Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 8 March 2023 · 31 questions

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

At a glance

Answered 6 Partly answered 18 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister committed to publishing tax returns very shortly.
  • Prime Minister discussed reforms to support park home owners and codified their rights in writing.
  • Prime Minister outlined plans to address illegal immigration, increase returns of ineligible asylum seekers, and hire more caseworkers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Context

The Prime Minister has not published his tax returns over 100 days after promising to do so.

Question

Why has the Prime Minister not published his tax returns yet, when will he do so, and will it include his US tax returns?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

As I previously confirmed, I will publish my tax returns, and that will be done very shortly.

Partly answered

How: Hedging Language

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Context

There are 250,000 people in this country living on park home sites facing various challenges.

Question

Will the Prime Minister ensure that we can give more support and help to people living on park home sites and reform the Mobile Homes Act 2013?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My hon. Friend is right that there is still more work to do to tackle problems with the sector. We are making progress in implementing changes. Park home owners' rights are now codified in writing with the site owner, and should those obligations not be met, residents can take site owners to a tribunal. Local authorities also now have powers to take enforcement action, and we will continue to support them to improve protection for park home residents everywhere.

Answered
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Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

The Home Secretary says the public are sick of tough talk and inadequate action regarding illegal immigration.

Question

Does the Prime Minister agree with her assessment of this Government's record?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

What the right hon. and learned Gentleman fails to recognise is that there is a global migration problem. We are not alone in facing these challenges. It is precisely because, across Europe, the numbers are escalating to the extent they are that we have brought forward new plans, and because we are determined to ensure that this remains a compassionate and generous country and that that is done fairly and legally.

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not provide an assessment of his government's record on illegal immigration but discussed broader migration challenges.

How: Changing Subject

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Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

The Prime Minister is accused of not being serious about stopping illegal immigration.

Question

If the Prime Minister was serious about stopping the boats, he would steal our plan on stopping the boats, smash the gangs, sort out the returns and clean up the utter mess. [Interruption.]

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We will be implementing the plan as soon as we can pass it through Parliament, so I look forward to the right hon. and learned Gentleman's support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not provide details of his plan but stated they would implement it when passed by Parliament.

How: Hedging Language

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Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

The Prime Minister promised to end the hotel farce but has not returned many people deemed ineligible for asylum.

Question

How many of the 18,000 people deemed ineligible to claim asylum last year have actually been returned?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

As a result of the plans we have brought forward, we have almost doubled the number of people returned this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not provide specific numbers but stated an increase in returns.

How: Hedging Language

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Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

The Prime Minister promised to end the hotel farce but has not returned many people deemed ineligible for asylum.

Question

What happens to the rest of the 18,000 people who are not eligible to claim asylum and cannot be returned?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The right hon. and learned Gentleman talks about the pressure on our asylum system, but we have a clear plan to stop people coming here in the first place.

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address what happens to those ineligible for asylum who cannot be returned.

How: Changing Subject

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Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

The asylum backlog numbers have increased, leading to criticism of the government's handling of small boat arrivals.

Question

I am concerned about the number of people processed who arrived on small boats. Only 4% had been processed last year and now it is less than 1%. The processing has gone from unacceptable to almost non-existent. Criminal gangs are profiting, claims are unprocessed, the taxpayer pays for hotel rooms. After 13 years, small boat crossings are higher than ever; does this tell you everything about the government's failure?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The asylum case load backlog has decreased by 6,000. We are hiring more caseworkers and increasing their productivity. Returns agreements exist with India, Pakistan, Serbia, Nigeria, and Albania. Our position is clear: illegal migrants will not claim asylum or use the modern slavery system here.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide current specific processing numbers requested by questioner

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Context

The asylum system has issues with processing and high small boat crossings. Previous statements have not been addressed.

Question

After 13 years, small boat crossings are at their highest level ever; claims are unprocessed, taxpayers pay for hotel rooms, criminal gangs profit. After five Prime Ministers, six immigration plans, and seven Home Secretaries, all they offer is gimmicks and empty promises. The Home Secretary agrees that the Tories are 'all talk and no action'.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Illegal immigration enforcement, processing numbers, backlog reduction, returns agreements, Albania new laws for detention and deterrence. We are delivering fairness, compassion, respecting laws and borders, stopping boats.

Not addressed: Shifted to defending the policy stance without addressing the effectiveness or promises

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Context

Concerns about inappropriate age-inappropriate, extreme, sexualising, and inaccurate lessons on relationships and sex education in schools.

Question

Children are subjected to inappropriate lessons from unregulated organisations campaigning against parents. It is not a victory for equality but a catastrophe for childhood. Will my right hon Friend honour his commitment to end inappropriate sex education by commissioning an independent inquiry?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Shared concerns and asked DfE to ensure schools do not teach inappropriate or contested content in RSHE. Schools should make curriculum content and materials available to parents. Reviewing RSHE statutory guidance, starting consultation soon.

Answered
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Context

Concern over proposed asylum laws potentially not affording protection to women trafficked into the UK.

Question

On International Women's Day, will my Prime Minister confirm that under his proposed new asylum laws, a woman sex-trafficked to the UK on a small boat by a criminal gang will not be afforded protection under our modern slavery laws?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We want to target compassion and resources at world's most vulnerable people. Must get a grip on system, break it.

Not addressed: Did not confirm or deny protection for sex-trafficked women under modern slavery laws

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Context

Tories' statements about potential large-scale immigration leading to criticism.

Question

Did the Prime Minister say that women victims of sex trafficking will not be protected under modern slavery laws? This is a disgrace. Tories have spoken of 'invasions', 100 million could come here, now it's billions. Are they inspired by Farage or Powell?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The figure of 100 million comes from UN. It illustrates global migration crisis; must take action or numbers will grow, system overwhelmed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the source and inspiration behind the statement about 100 million immigrants

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Context

UK economy grew at 4.1% last year, the fastest in G7; greenhouse gas emissions fell by 3.4%, more than comparable countries.

Question

To maintain this momentum ahead of the net zero strategy refresh, will the Prime Minister encourage my right hon Friend the Chancellor to use his Budget statement next week to stimulate investment in renewable energy projects by renewable energy companies both offshore and onshore, to improve our energy security, reduce reliance on more expensive fossil fuels and ultimately reduce bills for households?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I am proud of our commitment to scaling up renewable energy sources. Renewables make up nearly 40% of our electricity supply, which represents a fourfold increase since 2011. My right hon Friend will know that I cannot and will not pre-empt Budget decisions, but he is a powerful champion for the environment in this House, and I have no doubt that he will make his views known to the Chancellor.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm if the Chancellor would use Budget statement next week to encourage investment in renewable energy projects.

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Q13 Edward Davey Lib Dem Kingston and Surbiton
NHS
Context

Jean was told to wait at least eight hours for an ambulance, she drove herself to hospital where she collapsed and died an hour later.

Question

Will the Prime Minister apologise to Jean's family, and to all those who have lost loved ones owing to the Government's appalling ambulance delays?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Of course my thoughts and condolences go to Jean's family. It is absolutely right that we continue to make progress on improving performance in urgent emergency care. We outlined plans to do that just the other month, and I am pleased to say that we have been seeing a marked improvement over the last few weeks in comparison with the peak pressures that we saw over the winter, owing to covid and flu, both in waiting times in A&E and in ambulance performance times.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not apologize or acknowledge impact on other families due to delays.

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Context

Inspiring story of Dave Fishwick's journey to set up a community bank; calls for more initiatives like this to support local communities.

Question

Does the Prime Minister agree that financial inclusion is an essential part of levelling-up opportunities in our communities, and will he meet Dave and me to discuss how we can replicate his success story in other areas such as Stoke-on-Trent?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Community focus banks and non-bank lenders such as Burnley Savings and Loans have a vital role to play in ensuring that everyone has access to affordable credit. That is why we have made it quicker and easier for new banks to enter the market.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm meeting or specific replication of community bank model.

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Q15 Kevin Brennan Lab
Context

BBC Radio 4's “You and Yours” has exposed queue-jumping online touts buying up Eurovision tickets for sale on dodgy sites.

Question

Why have the Prime Minister's Government not done more to support genuine fans over the merchants, spivs, and ticket touts?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We have introduced measures to combat ticket-touting, but I shall be happy to listen to the documentary that the hon Gentleman has mentioned to ensure that we are doing everything we can do. More generally, it is a source of enormous pride for us to host Eurovision.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on measures against ticket touts or concrete action plans.

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Q16 David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington
Context

British Government signed extradition treaty with the US after 9/11; US has extradited 83 people to UK while we have sent 225 to America.

Question

Will the Prime Minister look at the treaty with a view to correcting this parody of justice?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Obviously it is in our national interest to have effective extradition relationships. Under the treaty we have with the US, we have secured the extradition and subsequent conviction of terrorists, murderers, rapists, and child sex offenders.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm review of treaty or correction of perceived injustice.

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Context

The MP noted high rates of fuel poverty in Scotland's regions near the North Sea gas reserves and in urban deprived areas. Many residents are dependent on unregulated fuels or inefficient electrical systems.

Question

There is a stark correlation between being off the gas grid and having the highest rates of fuel poverty, particularly worse in Scotland near national gas reserves but also in urban multi-storey flats without natural gas access. People rely on expensive heating oil or all-electric systems. Will the Prime Minister end this by ensuring fuels are regulated and households can get alternative fuel payments?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Government supports people with energy bills through a £200 alternative fuels support payment, designed based on electricity meters rather than gas. This programme aims to help everyone in need.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment or timeline for regulating all fuels was not addressed

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Q18 Richard Bacon Con
NHS
Context

The MP noted positive dental contract adjustments in November but highlighted the need for further improvements.

Question

Although last November's dental contract changes were welcome, more work is needed. Will the Prime Minister closely review this to ensure constituents like those in South Norfolk receive top-quality dental care?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Government is investing £3 billion annually in NHS dentistry, enabling practices to increase activity by 10% beyond contracts. The number of NHS dentists has risen by about 500 over the last year.

Answered
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Q19 Rosie Duffield Ind Canterbury
Context

The MP raised the issue of women's rights on International Women's Day and asked candidates to address these questions honestly during local election campaigns.

Question

On International Women's Day, do voters have a right to ask about women's rights from candidates? Should representatives answer such questions openly and respectfully?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The PM agrees voters deserve clear answers to women's rights questions. He supports the campaign and hopes issues are debated openly.

Answered
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Context

The MP highlighted a charity auction event for the CWO and praised their efforts to bring more women into politics.

Question

On International Women's Day, will my right hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to the excellent work of the Conservative Women's Organisation (CWO) and all remarkable women supporting political work?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The PM congratulates the CWO on its excellent work. He praises everyone involved in bringing more women into local and national politics.

Answered
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Context

Research by Scottish Widows showed significant disparities in pension funds between men and women, with a woman retiring today needing to work until age 81 to achieve parity.

Question

With fiscal and social policy tools available, how will the Prime Minister set a course to close the gender pensions gap over his premiership?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Government has delivered reforms like automatic enrolment which increased women's pension participation in private sector from 40% to 87%. They remain committed to further progress.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or timelines for reducing the gap were not detailed

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Q22 Lia Nici
Context

The MP noted Grimsby Town's FA cup quarter-final appearance and their victory over the PM's team, Southampton.

Question

Will the Prime Minister join me in congratulating Grimsby Town on reaching the FA cup quarter-finals and wishing them well against Brighton & Hove Albion?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The PM congratulates Grimsby on their victory over Southampton and wishes them luck against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Answered
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Q23 Steve McCabe Lab
NHS
Context

The MP raised concerns about over 600 pharmacies potentially closing this year due to a harsh NHS contract that does not account for rising costs, leading to bankruptcy.

Question

How would the PM feel if hundreds of community pharmacies were forced into closure by an unfavourable NHS contract that disregards increasing expenses?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The PM acknowledges the importance of community pharmacies for primary care. The Government is exploring ways to support pharmacies, including proposals received.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or commitments were not outlined

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Context

An illegal waste site has been operating for over two years in the village of Borstal, with negative impacts on residents and the environment. The Environment Agency is involved but no action has been taken.

Question

For more than two years, an illegal waste site has been operating in the village of Borstal. Tipper lorries with covered numberplates thunder to the site at all hours of the day and night, blighting the lives of residents nearby and creating untold environmental damage. No action has been taken despite engagement with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs team.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Government are committed to tackling waste crime, with the joint unit for waste crime bringing agencies together as requested. I will ensure a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss this issue.

Partly answered

How: Under Review, Meetings

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Context

Olly Stephens, a 13-year-old constituent of the questioner, was stabbed to death in a local park after attackers had shared pictures of knives online. The Online Safety Bill has removed measures targeting this kind of content.

Question

My constituent Olly Stephens was just 13 years old when he was stabbed and brutally murdered in a local park just yards from his home. The two boys who attacked him had shared dozens of pictures of knives online before the attack. Can the Prime Minister explain why measures to tackle such dreadful online content have been removed from the Online Safety Bill?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Government are committed to tackling knife crime and the Online Safety Bill goes further than any other country in protecting children online. However, I am happy to look at the specific issue mentioned by the hon. Gentleman.

Partly answered

How: Under Review, Look At Specific Issue

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Context

Annual flooding has become a regular occurrence in Shrewsbury, causing significant economic damage. The River Severn Partnership and the Environment Agency are working on solutions.

Question

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will visit Shrewsbury at my invitation to hear about progress made by the River Severn Partnership and the Environment Agency in managing Britain's longest river, the River Severn. We now experience annual flooding with economic damage as a result. Will the Prime Minister secure additional funding so we can finally protect our communities from regular flooding?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Government have doubled investment in flood defences to £5.2 billion over this Parliament, and I am looking forward to hearing back from the DEFRA Secretary after her visit.

Partly answered

How: Meetings, Under Review

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Q27 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Context

Between 1997 and 2010, Labour lifted 800,000 children out of poverty. Since then, the Conservatives have driven half a million children into poverty, with levels predicted to return to pre-1997 rates.

Question

Since 2010, the Conservative Government has pushed half a million children into poverty and is driving child poverty back to levels not seen since the 1990s. Will the Prime Minister start today by apologising for failing these children?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Since 2010, 1.2 million fewer people are in poverty due to actions such as raising the national living wage and getting more people into work.

How: Statistics

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Context

The Prime Minister visited Dover to discuss pull factors in tackling illegal immigration. He is set to meet President Macron, addressing push factors in small boat migration.

Question

It was a pleasure to welcome the PM to Dover to discuss work on pulling factors for tackling illegal immigration. The PM has a meeting with President Macron this week; can he see what more can be done about pushing those boats across French beaches and into the sea?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

No single lever will solve this problem, so we work on all aspects including close co-operation with the French. We have announced a 40% increase in patrols and greater co-operation.

Partly answered

How: Multifaceted Approach

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Q29 Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East
Context

The Government's new Bill could potentially deport those who were trafficked to the UK as children. Sir Mo Farah revealed he was trafficked as a child.

Question

Let us be clear: under this Government's new dystopian, far-right-appealing anti-refugee Bill, trafficking victims would still face deportation. Can the PM clarify whether Sir Mo Farah, who revealed being trafficked to the UK as a child last year, would have been removed under this Bill?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Our new laws are designed to stop our system being exploited by criminal gangs who traffic people here. We must protect vulnerable individuals from this exploitation.

How: Principles

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Context

On International Women's Day, Anna Firth joined a campaign at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Leigh-on-Sea to promote the Football Association's Let Girls Play initiative.

Question

This morning, on International Women's Day, I joined some of the amazing young women at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Leigh-on-Sea to take part in the Football Association's Let Girls Play football campaign. Does my right hon. Friend agree that sport, and football in particular, is a brilliant way to empower young women? Will he visit Southend and celebrate some of our aspiring Lionesses?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My hon. Friend makes an excellent point, and I wholeheartedly agree with her. She is right about the power of sport to both engage young women and inspire others. The Government are pleased to announce today more funding and support for sport in schools.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific invitation to visit Southend was not addressed.

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Q31 Tahir Ali Lab Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Context

On International Women's Day, concerns were raised about the treatment of women in Indian-administered Kashmir where they face various forms of violence.

Question

On International Women's Day, it is vital that we talk about women in Indian-occupied Kashmir being subjected to rape, domestic abuse, kidnapping, forced marriage and torture by Prime Minister Modi's extremist BJP-led Government. Does the Prime Minister agree that the BJP Government have exploited women through gender-based violence? Does he agree that the UK Government should be standing in solidarity with Kashmiri women?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

This Government have a proud record of standing up for women and girls across the world. We have led the way in preventing sexual violence in conflict, and are taking a lead on ensuring that tens of millions of girls in some of the poorest parts of the world receive the high-quality education they deserve. Just today, we have announced a new women and girls strategy from the Foreign Office and backed that up with £200 million more to support women's health around the world.

Not addressed: The specific question about Kashmiri women was not directly addressed; instead, the answer focused on broader commitments to women's rights globally.

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