PMQs

Question

Slava Ukraini! President Zelensky, we salute you. This year a start will be made on the rebuilding of Kettering General Hospital; the strength of Northamptonshire police will reach 1,500 officers, the highest number in its history; and Kettering is set to become one of the best-connected towns for ultrafast broadband in the country, thanks to CityFibre's investment. Given those developments and given the Prime Minister's pledge to halve inflation and tackle the NHS backlogs, is it not time also to tackle head-on the doom and gloom peddled by those who want this country to fail, and to be far more optimistic about the many good things that are happening in Kettering and across the country?

Question

More than 11,000 people have died as a result of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, and the number is sadly rising. I know that many families here in the UK will be anxiously awaiting news. I am sure I speak for the whole House in saying that our hearts go out to each and every victim and their families, and we must do all we can to support the rescue and recovery effort. The House is honoured to be addressed today by President Zelensky. From the outset of the war he has symbolised the heroism, the resolve, and the bravery of his people. The Prime Minister and I joined the House together in 2015, and we have lived through important moments in our domestic and international politics, but none of those experiences compares to the pain and suffering of the people of Ukraine. Does the Prime Minister agree that it is vital for all of us, throughout the House, to continue to stand together in full support of Ukraine?

Question

I thank the Prime Minister for that answer. Every time Putin has been appeased, he has been back for more. Does the Prime Minister agree that, across this House, we must speak with one voice and say that this terrible conflict must end with the defeat of Putin in Ukraine?

Question

I welcome the additional support that the Prime Minister has outlined today. I have had the privilege, as I am sure he has, of seeing at first hand the brilliant work our military is doing in Salisbury to train Ukrainians in defending themselves. We all support this work and the UK's role in the international drive to ensure that Ukraine has the weapons and the technology required to defend herself. Does the Prime Minister agree that continuing this international effort is the only way to ensure Putin's defeat?

Question

I think the whole House would like to thank those involved in the incredible training that is going on. Before I entered this House, I had responsibility for fighting for justice in The Hague for victims of Serbian aggression. Does the Prime Minister agree that when the war in Ukraine is over, Putin and all his cronies must stand at The Hague and face justice?

Question

Across this House we do not just hope for Ukraine's victory; we believe in it. Part of that victory must be Ukraine's reconstruction. Does the Prime Minister agree that Russia should pay for the destruction it has caused through the wealth lying dormant in blocked Russian Government assets?

Question

As a country, we have always been at our best when we stand up to tyrannical aggressors threatening their neighbours and peace on our continent. Does the Prime Minister agree that whatever differences we may have and no matter what difficulties we face as a country, we in this House have a duty to support Ukraine's fight for freedom, liberty and victory?

Question

The global combat air programme, including Team Tempest, is vital for UK national security. This aircraft will protect UK skies, give RAF the tools it needs for the future, deepen relationships with allies like Japan and Italy. Can I ask the Prime Minister to commit not only to design and development but also production in Lancashire?

Question

On behalf of my party, I send condolences for those impacted by earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. We are united in condemning Vladimir Putin and hoping for a better future for Ukraine. Does the Prime Minister regret his time in office?

Question

Damage caused: £30 billion wiped off UK economy, pension funds on brink of collapse, pound reached parity with dollar, interest rates soared. Does the right hon. Gentleman apologise for her?

Question

Burghley House in my constituency is bidding to host world eventing championships in 2026. This will provide a massive boost to local economy and coverage on global scene. Burghley has hosted two world championships and six European championships before. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Burghley would make a fantastic venue, and will he lend us his support so that we can be successful with our bid?

Question

When President Zelensky addressed this House last year, he asked that we treat Russia as a terrorist state. Since then, the Liberal Democrats have urged the Government to fulfil that request by proscribing the mercenary Wagner Group, which is doing Putin's bidding and carrying out atrocities against Ukrainians daily. On this symbolic day, will the Prime Minister finally commit to proscribing the Wagner Group, which would be a crucial part of treating Russia as the rogue state it is?

Question

Twenty-two years ago this month, a good friend of mine died from AIDS. Had he been tested for HIV, I am confident that, with the medical advances we have made, he would still be alive today. As my right hon. Friend will know, this week is HIV Testing Week. I welcome the Government's ambition to end new infections by 2030. Will he thank the Terrence Higgins Trust for its incredible work? And will he look to extend opt-out HIV testing to more areas of high prevalence so that we can help to discover more undiagnosed cases?

Question

The UK Government's fiscally illiterate electricity generator levy will choke off billions from future investments in the kind of renewable energy projects that my Angus constituency excels at delivering. This investment will find its way to more favourable jurisdictions, putting thousands of green jobs in Scotland and our energy transition at risk. Will the Prime Minister commit to scrapping this environmentally and economically damaging tax, or will he instead confirm that he and the latest Chancellor know the price of everything and the value of nothing?

Question

Human trafficking is when people are moved legally from one place to another, often with the promise of a job, and are then forced into prostitution or labour exploitation. It has nothing to do with people who come illegally here on small boats. That is smuggling. A third of all human trafficking in the United Kingdom occurs wholly within its borders. When I was chairman of the all-party group against human trafficking, we campaigned for an independent commissioner. One was appointed in 2014, but since April last year we have not had one. That is unacceptable. Will the Prime Minister use his good offices to get one appointed urgently?

Question

We now have more than 50% more social care staff vacancies than last year. People are stuck in hospital beds with nowhere to go. In my constituency, the Liberal Democrat council and our local hospital, the Royal United Hospital, are trying their level best and trying innovative solutions to tackle the social care backlog, but the Prime Minister knows that this is a workforce crisis. We must recruit and retain social care staff. So I ask him: will he support the Liberal Democrat proposal to pay a higher minimum wage to social care workers to tackle the social care shortages that underpin the NHS crisis?

Question

Last month, together with fellow north Staffordshire MPs, I hosted an event, a tea party, to welcome Ukrainian refugees living in north Staffordshire. Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking the sponsors, particularly Alton Towers, which hosted the event, the host families and all the people of north Staffordshire, who have made our Ukrainian friends so very welcome?

Question

Big Brother Watch recently released a report highlighting how public money is being used by unaccountable government bodies to record political dissent on social media, despite these activities negatively impacting free speech and democracy. Can the Prime Minister provide details on the funding of these units and his stance on such expenditures?

Question

With Russia's brutal war on Ukraine reaching its one-year mark and causing immense suffering to Ukrainians, could my right hon. Friend propose a national minute of silence on February 24th as a sign of solidarity with Ukrainian citizens?

Question

Considering that childhood trauma, whether stemming from domestic issues like poverty or international conflicts such as Ukraine's war, significantly impacts lifelong mental health, does the PM believe his government is doing enough to address these underlying causes?

Question

Given our country's robust military and diplomatic support for Ukraine, my right hon. Friend, do you agree that as we prepare to host a reconstruction conference later this year, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and other bodies can collaborate to support President Zelensky's vision for Ukraine's future?

Question

Given the Government's efforts to maintain public backing for our aid to Ukraine while also helping with domestic energy costs, especially for off-grid households requiring upfront funding for heating oil and other fuels, what will the Prime Minister say to people still awaiting their alternative fuel payment nearly half a year after its September announcement?

Question

Given the NHS's ongoing pressures and record recruitment of healthcare staff, but still facing building issues, can the Prime Minister review proposals to rebuild Leighton Hospital, a project with substantial community backing?

Question

Bus services are vital but millions will face a crisis with the ending of the bus recovery grant, predicting cuts of 15% to 20%. Will the Prime Minister commit to extending this grant so communities are not isolated? Will he meet me to discuss?

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that apprenticeships such as those offered by the excellent South Essex College are a great pathway into work?

Question

Joining condolences to victims of the earthquake, thanks the Foreign Secretary for the UK's response but asks when further aid will be committed. Asks about discussions with international counterparts to ensure our response meets crisis scale.