Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 1 February 2023 · 28 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 8 Partly answered 12 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister acknowledged widespread recognition of the UK's approach to transparency and tackling corruption.
  • Bob Neill expressed concern over the Arts Council England's funding decisions and their perceived negative impact on access to arts.
  • Keir Starmer raised questions about the Prime Minister's integrity and actions regarding appointments and investigations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North
Standards & Ethics
Context

Transparency International recently released its latest corruption perceptions index, revealing the UK among five countries experiencing a decline in scores.

Question

As the Prime Minister reaches 100 days in office this week, having pledged a Government marked by integrity, what are his thoughts on the UK being one of only five countries to have seen a decrease in Transparency International's corruption index score since last year?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

In fact, there is widespread recognition and support for the UK's approach to transparency and tackling corruption. Indeed, the most recent report from the Financial Action Task Force commended the UK for the steps it had taken.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not directly address the specific question about the decline in Transparency International's corruption index score but instead referred to other sources of support.

How: Changed Subject

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Q2 Bob Neill Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Concerns have been raised about Arts Council England's recent funding decisions, particularly affecting organisations such as the English National Opera.

Question

I refer to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. Arts Council England was established to increase access to great art for the population. There is real concern and anger that its current funding decisions do the exact reverse of that, on the basis of inadequate evidence and a lack of transparency in the process. Will my right hon. Friend meet me and other concerned Members to discuss the situation whereby centres of national excellence, such as the English National Opera, are at risk of closure, and how we can reform the operation of the Arts Council, which many people feel is no longer fit for purpose?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I know my hon. Friend cares deeply about this issue. He will know that decisions made by the Arts Council are taken at arm's length from Government. Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Ministers have been assured that that process was robust, but I will ensure that he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss this important matter further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While the answer acknowledges the issue, it does not provide specific details about reforming Arts Council England's operations or its current funding decisions.

How: Hedging Language

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

The question arises from concerns about the integrity of appointments made by the Prime Minister, specifically regarding his former chair, Nadhim Zahawi.

Question

May I join the Prime Minister in his words about the First Minister of Wales and the sad loss of his wife? Everybody knows just how close they were, and I know he is absolutely devastated by her loss. When the Prime Minister briefly emerged from his hibernation at the weekend, he raised more questions than he answered, so in the interests of integrity and accountability, can he set the record straight? Did his now former chair, the right hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Nadhim Zahawi), tell Government officials that he was under investigation by the taxman before or after the Prime Minister appointed him?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I appointed the independent adviser to investigate this matter fully. He set out his findings in detail over the weekend and, on receipt of those findings, I took action. I refer the right hon. and learned Gentleman to the independent adviser's report.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoids addressing the specific timing of when Zahawi informed officials about being under investigation.

How: Referencing An External Document

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

The question builds on previous concerns about the integrity of appointments made by the Prime Minister, focusing again on Nadhim Zahawi.

Question

Oh, come on! Anybody picking up a newspaper in July last year would have known that Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs and the National Crime Agency were investigating months before the Prime Minister appointed the right hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon. The Independent said on 6 July: “New chancellor's finances secretly investigated by National Crime Agency.” The Observer said three days later, on 9 July: “Revealed: officials raised 'flag' over…tax affairs before he was appointed chancellor.” The Financial Times the next day, 10 July, said: “Pressure builds…to explain his finances.” Is the Prime Minister saying that his officials hid this information from him, or was he just too incurious to ask any questions?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

As I have said before at the Dispatch Box, the usual appointments process was followed with respect to the Minister without Portfolio. No issues were raised with me at the time of his appointment, but as the independent adviser's report makes clear, there was a serious breach of the ministerial code. That is why I took decisive action on receipt of that report.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not clarify whether officials concealed information or if he failed to inquire about Zahawi's investigation before appointing him.

How: Referencing An External Document

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

Continuing the theme of integrity in appointments, Keir Starmer presses for clarity on whether the Prime Minister was informed about Zahawi's investigation prior to appointment.

Question

So, in relation to his former chair, the Prime Minister's defence is, “Nobody told me. I didn't know. I didn't ask any questions.” Will he now also claim—[Interruption.]

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The right hon. and learned Gentleman asks what was known. I followed due process. I appointed an independent adviser as soon as I was made aware of new information. The independent adviser has conducted his process. If the right hon. and learned Gentleman is so concerned about what people are saying and about behaviour in public life, recently, one of his own MPs was forced to speak out because being in his party had reminded her of being in an abusive relationship. Then, his own office was caught undermining her. He ought to be supporting her and her colleagues, but if he cannot be trusted to stand up for the women in his party, he cannot be trusted to stand up for Britain.

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address whether anyone informed him about Zahawi's investigation before appointment.

How: Changing Subject

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

The issue centres on allegations of bullying against the Deputy Prime Minister, prompting questions about the leadership's response to such issues.

Question

At the last count, the Deputy Prime Minister was facing 24 separate allegations of bullying. According to recent reports, some of the complainants were physically sick. One says that they were left suicidal. How would the Prime Minister feel if one of his friends or relatives was forced to work for a bully simply because the man at the top was too weak to do anything about it?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I notice that the right hon. and learned Gentleman did not say anything about how one of his own MPs describes being in his party. When I was made aware of formal complaints, I instructed a leading independent King's counsel to conduct an investigation, because I take action when these things happen. What did the right hon. and learned Gentleman say at the weekend? He said that hate had been allowed to “spread unchallenged” in the Labour party under his predecessor. He was speaking as if he was not even there, but he was sitting right next to the right hon. Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn), supporting him for four long years and not challenging. That is typical of the right hon. and learned Gentleman—declining to lead, sitting on the fence, carping from the sidelines and never standing up for a principle that matters.

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address the bullying allegations against the Deputy Prime Minister directly.

How: Changing Subject, Criticising Opposition

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Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Culture, Media & Sport Standards & Ethics
Context

The Prime Minister faces questions about his predecessors' handling of conduct issues.

Question

In fairness, at least his predecessor did not go around pretending he was a paragon of integrity and accountability. On that subject, was it a coincidence that the two people who arranged an £800,000 line of credit for the former Prime Minister were shortlisted for plum jobs at the BBC and the British Council?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

As I said when we addressed this previously, the appointments process for the BBC chairman is rigorous, transparent and set out in a public code of conduct. Indeed, it was fully supported not just by expert panel members but by the cross-party Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, which included Labour Members who described the appointment as impressive.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask about coincidence between financial arrangements and job applications was not directly addressed

How: Changed Subject

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

The government is expected to pay £250,000 in legal fees for the former Prime Minister's defence over his lockdown rule breaking.

Question

Surely even this Prime Minister can put his foot down, stand up to his old boss and tell him: he made the mess, he can pick up the bill. The Tory party's addiction to sleaze and scandal has done huge damage to this country, and the cost to the public keeps adding up.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The right hon. and learned Gentleman cannot stand up to his union bosses, he cannot stand up for Britain's schoolchildren today and he cannot stand up for the women in his party. We are getting on: we are halving inflation, we are growing the economy, we are reducing debt, we are cutting waiting lists and we are stopping the boats.

Not addressed: Specific ask about legal fees was not addressed

How: Changed Subject

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Q9 Heather Wheeler Con
NHS
Context

Integrated care boards need to prioritise more access to new GP services, especially with the fast rate of housing development.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that integrated care boards must prioritise more access to new GP services, especially in places such as South Derbyshire, where new housing estates are being built at the fastest rate in England?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Government are committed to increasing the number of doctors in general practice, and last year saw the highest ever number of doctors accepting a GP training place. The NHS has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient medical services, including general practice, in each local area.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not explicitly commit to prioritising new GP services for South Derbyshire

How: Changed Subject

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Q10 Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South
Economy Brexit
Context

Three years since Brexit, the UK's trade deficit has grown and the economy is shrinking faster than the Prime Minister's leadership.

Question

Does the Prime Minister still believe that the UK can afford not to be in the European Union? The UK's trade deficit has grown; the economy is being hit to the tune of £100 billion each year

Answer from Rishi Sunak

If the hon. Member actually looks at it, since Brexit the UK has grown exactly the same as Germany. Not only that, but we are taking advantage of Brexit to deliver for people across the UK, whether that is in the fishing and farming communities of Scotland or through the two new freeports that we have just announced.

Not addressed: Specific ask about belief was not addressed

How: Changed Subject

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Q11 Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South
Ukraine Economy Scotland Brexit
Context

2022 and 2023 expected to be the worst years for living standards since the 1930s, with economy performing worse than sanction-hit Russia.

Question

Let us be clear: taken together, 2022 and 2023 are expected to be the worst years for living standards since the 1930s. As the Brexit ship sinks with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition at the helm, can the Prime Minister blame those Scots who want to jump aboard the independence lifeboat?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The No. 1 factor that is impacting people's living standards is inflation caused by high energy prices as a result of a war in Ukraine; it has nothing to do with Brexit. That is why the Government are taking significant action, supporting every family with £900 this winter.

Not addressed: Specific ask about blaming Scottish desire for independence was not addressed

How: Changed Subject

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Q12 David Johnston
NHS
Context

The baby of Gary and Sarah Andrews died shortly after birth due to systemic failures at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which was fined for these issues. The case highlights the need for openness in addressing such hospital failings.

Question

I am concerned about the tragic death of Wynter Andrews just 23 minutes after she was born and the subsequent high fine imposed on Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust for systemic failures in maternity care. Does my right hon. Friend agree that we should have transparency to improve such situations?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I am very sorry to hear about Wynter Andrews' death. The NHS has taken steps to improve care but more needs to be done. Nottingham University Hospitals is receiving expert support, and the royal college is implementing recommendations with £127 million investment. When situations like this arise, transparency is paramount.

Answered
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Q13 Caroline Lucas Green
Environment
Context

Ella Roberta was the first person to have air pollution listed on their death certificate, and her case highlights the need for urgent action. The Government's target of 2040 is seen as too slow by campaigners.

Question

Ella Roberta's tragic death highlighted the impact of poor air quality. Yesterday, the environmental improvement plan pledged to improve air quality but not fast enough according to Ella's mother. Will the Prime Minister meet us both to discuss the proposed 'Ella's law' Bill?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

It is very sad to hear about Ella Roberta's death. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will make a statement later today on legislation. We are confident that measures we are putting in place will be world leading.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting request not addressed

How: Will Make A Statement Later

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Q14 Liam Fox Con
Employment Business & Trade
Context

82% of jobs are in the private sector, with many small businesses providing wealth creation and prosperity. There is a need for regulatory changes to help rather than hinder these businesses.

Question

Most jobs are in the private sector, mostly from small businesses which drive our economy's wealth creation and prosperity. Will my right hon. Friend introduce a small business test across Government so that every regulation helps not hinders small businesses?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right, and we are proud to support small businesses with a rigorous small business test, billions of pounds in business-rate reductions this coming financial year, and the most generous tax incentive for investment for small businesses.

Answered
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Q15 Anne McLaughlin SNP
Energy
Context

Many people on low incomes use prepayment meters for energy, paying higher rates per unit than the Prime Minister and facing automatic disconnection when they run out of money. Energy companies are forcing more people onto these meters.

Question

I have launched an all-party group on prepayment meters due to issues faced by those using them, including higher costs and risk of being cut off. Can the Prime Minister imagine how terrifying it is for someone's lights to go out? Does he agree this is unfair?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Government recognise challenges faced by those on prepayment meters and are taking action. Energy suppliers are being spoken to, Ofgem has launched a review into supplier practices in relation to these meters.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific agreement not addressed

How: Taking Action

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Q16 Rachel Maclean Con
NHS
Context

8,000 residents of Redditch signed a petition to bring back chemotherapy at the Alex Hospital. The local acute trust reversed its decision on maternity and paediatric services.

Question

After 8,000 signatures on my petition for chemotherapy in Redditch, the local trust changed their mind. Does the Prime Minister agree it is right that trusts can change decisions on provision of maternity and paediatric services so women can give birth locally?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My hon. Friend has been a fantastic advocate for her constituents and local hospital. £10.5 million was awarded, some of which is being used to improve maternity and paediatric services at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific agreement not addressed

How: £10.5 Million Awarded

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Q17 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Standards & Ethics
Context

The National Crime Agency investigated the right hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon, Nadhim Zahawi, last July. The then Prime Minister knew about it, as did the media and others.

Question

If I had £1 for every time I had heard the Prime Minister's weak excuses, I would be able to pay the former Chancellor's tax Bill. It was last July that it was reported that the National Crime Agency had investigated the right hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Nadhim Zahawi). The then Prime Minister knew. The media knew. We all knew. It is inconceivable that the current Prime Minister did not know, so why did he choose to ignore it?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I appointed an independent adviser to fully examine the matter, establish facts and report back. That is the process that the Labour party called for, and that is the process that we followed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reasons why he chose to ignore it were not provided

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Q18 John Penrose Con
Economy Business & Trade
Context

Two years ago, the Prime Minister commissioned a report proposing 30 ways to boost growth and make Britain competitive. Some of the most valuable proposals have not moved forward.

Question

Two years ago, the Prime Minister commissioned me to propose 30 ways to boost growth and make Britain the most competitive country in the world. So far, we are under way with about half of them, but some of the most valuable, such as reforming ponderous and expensive utilities regulators or building on our international lead in open banking, have not moved at all. Will he meet me to discuss how to channel our inner Nigel Lawsons and unblock the arteries of our economy with low-cost, pro-competition supply-side reforms?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My hon. Friend has a long track record of advocating for and implementing policies that increase our competitiveness and reform the supply side of our economy. His report was fantastic, and I look forward to meeting him to discuss those things further and help drive growth in this country.

Answered
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Q19 Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet
NHS
Context

Ambulance waiting times are out of control, with a constituent's 93-year-old mother lying collapsed at home for 17 hours before getting medical attention.

Question

Ambulance waiting times are out of control. My constituent contacted me regarding her 93-year-old mother, who lay collapsed on the ground at home for 17 hours and then queued for 13 hours to get into the hospital. And yet on Monday the Prime Minister said he had his “fingers crossed” that ambulance waiting times would be reduced. Does he really think that is enough?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

If the hon. Lady actually looks, she will see that we published on Monday a comprehensive plan to reduce wait times in A&E and for ambulances, backed with more funding, reform of the system, more beds, more ambulances and more staff. It was a plan that was warmly welcomed by all working in emergency care and the ambulance services. They recognise that this plan will deliver reduced waiting times and improve care across the country, including in Labour-run Wales.

Answered
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Q20 Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham
Education
Context

Someone growing up in Norfolk who wants to become a dentist must travel far for training, leading to a dearth of dentists.

Question

If someone who grows up in Norfolk wants to become a dentist, the nearest place they can train is Birmingham or London. It is not really surprising, therefore, that in Norfolk we have a dearth of dentists, whether NHS or private. We also know that where there is a dental training school, more dentists end up working locally. Will my right hon. Friend agree to look again at the benefits of establishing a dental training school alongside the excellent medical school at the University of East Anglia?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My hon. Friend will know that there are around 400 dentists with NHS activity in Norfolk and Waveney, but he is right that centres of dental development build on existing local infrastructure to help to retain and recruit dentists, and I advise him to encourage his local integrated care board to look at proposals for one of those centres in his area.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Directly avoided the specific ask about establishing a dental training school in Norfolk

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Q21 Mary Foy Lab City of Durham
Education Employment
Context

Half a million hard-working people are on strike, including in the Prime Minister's constituency.

Question

The Prime Minister once said that he did not have any working-class friends, so he may not be aware that today half a million hard-working people are on strike, including in his constituency. Tory Britain is not working. Will the Prime Minister get a grip and negotiate with working people, or does he intend to be remembered as the Prime Minister who silenced and sacked hard-working nurses, paramedics, teachers, rail workers and firefighters in a cost of living crisis?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

When it comes to teachers, we have actually given them the highest pay rise in 30 years. That includes a 9% pay rise for newly qualified teachers and record investment in their training and development. I am clear that our children's education is precious, and they deserve to be in school today being taught. The Labour party would do well to say that the strikes are wrong and that we should be backing our schoolchildren.

Not addressed: Negotiating with striking workers was not addressed

How: The Labour Party'S Stance On Strikes, Highest Pay Rise In 30 Years

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Q22 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Mental Health
Context

Tragically, suicide is the biggest killer of young people under 35 in the UK. Three dads are campaigning for suicide awareness to be included in school curriculums.

Question

Sadly, suicide is the biggest killer of young people under 35 in the UK. Andy Airey, my constituent, Tim Owen and Mike Palmer are the Three Dads Walking. Andy, Tim and Mike all tragically lost their precious daughters, Sophie, Emily and Beth, to suicide, and have campaigned tirelessly through charity walks for suicide awareness and prevention to be included in the school curriculum. I have been humbled to support them, by joining them on their UK walk as they came through Penrith; with their petition, which is due for parliamentary debate on 13 March; and with my early-day motion, which has had support from across the House. Will the Prime Minister join me in paying tribute to the three dads and will he meet me and them to discuss suicide prevention and how we can save young lives in the future?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Of course I pay tribute to Andy, Tim and Mike, especially for channelling their personal tragedies into such positive action to prevent it from happening to other families. That is inspiring and they deserve enormous credit. The Government are taking action to improve the provision of mental health services for young people in schools and colleges, but I will be delighted to meet him and Andy, Mike and Tim to discuss what more we can do.

Answered
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Q23 Ian Blackford SNP
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Ordinary people face high energy bills, mortgage defaults, rising food prices, and the UK economy is performing poorly compared to other leading nations.

Question

I thank hon. Members for that welcome. Ordinary people did not need to hear an IMF forecast to understand that the UK economy is the worst performer among the leading nations in the world. They live with it every day. People know that energy bills are through the roof and that 750,000 households face defaulting on their mortgages while house prices fall. They know that food prices are rising at a record rate of 16.7% as of today. The Prime Minister has had 100 days in office and his party 13 years in power. In all that time, does he ever reflect that the only thing that the Tory party has been good at is pushing people into poverty?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Aah, it is wonderful to hear from the right hon. Gentleman and lovely to see him in his place. We are continuing to deliver for people across the UK, including in Scotland. He mentioned poverty, which is lower today than when the Conservatives first came into office; inequality is lower than when the Conservatives first came into office; and the number of people on low pay is the lowest on record.

Not addressed: The specific ask about pushing people into poverty was not directly addressed

How: Poverty Levels, Inequality, Low Pay Statistics

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Q24 Iain Stewart Con
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

A four-year-old girl was killed in a dog attack, causing shock and disbelief in the constituency.

Question

There is great sense of shock and disbelief following a horrific dog attack that killed a four-year-old girl. The police investigation is still ongoing. Can the Prime Minister send condolences to the family and community and thank the emergency services?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I thank my hon. Friend and send our condolences to the girl's family and community after this horrific incident. I also join in thanking the emergency services for their rapid and professional response.

Answered
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Q25 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
NHS Scotland
Context

A charity hosted an exhibition in the constituency about metastatic breast cancer, which claims 31 lives each day in the UK.

Question

The charity hosting an exhibition on metastatic breast cancer asks for more awareness, support, research, and drug availability. Will the Prime Minister bring about that support? The questioner also requests to mention this topic with the Scottish Government's First Minister at their next meeting.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Awareness is key in tackling and identifying symptoms early. We are investing more in diagnostic tools to detect cancers earlier. I would be happy to discuss this topic with the First Minister.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics on how the support will be brought about were not provided

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Q26 Shailesh Vara Con
Northern Ireland Democracy & Elections
Context

The UK Government is negotiating with the EU regarding the Northern Ireland protocol.

Question

Will the Prime Minister confirm that the UK's sovereignty and its four nations will not be compromised during these negotiations?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I can give my right hon. Friend that assurance. The protocol is impacting communities in Northern Ireland, and we are addressing it through constructive dialogue to ensure Northern Ireland's place in our Union.

Answered
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Q27 Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside
Foreign Affairs
Context

There has been an increase in human rights violations against Palestinian civilians since the election of a new Israeli Government.

Question

How is the Prime Minister challenging what Amnesty and other organisations refer to as an apartheid state regarding human rights violations against Palestinians?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

It is important to remain calm and urge all sides to strive for peace. The Prime Minister has had conversations with the Israeli Prime Minister on this matter.

Not addressed: The specific human rights violations were not addressed; instead, a call for calm was made

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Q28 John Hayes Con South Holland and The Deepings
Migrants & Borders
Context

There has been an increase in illegal immigration since the referendum on leaving the EU.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend bring forward legislation to stop illegal immigration, as promised to the British people?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We will introduce new legislation that makes it clear if you arrive in this country illegally, you will not be allowed to stay and we will remove you swiftly.

Answered
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