Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 1 March 2023 · 29 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 18 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister asserts government is committed to NHS workforce and investment.
  • Prime Minister confirms commitment to redeveloping Queen's Medical Centre and City Hospital.
  • Prime Minister discusses energy tax on companies and housing targets, defending government policies.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
NHS
Context

The NHS faces a staffing crisis with underfunding affecting staff numbers and patient care.

Question

I am concerned about the government's failure to invest in the NHS workforce. We have proposed doubling medical school places and ending the scandal of straight-A students being denied opportunities to become doctors. Patients, the NHS, and even his Chancellor support this plan. Why doesn't he?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The hon. Gentleman needs to keep up—we are doing a workforce plan for the NHS. There are tens of thousands more doctors, more nurses in the NHS, a record number of GPs and record investment in the NHS.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask was about doubling medical school places; answer provided general figures but no specific commitment

How: We Are Doing

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Tom Randall
NHS
Context

Staff at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust have reduced the backlog of patients waiting for surgery despite challenging winter conditions.

Question

I congratulate the staff at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust on reducing patient backlogs despite high numbers of flu and covid cases. Will the Prime Minister reaffirm the Government's commitment to redeveloping the Queen's Medical Centre and City Hospital, which is the second biggest hospital investment programme in the country?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I join my hon. Friend in thanking everyone at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust for their fantastic work, and I can confirm that we are committed to a new hospital scheme at the Queen's Medical Centre and City Hospital as part of our new hospital programme.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Ukraine Economy Energy
Context

A forecast suggests that the average family in Britain will be poorer than the average family in Poland by 2030 due to Tory policies.

Question

Can I join the Prime Minister in wishing everybody a happy St David's Day? After 13 years of Tory failure, the average family in Britain will be poorer than the average family in Poland by 2030. This is shocking. If Tories continue ruling, young people may move to Poland for work opportunities.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

It is clear that energy prices are high due to illegal war in Ukraine. We are helping through our energy price guarantee, saving households £1,000. Future cost of living support will come from the Budget.

Not addressed: Comparison between Britain and Poland's living standards

How: Illegal War In Ukraine, Energy Prices

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Economy Taxation Energy
Context

The Prime Minister claims that his party has a plan for growth, while Labour is seen as damaging the economy.

Question

CEOs rank UK as top European investment destination despite Tory economic failures. Energy bills will increase by £900 in April due to high oil and gas profits. Will he admit mistake and fix windfall tax loopholes or let families suffer?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

As Chancellor, I introduced a new tax on energy companies. Energy firms pay a 75% tax rate on extraordinary profits, comparable to other North sea nations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask about admitting mistake and fixing loopholes in windfall tax; answer provided general tax information but no admission or correction of previous policy

How: New Tax

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Taxation Housing
Context

Shell, an oil and gas company, has not paid windfall tax despite making vast profits.

Question

The Prime Minister's tax on Shell did not work as they have not paid a penny. If he were serious about investment in the country, he would address housing issues by reintroducing house building targets which his Back Benchers forced him to scrap.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I introduced a new 75% tax on energy companies' extraordinary profits. This is higher than other North sea nations, which Labour's shadow Secretary of State recently called for.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Admitting mistake and fixing windfall tax loopholes; provided general information about new taxes without addressing specific ask

How: New Tax

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Economy Housing
Context

Home Builders Federation predicts house building will fall to lowest level in 75 years. Government Back Benchers forced scrapping of house building targets.

Question

The Prime Minister's policy on housing has led to a decrease in home construction, despite his claims otherwise. Will he change course and bring back targets or let future generations down?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We have record high numbers on house building with highest number of first-time buyers in around 20 years under this Government. Labour's policy is to oppose any new oil and gas licences, which would be bad for the economy.

Not addressed: Reintroduction of house building targets; provided data on current construction but did not address question about future plans

How: Record High Numbers, Oppose New Oil And Gas Licences

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Housing Children & Families
Context

House building is at a historic low, with many families struggling to afford housing and childcare.

Question

House building is at the lowest level for 75 years. A whole generation of people are desperate to get on the housing ladder. Thirteen years in power, and all the Prime Minister has to say to them is, “It's somebody else's fault—let me deflect.” No wonder they are furious with his Government. It is not just bills or housing. Families are paying over £1,000 a month just to send their child to nursery.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

If we want to see what happens with house building under a Labour Government, we just need to look at what is going on in London—and when it comes to the facts, they do not suit the right hon. and learned Gentleman's argument. Let us just go over them: the wealthiest pay more tax and the poorest pay less tax than under any year of the last Labour Government. As for his plans, he has already spent the money he claims he would raise from his policy on five different things.

Not addressed: Specific ask about non-dom status to fund childcare

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q8 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS Standards & Ethics
Context

Families are looking at politicians' actions during the pandemic, including those who wrote books about it.

Question

The Prime Minister is never happier than when he is pretending that everything is fine or blaming someone else—and didn't we just see it there? He is choosing tax avoiders over hard-working parents. I do not want to finish this session without asking about the covid disclosures in today's Daily Telegraph. We do not know the truth of what happened yet—there are too many messages and too many unknowns—but families across the country will look at this, and the sight of politicians writing books portraying themselves as heroes or selectively leaking messages will be an insulting and ghoulish spectacle for them.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The past couple of years were an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved in the health service. I pay tribute to all their hard work, and I know that the House will join me in that regard. Rather than comment on piecemeal bits of information, I am sure the right hon. and learned Gentleman will agree that the right way for these things to be looked at is through the covid inquiry; that is why we have established the covid inquiry.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask about ensuring no delays in the inquiry report by end of year

How: Let It Get On And Do Its Job

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q9 Philip Dunne Con
Northern Ireland Foreign Affairs Environment
Context

The Prime Minister's work to resolve the Northern Ireland protocol is welcomed. Academics have been clamouring to re-engage with their research partners through Horizon and other programmes.

Question

I warmly welcome the Prime Minister's work to resolve the Rubik's cube of the Northern Ireland protocol, opening up the prospect of resuming more positive relations with our nearest neighbours. Last week, Imperial College generously hosted an event to celebrate 25 years of the Environment Audit Committee's scrutiny work. Academics from Imperial and the other world-class universities that support our work have been clamouring to re-engage with their research partners through Horizon and other programmes.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I thank my right hon. Friend for his support for the Windsor framework. He is right about the benefits that it can bring. I also join him in paying tribute to our incredible research community, who do a fantastic job. I can assure him that we will continue to work with the EU in a range of areas—not just research collaboration, but strengthening our sanctions against Russia, energy security and, crucially, illegal migration.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask about negotiations for association with Horizon Europe

How: Let It Get On And Do Its Job

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q10 Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The Prime Minister said that EU single market access is “special”, “exciting” and “attractive”. However, the rest of the UK does not have this access.

Question

Yesterday, the Prime Minister said that EU single market access was “special”, “exciting” and “attractive”. If that is the case, why is he denying it to the rest of us?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

It is disappointing that the hon. Gentleman is seeking to play politics with the situation in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland, as he well knows, has a unique place in the United Kingdom.

How: Let It Get On And Do Its Job

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q11 Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The Prime Minister said that EU single market access would be a good thing for business. This contrasts with the Labour party's previous statement.

Question

Let us be clear: what the Prime Minister said yesterday was that EU single market access will be a good thing for business. Of course, that is in contrast to the leader of the Labour party, who said in December that EU single market access would not boost economic growth.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

With regard to Northern Ireland, the important thing is to avoid a land border on the island of Ireland between north and south. That is what it is crucial to achieve in getting the right framework for the arrangements in Northern Ireland, and the businesses there that trade across that border on a daily basis, with complex supply chains need, and value that access.

How: Let It Get On And Do Its Job

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q12 Virginia Crosbie
Energy
Context

The arrival of the first new nuclear reactor for a UK power station in more than three decades at Hinkley C this week.

Question

I am sure the Prime Minister, like me, was excited to see the first new nuclear reactor for a UK power station in more than three decades arrive at Hinkley C this week. Will the Prime Minister make it his personal mission to deliver vital new nuclear power at Wylfa in my constituency of Ynys Môn, one of the best nuclear sites in the UK?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

When it comes to our energy policy, the important thing is to focus on our long-term energy security. That means more renewables, more offshore wind, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage and, indeed, more nuclear.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask about making personal mission to deliver new nuclear power at Wylfa

How: Let It Get On And Do Its Job

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q13 Colum Eastwood Social Democratic & Labour Party Social Democratic and Labour Party
Economy Northern Ireland
Context

Northern Ireland's access to both UK and EU markets has economic benefits. The Windsor framework aims to protect businesses and supply chains.

Question

I have to say it is great to hear of the conversion that the Prime Minister has had on the benefits of the single market. Given Northern Ireland's access to the dual market—both markets—and the benefits that that brings, will his Government commit to investing in infrastructure and higher education provision to maximise that benefit?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I thank my hon. Friend for his engagement and support in developing the Windsor framework, which delivers on what he wanted, ensuring that we protect Northern Ireland's businesses and supply chains. We want to see more investment not just from the Government but also from the private sector, with a reformed Executive critical to unlocking this investment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitments on infrastructure and higher education investments were not provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q14 Oliver Heald Con
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The NATO leaders summit is set to take place in Lithuania this July.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, in these difficult times, the free world must stand together? With that in mind, would he also agree that strengthening our friendships and support with other countries in Europe is important? Will he welcome the delegation here today from Lithuania, and does he agree with me that the decision to hold the Heads of State of NATO meeting in Lithuania—in Vilnius—in July shows what a strong ally it is and also how important we think it is to strengthen the eastern flank?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I agree with my right hon. and learned Friend. I am delighted that Lithuania will host the NATO leaders summit in July, and the UK has a strong and growing relationship with Lithuania. At the summit, we will work together to ensure we can deter and defend against Russian aggression by implementing the next phase of military transformation.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q15 Sarah Champion Lab Rotherham
Transport
Context

79 people have been killed on smart motorways since their introduction. The Prime Minister previously stated that smart motorways are unpopular and unsafe.

Question

To date, 79 people have been killed on smart motorways. Last January, the Government said they would pause their roll-out. Since then, three new schemes have gone live, with three more expected shortly. Prime Minister, especially during a cost of living crisis, how do you justify pushing ahead with these deathtrap roads?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Safety on our roads is a priority. We paused roll-out of new smart motorway schemes last year while considering data, committing almost £900 million for safety improvements across the network.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific justification was not provided beyond safety and funding commitments.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q16 Angela Richardson
Climate
Context

Zero Carbon Guildford won the Climate Coalition's Innovative UK Community Project award for their tangible solutions to local issues.

Question

On Monday evening, Zero Carbon Guildford received national recognition here in Parliament. It has taken an overwhelming subject and turned it into tangible solutions to local issues, giving people agency. Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating all the volunteers on their award? Does he agree that grassroots organisations such as Zero Carbon Guildford are key stakeholders in our journey to achieving net zero?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I join my hon. Friend in congratulating Zero Carbon Guildford on receiving their award. Community empowerment, engagement, and action can play a role in supporting the UK's transition to net zero.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific recognition or support commitments were made beyond acknowledgment of community efforts.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q17 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
NHS
Context

The Royal Lancaster Infirmary faces crumbling buildings. The Government promised capital funding as part of the so-called 40 new hospitals initiative but none has been received yet.

Question

Last week I met nurses from the Royal College of Nursing. One of the biggest challenges that they face is the crumbling buildings of Royal Lancaster Infirmary. Hospital bosses were promised capital funding as one of the so-called 40 new hospitals back in January, but it is March and they have not seen a penny. How many broken hospitals and broken promises will it take for the Prime Minister to finally fix something?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are investing record sums in the hospital capital upgrade programme across the country. I am very happy to make sure that we are making progress on the scheme mentioned and provide detail. It includes 40 hospitals, 90 upgrades around the country, and up to 300 community diagnostic centres.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline or commitment for Royal Lancaster Infirmary funding was given.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q18 Craig Tracey Con
Migrants & Borders
Context

More than 50 people died in a small boat incident off the coast of Italy.

Question

The tragic death of more than 50 people over the weekend when their small boat broke up off the coast of Italy is a sad reminder of the total disregard for life of the illegal traffickers who facilitate these crossings to make their money. Will the Prime Minister set out what steps he is taking to bring an end to this barbaric trade, and will he reassure my constituents that stopping illegal immigration remains a key priority for this Government?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The tragic incident at Italy highlights how illegal crossings put lives at risk. Last year, we announced five new measures to tackle this problem, including a boats deal with France and a landmark deal with Albania. Legislation is being prepared to ensure swift detention and removal of those arriving illegally.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q19 Joanna Cherry SNP
Northern Ireland Scotland Brexit
Context

The Prime Minister and others have had to step in to address legal and constitutional messes created by previous administrations.

Question

The Prime Minister and I have one thing in common: we have both had to step in and sort out legal and constitutional messes created by his predecessor but one, the right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson). The Prime Minister has boasted that his new Brexit deal puts Northern Ireland in an “unbelievably special position” because it will have access to both UK and EU markets. He said that that makes it<br/>“the world's most exciting economic zone.” My question to the Prime Minister is, if there can be a very special status for the province of Northern Ireland, why can there not be a very special status for the nation of Scotland?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

There is a very special status for the nation of Scotland, and that is inside our United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific explanation or commitment regarding special status was provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q20 Sarah Atherton
NHS Wales
Context

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been placed in special measures, with the chairman and board resigning due to lack of faith in the Welsh Labour Government. The Welsh Health Minister blamed others for healthcare issues.

Question

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is in special measures, and the chairman and entire board have resigned as they no longer trust the Welsh Labour Government. Despite Labour running NHS services in north Wales, can you suggest whose fault it is and who should fix it?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Healthcare is a devolved matter for the Labour-run Government in Wales, where 1 in 5 people are on waiting lists. The Welsh Government should focus on reducing waiting times as we do in England with our measures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific responsibility was not assigned; only blamed devolved government without suggesting who should take action

How: Blaming The Devolved Government

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q21 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Energy
Context

A survey in Edinburgh West showed 80% of respondents would have to ration energy due to high costs. Nearly a quarter of Scottish households are in fuel poverty, with no local insulation programme.

Question

The energy price cap is rising while wholesale prices dropped. Can you accept this will worsen the situation for families? Given lower wholesale costs, should bills be reduced as per April levels?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are paying half of a family's energy bill through the energy price guarantee, worth £1,000. Direct support for vulnerable families will total about £1,000 over the next year. Over £6 billion is allocated for insulation programmes, aiding households with £300 savings.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q22 Alberto Costa Con South Leicestershire
Justice & Courts Transport
Context

A tragic train accident occurred in Greece, leading to multiple deaths. Colin Pitchfork is up for parole next month.

Question

I put on record our sadness over the Greek rail tragedy and express concern about Colin Pitchfork's upcoming parole hearing. Can you organise an urgent meeting with the Secretary of State for Justice so I can share my constituents' views?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

While the Parole Board makes decisions, the Deputy Prime Minister will submit views on Pitchford's case before his oral hearing and is happy to meet. We published plans for greater ministerial oversight of parole processes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly commit to arranging a meeting but indicated willingness to discuss further

How: Reference To Existing Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q23 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Housing
Context

Recent figures show a 26% increase in people sleeping rough. Conservative party donors spent £25,000 and £40,000 on portraits of the Prime Minister and hunting trips.

Question

With recent increases in rough sleepers and expensive gifts to the Prime Minister by donors, does this indicate a disconnect from the cost-of-living crisis?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Since last year's peak, rough sleeping has dropped 35% due to £2 billion in extra investment. We still have one of the lowest rates globally but will continue efforts to help more people off the streets and avoid rough sleeping.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address perception of out-of-touch donors or gifts

How: Focusing On Investment

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q24 James Sunderland
Education
Context

The Pines Primary School received a 'good' rating, making it the 40th of 40 eligible schools in Bracknell to achieve this or better. The council is Conservative-run.

Question

The Pines Primary School received a 'good' Ofsted rating, and all local schools are rated 'good' or 'outstanding'. Will you join me in congratulating everyone involved?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Education is key to transforming lives. I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in praising teachers, staff, governors, and pupils for delivering such great results, providing opportunities for children.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q25 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Citizens Advice predicts a doubling in households unable to afford energy bills from April, increasing from one in ten to one in five. Labour proposes urgent action.

Question

With Citizens Advice predicting more families unable to pay energy bills from April due to rising costs, why can't you take immediate action on bills?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are helping families now with the energy price guarantee for a £1,000 saving on bills. Further support over the year will total up to £1,000 for vulnerable families, alongside record increases in pensions and benefits.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q26 Jack Brereton Con
Climate Energy Business & Trade
Context

Ceramics businesses, primarily SMEs, have not received the same level of financial support as other energy-intensive sectors.

Question

Some 97% of ceramics businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises, which means that they have not received the level of support that many other energy-intensive sectors have. Will my right hon. Friend look at what more support, particularly financial support, can be offered to help this sector decarbonise?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My hon. Friend is a powerful advocate for his ceramics industry, and rightly so. We have the energy bills discount scheme which will support business energy bills through March next year, and there are other funds such as the industrial energy transformation fund to help businesses decarbonise.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific financial commitments or amounts not provided

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q27 Patrick Grady SNP
Immigration Asylum & Refugees Migrants & Borders
Context

The Prime Minister announced a coronation choir including refugee choirs, but Patrick Grady inquired about deporting refugees who arrived on small boats or from safe third countries.

Question

If it turns out that any of the refugees taking part in the coronation choir have arrived here on small boats or from a safe third country, should they be deported to Rwanda before or after they sing for the King?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

That is why the Government will bring forward legislation to improve the system here. It is absolutely right that if people come here illegally, they should be sent to a safe alternative.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timing of deportations not addressed

How: Tolerating Illegal Migration

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q28 Nicholas Fletcher
Education
Context

A school complained about not being able to afford heating, but was spending money on PSHE materials from organisations like Stonewall and Jigsaw.

Question

Will the PM meet me to see how we can stop this unscientific, ideological education being taught in our schools and get our children learning where they should be learning—in a warm, safe place?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We have boosted school funding by around £2 billion in each of the next two years. We expect schools to take responsible and sensible decisions on their RHSE materials, making sure they are age-appropriate, suitable, politically impartial and value for money.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions against gender identity education not detailed

How: Responsible And Sensible

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q29 Rosie Duffield Ind Canterbury
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Sky News reported on the over-the-counter sale of nitrous oxide, including increased canister sizes and tripled ambulance call-outs.

Question

Instead of criminalising the young people who buy nitrous oxide, is it not time to take urgent action against those knowingly selling this harmful substance to children under age?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs is conducting a review of nitrous oxide and looking at this question in particular. The Home Secretary has asked it to expedite that review and we will consider its advice carefully when it is received.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific urgent actions not committed to

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)