Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 22 November 2023 · 26 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 15 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kirsten Oswald asked the Prime Minister about disabled people's duty to work from home or lose benefits, citing 137,000 jobs on the DWP's website.
  • Andrew Jones questioned the Prime Minister about the future economy, emphasizing innovation, skills, and investment, while criticizing Labour's borrowing plans.
  • Keir Starmer inquired about the impact of long NHS waiting lists on economic growth and raised concerns about 1.2 million people waiting for mental health treatment, including 200,000 children.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

Disabled people are facing a policy that requires them to work from home or lose benefits, despite a lack of suitable jobs.

Question

Today the Prime Minister's Government will say disabled people have a duty to work from home or lose their benefits. Can you tell us how many of the 137,000 jobs on the Department for Work and Pensions 'Find a Job' website are roles that specify you can work from home?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

It would not be right to pre-empt the Chancellor's autumn statement. However, we have closed the disability employment gap and increased the number of employers who are now disability confident. We also support those most vulnerable with cost of living payments this year including £150 for all on means-tested disability benefits.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Number of jobs on DWP 'Find a Job' website that specify working from home

How: Under Review, Supporting Disabled Individuals In Other Ways

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Q2 Andrew Jones Con
Ukraine Economy
Context

Measures taken to cope with economic shocks caused by the pandemic and Russian invasion need reevaluation.

Question

Does the Prime Minister agree that measures taken during COVID and Putin's war were right for then but not a blueprint for future economies? It is about innovation, skills, and investment like Harrogate College rebuild or 12,000 local apprenticeships since 2010. Not Labour's fantasy borrowing.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My hon. Friend is right. Since 2010, we have created 5.5 million apprenticeships. Labour wants to halve apprenticeships if in office while we want an apprentice Education Secretary. Their plans to borrow £28 billion a year would push up inflation and taxes.

Answered
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Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS Economy
Context

Recent pledges made by the Prime Minister include economic growth but not NHS improvements despite waiting lists increasing.

Question

The latest version of the Prime Minister's five pledges includes economic growth. With 7.8 million people on waiting lists, how are they meant to help grow the economy if forced to wait a year for an operation?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We have injected record funding into the NHS and social care. We unveiled the first-ever long-term workforce plan in the 75-year history of the NHS. Three of the pledges are economic: we halved inflation, grew the economy, reduced debt.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Explanation on how people waiting for operations can contribute to economic growth

How: Economic Focus

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Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS
Context

Waiting list numbers have increased since the Prime Minister took office despite previous promises to reduce them.

Question

The Prime Minister has not addressed the NHS in his new pledges. With 7.8 million people on waiting lists, how can they contribute to economic growth if forced to wait a year for an operation?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are doing enormous work to bring down waiting lists. We are expanding patient choice and rolling out new community diagnostic centres and surgical hubs, as well as putting more doctors and nurses on our wards.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Explanation of how people on NHS waiting lists can contribute to economic growth

How: Current Efforts

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Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS Mental Health
Context

More than double the population of Wales are on waiting lists in England. There is a lack of responsibility taken by the Prime Minister.

Question

The Prime Minister needs to take responsibility for 2.5 million people too sick to work, many with mental health issues, and his failures on waiting lists. How many people are waiting for mental health treatment?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We have injected record sums to expand the number of mental health treatments. Community diagnostic centres and surgical hubs are being rolled out, but union action has led to several hundred thousand cancelled appointments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Number of people waiting for mental health treatment

How: Union Action

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Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Mental Health
Context

The number of people waiting for mental health treatment is at 1.2 million, with 200,000 being children. Some are waiting nearly two years to be seen.

Question

I asked the Prime Minister how many people were waiting for mental health treatment. The answer is 1.2 million, and 200,000 are children. Some are waiting nearly two years to be seen. Would the Prime Minister accept delays of that kind if it were one of his family or friends?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

One of the key things that we are doing to bring down waiting lists is expand access to patient choice. It is a very straightforward idea to make sure that patients can choose where they are treated, and in that way we will bring down waiting lists for mental health and other treatments far faster.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly answer if he would accept delays for his family or friends

How: Changed Subject To Labour'S Policy Inconsistencies

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

A nurse is struggling to find time to care for her son due to work demands, impacting his education. This reflects the situation of many families who cannot get necessary treatment.

Question

I spoke to an NHS nurse named Cam who struggles to find time to see her 14-year-old son Mikey until he became seriously unwell, and now he has not been in mainstream education for over a year. How does the Prime Minister think they feel when they see him refusing to take responsibility?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are doing absolutely everything we can to put money into the NHS to bring down the waiting lists. The right hon. and learned Gentleman is absolutely right: they do deserve it, but it is incredibly galling to hear this from someone who does not have the strength to condemn strikes happening in hospitals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly answer how families feel about NHS delays

How: Criticised Labour'S Handling Of Strikes

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Q8 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS Mental Health
Context

The suicide rate for 15 to 19-year-olds has doubled since 2010, highlighting the need for better mental health support. Scruppling tax loopholes could fund more staff and resources.

Question

I am glad that in recent years real progress has been made in tackling the stigma surrounding mental health. However, suicide rates have risen and it means tough choices like scrapping tax loopholes to provide more staff and support in schools and communities. Will the Prime Minister back this approach?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

It was this Government that for the first time in the NHS's history ensured that it had a long-term workforce plan, providing it with record funding to eliminate long waits and train record numbers of doctors and nurses. Labour failed on workforce planning.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to supporting Labour's mental health care plan

How: Criticised Labour'S Past Failures In Workforce Planning

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Q9 Steve Double Con
Housing Local Government
Context

Cornwall faces challenges with affordable housing. The Leader of the Opposition has stated intentions to ignore local views on planning matters.

Question

Access to housing that local people can afford is a challenge. We need houses available and affordable to locals, particularly in rural and coastal areas. Can you assure me and my constituents that under your Government, local communities will play a part in the planning process?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Our affordable homes programme is delivering hundreds of thousands of homes across the country. Crucially, on this side of the House we believe that local communities must be consulted, unlike Labour's plan for top-down housing targets.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a direct commitment to involve local communities

How: Compared Their Policy Favourably Against Labour'S

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Q10 Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South
Foreign Affairs
Context

Reports of a temporary pause in hostilities and hostage releases from Hamas have raised concerns about the future stability in Gaza. The MP references ongoing humanitarian crises.

Question

I think all of us in the Chamber are united in our relief at reports that hostages are due to be released by Hamas in Gaza, but we cannot afford to lose sight of what will come at the other side of the temporary pause in hostilities that we are about to see. At the end of four days, will we simply see a return to the killing of children in Gaza every 10 minutes, or will we in this House choose instead to back a permanent ceasefire?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We welcome the agreement reached overnight. As I said, it is something that we have consistently pushed for and is a crucial first step as we try to resolve this situation and, indeed, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Of course, we want to see all hostages released as quickly as possible, including British nationals, and I urge all parties involved to deliver the agreement in full.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address backing a permanent ceasefire

How: Under Review, Consistent Push For Ceasefire

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Q11 Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South
Foreign Affairs
Context

Continued hostilities in Gaza prompt questions about the future direction of Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Question

Ultimately, what we need is not a pause in the killing of children, but an end to the killing of children, and I can think of no better time than now for the Prime Minister to advocate a permanent ceasefire. Given that he will not currently do that, will he instead lay the foundations for a two-state solution by finally recognising the state of Palestine?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Actually, the agreement that has been reached demonstrates that it was not right to have a unilateral ceasefire. What was right was to do as we have done and consistently push for a pause that would allow not just for aid to reach the people in Gaza who desperately need it but for hostages to be released.

Not addressed: Diverged from question about Palestine recognition

How: Changed Subject

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Q12 Gary Sambrook
Transport
Context

The Network North initiative aims to improve transportation links, focusing on the midlands rail hub and Kings Norton station.

Question

I welcome the Prime Minister's Network North project, which will see the full £1.7 billion put into the midlands rail hub. That will reopen the central platforms at Kings Norton station, which have been derelict for so long. Will he bring forward the cash so that we can increase capacity on the line and improve journey times? Will he also look at my campaign to extend the new Camp Hill line to Longbridge?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I am pleased that my hon. Friend's constituency will benefit from the decision on High Speed 2 and benefit significantly from new Network North funding—an additional billion pounds to deliver the midlands rail hub in full. Decisions about Kings Norton are due to be made later this year, which should be good news to him.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address extension of Camp Hill line to Longbridge

How: Decisions Pending

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Q13 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Wales Energy
Context

North Wales faces higher standing charges and older, poorly insulated houses compared to London.

Question

I am sure the Prime Minister will join me and the communities I represent in sending heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends grieving at the loss of four young men in a tragic accident in Garreg Llanfrothen this week. People in north Wales pay the highest standing charges on energy bills, at £340 a year—a third more than in London—despite having lower average incomes and living in older, poorly insulated houses.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We have provided an extraordinary package of support for households across the country to help with energy bills, totalling almost £100 billion over the past year or two. The Ofgem price cap has also fallen to about £1,800 currently, and our price guarantee will remain in place until the spring of next year.

Not addressed: Did not address specific unfair standing charges issue

How: Support Packages In Place

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Q14 Liam Fox Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Discussion on defining peace and its prerequisites in the context of Middle Eastern stability.

Question

Setting strategic aims for the middle east requires us to be precise about the terms we use, and that includes the word “peace”. Peace is not just the absence of war or conflict, but the freedom from the fear of conflict, oppression or terror. It requires mutual respect, freedom from persecution and living without fear of destitution.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I agree wholeheartedly with my right hon. Friend on that and thank him for what he says. I know that his advice will continue to be of value to the Government as we find a way for a peaceful, more secure future for everyone living in the region.

Answered
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Q15 Patricia Gibson SNP
Scotland Energy
Context

Scottish consumers pay higher energy standing charges compared to London, despite exporting electricity.

Question

The Scottish surcharge on energy means, according to Ofgem, that people in Scotland pay 50% more in standing charges than Londoners do, despite exporting 3.2 million hours of electricity to England in the past two months alone. Meanwhile, Scottish green energy producers pay higher charges than English power companies to connect to the grid.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I refer to my previous answer about the considerable support we are providing to families across the United Kingdom with their energy bills. The hon. Lady mentions Scottish businesses, and it would be good if the Scottish National party realised that it should support the 200,000 people employed in Scotland's North sea oil and gas industry.

How: Criticised Opposition

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Q16 Kevin Foster Con
Housing
Context

The latest film from Torquay's Unleashed Theatre Company, “3 Steps”, highlights the impact of homelessness. The question stems from this awareness initiative.

Question

I am concerned about the impact of homelessness as highlighted in a local theatre company's film and ask what further steps the Government plans to take to ensure everyone has a place of their own?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are investing an unprecedented £2 billion over the next three years to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, including by building thousands of move-on homes and implementing our landmark Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, which has already prevented or relieved almost 600,000 households from suffering from homelessness.

Answered
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Q17 Alex Cunningham Lab
Children & Families
Context

34% of children in the constituency are living in poverty, a statistic that highlights significant socio-economic challenges.

Question

Why is the percentage of children in my constituency living in poverty so high?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Across our country, 1.7 million fewer people are now living in poverty as a result of our actions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures to address child poverty in the constituency were not provided

How: General Statement About National Reduction

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Q18 Darren Henry
Employment
Context

The questioner seeks to establish an apprenticeship hub in Broxtowe for individuals of any age to train and retrain.

Question

I am campaigning to establish an apprenticeship hub in Broxtowe. Will the Prime Minister work with me on this initiative?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We have delivered over 9,000 apprenticeships in great local businesses. While we continue to invest in apprenticeships, the Opposition wants to halve the number offered.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to supporting an apprenticeship hub was not made

How: Comparison With Opposition

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Q19 Andrew Western Lab Stretford and Urmston
Asylum & Refugees Migrants & Borders
Context

The Supreme Court ruling on Rwanda has left the government's asylum system exposed, with chaos at borders.

Question

Following 316 small boat arrivals this week, does the Prime Minister now intend to disapply human rights laws in response?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The number of arrivals is down by over 33% so far this year, thanks to our measures. Labour opposes each and every measure we have taken.

Not addressed: Disapplication of human rights laws was not addressed directly

How: Changing Subject To Statistics On Arrivals

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Q20 Jason McCartney Con
Economy Transport
Context

The constituency has received significant investment, including £64 million for Huddersfield market and rail line upgrades.

Question

Will the Prime Minister continue to invest in West Yorkshire given recent announcements like the Penistone rail line upgrade?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are delighted with the third investment zone announced in West Yorkshire, and about the regeneration money for the Penistone rail line upgrade and Huddersfield open market.

Answered
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Q21 Gareth Thomas Labour (Co-op)
Context

The Government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, contradicted the Prime Minister's previous statements on taking advice from advisers.

Question

According to Sir Patrick Vallance, the current PM did not ask for advice regarding 'eat out to help out.' Who is correct?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Government took advice from scientific advisers throughout the crisis, as highlighted in the ongoing inquiry.

Answered
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Q22 Theo Clarke
NHS
Context

A Staffordshire mother experienced birth trauma but the hospital will not investigate due to time elapsed. The MP received similar stories from mums across the UK.

Question

Will the Prime Minister meet me urgently regarding a constituent's concerns about birth trauma and include it in the refreshed women's health strategy?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I am pleased that the first ever debate on birth trauma was held recently. The Department of Health is working to improve maternity care and related mental healthcare.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Urgent meeting request not addressed, specific inclusion in strategy not confirmed

How: Referencing Past Debate

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Q23 Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North
Energy Environment
Context

The questioner highlights that in the past 13 years, six oil and gas licensing rounds produced only a small amount of oil and gas. The Scottish Government has invested £500 million in energy transition.

Question

In the last 13 years, the six oil and gas licensing rounds by the Tories have produced 16 days-worth of oil and gas for the UK. Will the Prime Minister explain how doubling the number of licensing rounds will have any impact on insanely high energy bills? If he cared about energy security, jobs or the environment, he would surely be better matching the Scottish Government's £500 million investment in a just transition and providing a £400 rebate to bill payers.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

It is not £500 million; we are investing tens of billions of pounds in energy transition, not least for things such as carbon capture and storage. In order to have energy security, it is right to exploit the resources that we have here at home. Even the independent Climate Change Committee projects that we will still need oil and gas as we make the transition.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address how doubling licensing rounds would impact high energy bills or whether a £400 rebate to bill payers is planned

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Q24 Jack Lopresti Con
Ukraine
Context

The questioner mentions hosting Ukrainian teenage children whose parents are fighting Russians in Ukraine. Six of them have been orphaned.

Question

Today, I am hosting—here in the House of Commons—14 Ukrainian teenage children whose parents have been and are fighting the Russians in Ukraine. Will the Prime Minister join me in paying tribute to the parents of these children and take this opportunity to reiterate our steadfast support for the people of Ukraine in their fight for their independence, freedom and nation's survival?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I do join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the parents of these children and many others. I also wish to take the opportunity to say that, while events in the middle east have been dominating the headlines, we and our allies are steadfast in our resolve to support Ukraine for as long as it takes for it to achieve victory.

Answered
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Q25 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Economy Science & Technology
Context

The questioner criticises the Prime Minister's welcome for Elon Musk, noting that advertisers are now fleeing Musk's platform after his latest outburst.

Question

A few weeks ago, the world cringed at the Prime Minister's fawning welcome for Elon Musk. This week, advertisers are fleeing Musk's platform after his latest vile outburst. What exactly did the Prime Minister think he might learn from an unelected, super-rich individual who had taken over a once successful organisation and plunged it into a death spiral?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

It is striking that the hon. Member for Cambridge—of all places!—does not understand the importance of technology sectors and companies to the growth of our economy. It illustrates everything that is wrong with Labour's approach to our economy. What the rest of the world saw was the UK playing a lead in defining the regulations and approach to a technology that will transform how we live.

Not addressed: Did not directly answer what PM expected to gain from meeting Elon Musk, instead criticized Labour's economic stance

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Q26 Fiona Bruce Con
Religion & Faith
Context

The questioner refers to Red Wednesday, a day commemorating millions persecuted worldwide for their faith.

Question

Today is Red Wednesday when we remember millions of Christians and others worldwide who are persecuted for their faith. Does the Prime Minister agree that the best way that we can honour Red Wednesday today is to commit to quickly implementing the good words of the new International Development White Paper, which was published yesterday?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I thank my hon. Friend for her continuing dedication as my special envoy on this vital issue. Marking this event annually is just one of the recommendations in the Bishop of Truro's report. We have taken forward all 22 recommendations in a way that we believe is making a real change for those persecuted for their religion or belief.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether PM agrees on quick implementation of International Development White Paper

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