PMQs

Question

At the election, the Labour party committed to abolishing standard assessment tests, academy schools and Ofsted. Yet, thanks to this Government's focus on phonics, English primary school children have just been ranked the best readers in Europe. Does my right hon. Friend agree that that is another example of how, on the Conservative side, we have policy to meet the needs of children, rather than the demands of trade unionists?

Question

Speaking of the last election, the Tory manifesto promised to end the abuse of the judicial review. How is it going?

Question

The Deputy Prime Minister pretends that it is complicated, but it is simple: the Government set up the inquiry to get to the truth, then blocked that inquiry from getting the information that it asked for, and now they are taking it to court. I know that he considers himself a man of the people, so using his vast knowledge of working-class Britain, does he think that working people will thank him for spending hundreds of thousands of pounds of their money on loophole lawyers so that the Government can obstruct the covid inquiry?

Question

All we are asking for is what the covid inquiry has asked for. Across the world, covid inquiries are well under way, while this Government hide information and shell out public money on legal bills for the Uxbridge One—the former Prime Minister is now demanding another £1 million to pay for his new lawyers. I know that the Deputy Prime Minister and his former boss have fallen out, and maybe he wants to patch things up, but can he seriously say that that is a good use of taxpayers' money?

Question

I know that for the last couple of years the Deputy Prime Minister has been trying to prep Prime Ministers for PMQs, but these punchlines are dire—he really needs to go back to school himself. Speaking of school, thousands of children are missing from school; absence has nearly doubled since before the pandemic. The Prime Minister says that he has maxed out on his support for school pupils, but why did the Government abandon their plans for a register of missing children?

Question

There we have it: thousands of children missing; policy “under review” still. Let me ask the Deputy Prime Minister about something else that has gone missing. The Public Accounts Committee this week revealed that Government fraud has increased fourfold, with Ministers overseeing the loss of £21 billion of taxpayers' money in the last two years. Can he tell us how much of our money they expect to recover?

Question

Britain cannot afford any more of the Conservatives. Only a quarter of billions of pounds of taxpayers' money lost to fraud is expected to be clawed back. If the Government cannot get that public money back, they cannot be trusted with anything else. The Public Accounts Committee warned this could happen again because Ministers are in denial. How can lessons be learned if truth isn't admitted?

Question

The latest route update for East West Rail shows no connection to Aylesbury. I have raised this issue multiple times, citing economic stimulus, reduced congestion, and air pollution reduction. With stakeholders' help, costs have been significantly reduced. Can my right hon Friend solidify the dotted line into a railway for Aylesbury?

Question

When the Prime Minister took office, he promised to put economic stability first. Now, UK interest rates are high in G20, mortgage rates are rising back to pre-crash levels due to previous government's actions. Is this not the case that the current Government is ruining the economy a bit slower than their predecessor?

Question

This Government plans to cut taxes for the richest, spend £6 billion imprisoning refugees, and lost £21 billion to fraud during the pandemic. Is their skewed view of priorities correct during a cost-of-living crisis?

Question

Fylde has vibrant small shops but its layout is tired, needing investment. What steps are being taken by my right hon Friend to deliver levelling-up mission in towns such as St Annes?

Question

Yesterday, I met Karen, a carer for her husband with Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia. She feels undervalued and has considered giving up but knows she must carry on. Remarkable carers like Karen save more than the entire NHS budget; will the Government finally recognize their value by providing them financial and practical support?

Question

My constituents are deeply concerned about the proposals for the Hinckley national rail freight interchange, particularly its impact on the environment and local infrastructure like Narborough railway station. Can you give an assurance that their voices will be heard in the planning application?

Question

With plans for universal basic income pilots in England, will this Government instruct both the Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC to engage with these pilots so we can assess their pros and cons?

Question

What expectations does the Deputy Prime Minister have of the new levelling-up partnership for focusing Government effort and resources on revitalisation efforts?

Question

After 13 years of broken promises to repair social care, will the Government take urgent action now or leave it to Labour?

Question

Can my right hon. Friend confirm that the roll-out of digital patient records will include a transformational version of the digital red book?

Question

In light of the Tory cost of living crisis, does Mr Normal really think he is worth 65 times a band 2 nurse given his earnings and additional business work?

Question

With 81,000 children home-educated but off the school register, how can we ensure every child is safe and suitably educated? Can my right hon. Friend expedite the ten-minute rule Bill to place a duty on local authorities for such registers?

Question

Despite the Government's claim that they are addressing the issue, the backlog of undetermined initial asylum claims continues to grow. My constituents are concerned about the Home Secretary's plans to use Stradey Park hotel in Furnace village for accommodation purposes. Will you agree to meet me to discuss how we can speed up clearing the backlog and return people to safe countries?

Question

In memory of Semina Halliwell, who tragically took her own life after being let down by the system, will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss further measures to better protect children in Southport and the wider council area?

Question

Will the Government support the call from the Huntington's disease community for better access to mental health services, care co-ordinators in every area and specific National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance?

Question

Would the Deputy Prime Minister join me in congratulating Johns' Boys Male Chorus, and other community choirs across the UK for bringing such joy to their communities?

Question

Does the vacancy increase or decrease the risk of corruption in Government?

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it would be disgraceful for a political party to accept huge donations from companies claiming public support through furlough?

Question

When will the Government stop blaming others and take responsibility for failing to close the education attainment gap in schools?

Question

Maltby Town Council and Maltby Main FC face difficulties ensuring that the Maltby Miners recreation ground remains financially sustainable and open, as the organisation managing it does not permit opening a full bar despite its potential benefits. This is crucial for preserving mining heritage sites. Can my right hon. Friend assist in securing this necessary capital investment?

Question

East West Rail plans to demolish 37 homes and impact a total of 66 properties in Bedford despite strong local opposition. Why have residents' concerns been ignored? Will the government commit not to approve the plan if most residents are against it?

Question

The Deputy Prime Minister should know that an early election in Spain may delay the UK-EU treaty regarding Gibraltar. Will he confirm His Majesty's Government's commitment to prioritising this treaty after the Spanish elections and ensure necessary support for Gibraltar?

Question

Today's OECD report states that UK inflation will surpass almost all other G20 nations. Families in Putney are worried about this situation. Will the Government commit to introducing a comprehensive windfall tax on oil and gas giants to alleviate pressure on struggling households?