a bid for an electric vehicle battery gigafactory in Coventry to secure investment and grow our EV supply chain.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are committed to securing investment for the electric vehicle supply chain. £350 million of funding was announced for the automotive transformation fund to support development, though I cannot comment on individual commercial negotiations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to supporting a specific gigafactory bid in Coventry

How: Cannot Comment On Individual Commercial Negotiations

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Q13 Colum Eastwood Social Democratic & Labour Party Social Democratic and Labour Party
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The BBC announced cuts to programming and jobs at BBC Radio Foyle, impacting the station's sustainability. The BBC charter requires engaging audiences on local issues.

Question

Yesterday, BBC Northern Ireland announced cuts to programming and jobs at BBC Radio Foyle, leaving it unsustainable outside of Greater Belfast for proper local coverage. Will the Prime Minister act to defend this important public broadcasting service?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I strongly support local public broadcasting and have taken steps to support it. I will look at the specific issue raised and bring it up with the BBC.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to taking action, only said he would look into it

How: Will Be Happy To Look At

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Q14 Angela Richardson
Women & Equalities
Context

The people of Guildford demand safety for women and girls. Concerned students at the University of Surrey requested additional lighting on Yorkie's bridge.

Question

I have been successful in getting lights turned back on, including on Yorkie's bridge to improve student safety. Does my right hon Friend agree that tackling violence against women and girls should not be compromised even during difficult times?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are committed to making our streets safer and have created initiatives like the safer streets fund, StreetSafe tool for pinpointing unsafe locations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly affirm commitment to tackling violence against women and girls

How: Like My Hon Friend, We Are Committed

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Q15 Abena Oppong-Asare Lab Erith and Thamesmead
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Two teenagers were tragically killed in the constituency, prompting a call for addressing serious youth violence.

Question

Charlie Bartolo and Kearne Solanke were tragically killed this weekend. We need to address and tackle serious youth violence and the knife crime epidemic. What is being done by the Prime Minister?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are increasing police officers, lifting restrictions on stop and search, introducing new court orders targeting known offenders, and supporting local efforts to make streets safer.

Answered
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Q16 Gordon Henderson Con
Immigration Asylum & Refugees
Context

Cross-channel migrants are coming in small boats illegally, putting pressure on the UK's asylum system.

Question

What emergency legislation will be brought forward to deport those who came across the channel illegally and are now housed in taxpayer-funded hotels?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are determined to use new powers from the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 to control our borders and reduce illegal crossings.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not mention emergency legislation directly

How: Determined To Do Whatever It Takes

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Q17 Andy McDonald Lab Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Economy Employment
Context

Nurses, railway workers among others are taking industrial action to make ends meet, demanding wage increases.

Question

Why doesn't the Prime Minister give nurses and other striking workers a 19% wage increase funded by taxing rich individuals at the same rate as workers?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

A 19% pay rise is unreasonable and unaffordable. The impact on inflation must be considered, but I admire nurses' work.

Not addressed: Did not address the funding of wage increases directly

How: Unreasonable, Unaffordable

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Q18 Esther McVey Con Tatton
Transport
Context

The train service between Wilmslow and London has deteriorated, with less direct trains and longer travel times.

Question

My constituents are unhappy with the decline in quality of Avanti's train service. What will the Government do to restore the full direct service between Manchester and London?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The deterioration is unacceptable, the Transport Secretary monitors Avanti and plans involve increasing trains and restoring services with union cooperation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify what specific measures will be taken by government

How: Monitoring, Holding To Account

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Q19 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Education Children & Families
Context

Marcus Rashford advocated for free school meals and recently performed well on the pitch. Conservative Members previously opposed such measures.

Question

Given Marcus Rashford's advocacy, will the Prime Minister deliver on his promise to provide free school meals for every child living in poverty?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We support almost 2 million children with free school meals and invested hundreds of millions in the holiday activities and food programme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about committing to providing free school meals for every child in poverty was not directly addressed

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Q20 Flick Drummond Con
Children & Families
Context

The pandemic increased the number of children being home-educated by 34%, and local authorities struggle to monitor these children's educational welfare.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend bring forward a register of home-schooled children so they can be identified and their needs ensured?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We support parents' rights to home-educate, but local authorities must identify those missing education. Guidance on arrangements is published.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about a register of home-schooled children was not directly addressed

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Q21 Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Employment Business Compliance
Context

Royal Mail announced losses, job cuts, and threats to universal service obligation after record payouts to shareholders.

Question

Why have the Government not committed to investigating Royal Mail's mismanagement and protecting its future and workers?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Striking is not the right approach, especially demanding unaffordable pay increases for taxpayers. The Government supports postal workers but opposes excessive demands.

Not addressed: The specific ask about investigating Royal Mail and protecting its obligations was completely avoided

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Q22 Andrew Percy Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Brigg and Goole is one of the most flood-prone areas, with £5.4 billion in flood defence money available.

Question

Ahead of next year's Budget, may I ask the Prime Minister to ease rules around spending flood defence money on maintenance?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I am happy to consider my hon. Friend's request about easing rules for flood defence funding, given the investment made by the Government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about easing rules was not directly answered but mentioned as a consideration

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Q23 Colleen Fletcher Lab
Education Mental Health
Context

A vulnerable child had to stay at a police station for two days due to lack of mental health support.

Question

Will the Prime Minister accept Labour's plans to scrap private school charitable status and use funds for mental health professionals in every school?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We have committed to offering state schools a grant to train senior mental health leads and are increasing support for those with eating disorders.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about scrapping private school charitable status was not directly addressed

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Q24 Paul Bristow
Migrants & Borders
Context

There is a national emergency regarding people crossing the channel and staying in hotels.

Question

Is it time to have a Cobra-style Committee involving multiple departments to tackle this crisis?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We will do whatever it takes to reduce illegal crossings, and I want to work with my hon. Friend on this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about a Cobra-style committee was not directly addressed but acknowledged as important

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Q25 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The Regulatory Policy Committee stated that the Retained EU Law Bill is not fit for purpose, and businesses face economic damage under this agenda.

Question

If the Prime Minister wants to protect the economy and SMEs, why not scrap the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We will take advantage of our freedoms to drive growth in sectors like life sciences, reduce data burdens on SMEs, and ensure financial services prosperity.

Not addressed: The specific ask about scrapping the Bill was completely avoided

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Q26 Paul Holmes Con Hamble Valley
Transport
Context

Eastleigh has been promised a Chickenhall Lane bypass since the 1970s, but the project remains stalled. The questioner seeks action to advance this long-awaited infrastructure.

Question

My right hon. Friend and the Chancellor have rightly pointed out that levelling up is for the whole of the United Kingdom. As a Southampton man, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will know that, since the 1970s, Eastleigh has been promised a much-needed Chickenhall Lane bypass. Will he agree to meet me and Hampshire County Council to finally get the project moving?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

It is right that we spread opportunity across the country, including in Eastleigh and the south. I understand that it is for Hampshire County Council to bring forward the proposal for the bypass, which I hope it will do at the next funding opportunity, and I will ensure that my hon. Friend and the council have a meeting with a Transport Minister as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not confirm a direct commitment to meet for the Chickenhall Lane bypass project but stated it is for Hampshire County Council to bring forward the proposal.

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Q27 Alan Brown SNP
Climate Scotland
Context

Tory ideology has blocked onshore wind development in Scotland for years, with the Peterhead carbon capture cluster losing out on funding twice and pump storage hydro schemes being blocked due to lack of pricing mechanism discussion.

Question

Tory ideology has blocked onshore wind development in Scotland for years. The Peterhead carbon capture cluster has lost out on funding twice and is still only classed as a reserve. Pump storage hydro schemes have been blocked because the UK Government will not discuss a pricing mechanism. If the Prime Minister actually cares about net zero and Scottish jobs, will he at least take action to advance Peterhead carbon capture and storage and pump storage hydro in Scotland?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Not only are we supporting in this country carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and offshore wind—all new technologies that will help us to get to net zero and will create jobs in Scotland—but we are supporting our transition. That is good for the Scottish economy and good for Scottish jobs, and something the SNP would do well to support.

Not addressed: The answer did not address the specific ask about advancing Peterhead carbon capture and storage or pump storage hydro projects but instead discussed general support for new technologies and transition.

How: Discussed General Support, Did Not Address Specific Projects

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