Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 13 December 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 3 Partly answered 14 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Mike Kane asked the Prime Minister about compensation for victims of the contaminated blood products scandal, to which the response acknowledged the moral case for compensation and noted that the Minister for the Cabinet Office would provide updates on the next steps.
  • Greg Smith inquired about the Prime Minister's commitment to finding a better system of financial modelling for accurate tax forecasting, to which the response highlighted the effectiveness of current management in halving inflation and delivering significant tax cuts.
  • Keir Starmer addressed the Prime Minister regarding internal criticism within the Government and ongoing issues such as rising mortgage payments and energy bills, to which the response emphasized the Government's achievements in reducing inflation, controlling borrowing, and delivering tax cuts.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East
NHS
Context

A constituent, Fred Bates, aged 74 with liver cancer, is a victim of the contaminated blood scandal. The issue has been discussed in Parliament previously but no resolution was reached, resulting in a lost vote.

Question

My constituent Fred Bates, age 74 and suffering from liver cancer, is a victim of the contaminated blood products scandal. After 50 years, he wishes to know when victims like him will be compensated and receive justice.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Government has already accepted the moral case for compensation and acknowledged that justice needs to be delivered. The Minister for the Cabinet Office will update on the next steps from the infected blood inquiry shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeline or amount of compensation

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Q2 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Economy Taxation
Context

The Office for Budget Responsibility has been criticized for inaccurate forecasts, raising concerns about the accuracy of tax policy decisions.

Question

Will the Prime Minister commit to finding a better system of financial modelling to ensure accurate forecasting for lowering taxes?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The OBR has brought transparency and independence, but thanks to effective management, inflation is halved, borrowing controlled, and the largest tax cuts in a generation are being delivered.

Not addressed: Shifted focus from economic modelling accuracy to recent tax cut achievements

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Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Economy Taxation Wales
Context

A young man died on the Bibby Stockholm, prompting condolences to his family. Also marking the retirement of Mark Drakeford.

Question

I express deepest condolences for the death of a young man. I also acknowledge the retirement of Mark Drakeford, thanking him for his service in Labour and Welsh politics. Christmas is a time for peace—does anyone have this sentiment?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Christmas is a time for families; we have record numbers of them under our Government, with achievements in reducing inflation, controlling borrowing, and delivering tax cuts.

Not addressed: Avoided discussing peace on earth sentiment directly, focusing instead on economic achievements

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Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Democracy & Elections
Context

Members within the Government have criticized the Prime Minister's capabilities, experience, and political skills.

Question

The Prime Minister is facing criticism from his own MPs; who said he is not capable enough or experienced?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I thank the right hon. and learned Gentleman for comments but should hear what they say about him.

Not addressed: Did not address the specific accusations or provide any acknowledgment of criticisms

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Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
NHS Education Economy
Context

The economy is shrinking, energy bills are rising, NHS waiting lists are at an all-time high.

Question

While Government MPs fight among themselves, the UK faces issues such as mortgage payments increasing, energy bills rising in January, and NHS waiting times worsening. Does the PM think fixing existing problems would be better?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The right hon. and learned Gentleman talks about governing but focused on political gossip. Let us get to substance: education is key for spreading opportunity.

Not addressed: Shifted focus from economic issues to discussing the importance of education

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Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Housing Children & Families
Context

Rough sleeping is increasing, children are at risk of homelessness due to no-fault evictions. House building is set to collapse.

Question

Instead of focusing on internal factionalism, when will the Prime Minister take action to address rising rough sleeping, child homelessness risks, and a collapsing house-building sector?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Since its peak, rough sleeping is down by 35%, fewer children are in poverty, more new homes were delivered last year than under the previous Labour Government.

Not addressed: Did not address specific housing policy concerns, focusing instead on past achievements

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Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Immigration Economy Housing
Context

There are 140,000 homeless children in the UK. A family from Wiltshire was evicted despite both parents working full-time jobs, leaving them without a home for their two young children.

Question

One hundred and forty thousand children are homeless this Christmas, with cases like that of Liam Walker who wrote to Santa asking not for toys but for a stable home. Why does the Prime Minister fail to address such critical issues?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

When there was an opportunity to reform defective EU laws to unlock 100,000 new homes, Labour blocked it. The government has delivered tax cuts for millions of working families, boosted the national living wage, recruited nurses and police officers, improved schools, cut net zero costs, reduced boat crossings, and halved inflation.

Not addressed: The specific ask about reducing homelessness was not addressed; instead, the PM highlighted other policies unrelated to housing support for homeless families.

How: Changed Subject

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Q8 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Immigration Economy Housing
Context

Continuing the previous discussion on homelessness affecting working families, a Christmas message is sought to address this issue.

Question

Is the Prime Minister's Christmas message about supporting homeless families like Liam Walker who just wants a stable home?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The government has delivered tax cuts, increased national living wages, recruited more nurses and police officers, improved schools, reduced net zero costs, decreased boat crossings, and halved inflation. These measures support working Britain.

Not addressed: Did not address the specific issue of homelessness for Christmas; instead provided general policy achievements unrelated to housing.

How: Changed Subject

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Q9 Stephen Hammond Con
Taxation Transport
Context

The questioner seeks two early Christmas presents regarding the differential VAT rates on public and private EV charging points and local byelaws that hinder installation.

Question

Can I have two early Christmas presents: will you speak to the Chancellor about reviewing unfair differential VAT rates for EV charging points, and ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to amend byelaws that prevent easier access to on-street parking and charging?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Chancellor has authorised over £2 billion for zero-emission vehicles, aiming for 300,000 charge points by 2030. The national planning policy framework will prioritise the roll-out of charge points, and almost £400 million is available to support local authorities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly commit to reviewing VAT rates or amending specific byelaws; only mentioned consultations on frameworks without concrete timelines or specifics.

How: Hedging Language

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Q10 Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

Children in Gaza face high risks of death due to ongoing conflicts, with the UN voting for a ceasefire but the UK abstaining.

Question

Will you share your Christmas message for children being bombed in Gaza this winter?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Nobody wants to see the conflict continue. We need more humanitarian pauses, supporting hostage releases and life-saving aid into Gaza.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a specific plan or action for a ceasefire; only stated general desire without concrete steps.

How: Hedging Language

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Q11 Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South
Foreign Affairs
Context

Estimates suggest over 1,400 more child deaths without a ceasefire; UK abstained from UN vote on ceasefire resolution.

Question

If the Israeli Government's actions continue, nearly 1,400 more children could die. How can you explain voting against a ceasefire when 153 nations voted for it?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are deeply concerned about civilian impact, pressing Israel on Kerem Shalom crossing and maritime corridors for aid flow.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address why UK abstained; only mentioned practical steps taken without a clear commitment to supporting the ceasefire resolution.

How: Hedging Language

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Q12 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Education Transport
Context

Securing funding and bursary schemes to support students' transport needs is highlighted, but calls for a mandate on councils.

Question

We should not have to secure such funds individually. Will the Prime Minister mandate and support councils to provide transport for post-16 education?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Home-to-school travel policies and 16 to 19 bursary funds are available, but a meeting with relevant Minister is suggested.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a mandate; only offered a meeting without providing concrete support or actions.

How: Hedging Language

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Q13 Jeffrey M. Donaldson DUP
Northern Ireland
Context

Unionist concerns about the need to remove the Irish sea border created by the protocol, which disrupts the UK's internal market.

Question

The Prime Minister will be aware of Unionist concerns about the need to remove the Irish sea border created by the protocol, which disrupts the UK's internal market. Will he bring forward legislation to amend the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 and guarantee and future-proof Northern Ireland's unfettered access to the UK's internal market in all scenarios?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I recognise the need to do more in this area, and I can confirm that the Government stand ready to legislate to protect Northern Ireland's integral place in the United Kingdom and the UK internal market. This will be done alongside an agreement to restore the Executive.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Legislative action and timeline

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Q14 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

121 MPs from across the House signed an open letter to supermarkets asking for a “Buy British” button. Morrisons has implemented this tab.

Question

Mr Speaker, 121 MPs from across the House signed my open letter to supermarkets asking to have a “Buy British” button online. I am pleased to announce that last week Morrisons was the first supermarket to implement a “Buy British” tab. This gives consumers the choice to have home-grown produce and also supports our farmers. Will the Prime Minister join my calls to other supermarkets to make the change and follow suit?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

This Government will always back our farmers, and I welcome the work of my hon. Friend and the National Farmers Union on this issue. We absolutely support calls for industry-led action on this topic, and we will continue to encourage all retailers to showcase the incredible food produced in the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific encouragement for other supermarkets

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Q15 Stephen Timms Lab East Ham
Immigration
Context

The marriage plans of thousands of couples were affected by a sudden announcement of an increase in the salary requirement for spouse visas.

Question

The marriage plans of thousands of couples were dashed last week by the sudden announcement of a big increase in the salary requirement for a spouse visa. Can the Prime Minister give any reassurance to those with well-advanced marriage plans that now appear to have been scuppered, and to families already in the UK who need to extend their stay but will not comply with the new rules? Can he at least offer some transitional help for families?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We have a long-standing principle that anyone bringing dependants to the UK must be able to support them financially. The threshold has not been raised in over a decade, and it is right that we now bring it in line with the median salary. We are looking at transitional arrangements and will set out further information shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reassurances or immediate help for affected individuals

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Q16 Holly Mumby-Croft
Economy Energy Business & Trade
Context

The ability to make virgin steel in the UK is at risk, posing issues of national security.

Question

I once again raise the issue of steel. We are now at serious risk of losing the ability to make virgin steel here in the UK. I know that the Government are working hard on this, but it is a matter of national security and we need the Prime Minister's leadership on this issue. What is he doing to ensure that we are able to make our own virgin steel?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are committed to working with the steel sector to secure a decarbonised future, supporting local economic growth and our levelling-up agenda. This includes major support with energy costs and access to hundreds of millions of pounds of grants for energy efficiency and decarbonisation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or commitments on virgin steel production

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Q17 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Housing Local Government Environment
Context

A rogue company has left behind hazardous waste that has been on fire for 10 days, costing the city council £262,000.

Question

A rogue company has walked away from 13,000 tonnes of hazardous waste in Lancaster. It has now been on fire for 10 days with plumes of smoke covering the city. Without Government support and intervention this fire will burn for several months. Will the Prime Minister provide my local council with swift Government support?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I thank the hon. Member for raising this important issue and ensure that the relevant Minister understands its urgency, making sure she meets them as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Swift government support

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Q18 Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham
NHS
Context

Some dental practices are taking advantage of post-covid demand to take their NHS practices private, leaving behind those most in need.

Question

Some dental practices are taking advantage of post-covid demand to take their NHS practices private, earning more money but leaving behind those most in need. Training a dentist costs constituents in Broadland over £300,000. Does my right hon. Friend agree that if a dentist accepts public funding in order to qualify, they should be asked to commit to NHS dentistry for a number of years before going private?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My hon. Friend makes an excellent point, and we are investing £3 billion in dentistry. We reformed the NHS dentistry contract last year to improve access for patients, but more needs to be done, which is why the Government will bring forward the dentistry recovery plan in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on dentist training and qualifications

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Q19 Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea
Economy Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Over 4,300 emergency food parcels have been provided in Battersea by the Wandsworth food bank this year. The food bank expects a difficult winter ahead.

Question

There are 12 days until Christmas and hundreds of families in Battersea are worried about affording food and heat due to the Tory cost of living crisis. Over 4,300 emergency food parcels have been provided in Battersea this year by Wandsworth food bank which is bracing for the worst winter yet. What is the Prime Minister doing to ensure that families do not go cold and hungry this Christmas?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We have increased welfare by record amounts earlier this year, supplemented with £900 in cost of living payments for the most vulnerable. Energy bill support has been provided for those who need it most. Pensioners will receive up to £300 alongside their winter fuel payment which will last into next year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address whether additional measures are being taken specifically this Christmas season, only general support.

How: Under Review, Under Consideration

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Q20 James Morris Con
Mental Health
Context

The Mental Health Act is 40 years old and has failed to provide appropriate care for those with learning disabilities and autism who are sectioned under it. People sectioned under the Act have been kept in inappropriate accommodation for long periods.

Question

Our mental health legislation is 40 years old, and we made a manifesto commitment to reform the Mental Health Act 1983 because people with learning disabilities and autism who are sectioned under the Act are being kept in inappropriate accommodation. People sectioned under the Act are not receiving compassionate care they deserve and are criminalised by sectioning. In the absence of a Bill, will the Prime Minister agree to meet me and colleagues to discuss how we might take forward the reform?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I am grateful for the work done by the Joint Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill. Our intention is to bring forward a Bill when parliamentary time allows. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend and other colleagues to discuss this.

Answered
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Q21 John Spellar Lab
Economy Taxation
Context

The administration is perceived as dysfunctional by the public, businesses, and organisations. There are concerns about Britain not working effectively.

Question

Much more important than government chaos dominating media headlines is the deeply unsatisfactory day-to-day experience of engaging with this Administration. When is the Prime Minister going to get a grip?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The most pressing issue facing families is the cost of living, which we have addressed by delivering what was promised. We are halving inflation and providing significant tax cuts from January.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address when PM will get grip on day-to-day functioning issues.

How: Under Review, Under Consideration

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Q22 Jeremy Quin Con
NHS
Context

There is a drop-in session on lobular breast cancer and the research needed to improve care for this type of cancer.

Question

Breast cancer survival rates have improved, but we need to go further. Could my right hon. Friend or his Secretary of State find time to join us at the drop-in session?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I believe the Health Secretary is attending this afternoon's event. We are focused on fighting cancer on all fronts: prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research and funding.

Answered
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Q23 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Immigration Migrants & Borders
Context

The Home Secretary signed a new treaty in Rwanda, but his Department put out a £700 million contract to manage small boat arrivals until 2030.

Question

While the Home Secretary was signing his new treaty in Rwanda, his Department put out a £700 million contract to manage small boat arrivals until 2030. Does that not show the plan will not work?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

That is a total mischaracterisation of what was put out, which was an advert, not a commitment. Our track record shows we have reduced small boat arrivals by over a third this year.

Not addressed: Did not address the question about flaws in managing small boat arrivals plan.

How: Attack

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Q24 Daniel Kawczynski Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The River Severn is causing annual flooding in constituencies, leading to business and community damage.

Question

I chair the caucus of 38 Conservative MPs who have Britain's longest river flowing through their constituencies. We presented a business case for £500 million to manage the river holistically. Our constituencies face flooding every year causing significant damage. Will the PM take an interest in this, as the business case shows a gross value added uplift of over £100 billion?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I will make sure that the Chancellor does look at the business case. We have significantly increased funding for flood defences, to over £5 billion, protecting hundreds of thousands more homes.

Answered
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Q25 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Context

The government has faced significant criticism for losing billions to fraud, falling living standards, and becoming even more unpopular than Boris Johnson.

Question

What is worse: losing WhatsApp messages as a tech bro, losing £11.8 billion to fraud as Chancellor, presiding over the biggest fall in living standards in our history, or desperately clinging on to power when you have become even more unpopular than Boris Johnson?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

What matters to me is delivering for the British people, and that is exactly what we are doing.

How: Attack

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Q26 Theresa Villiers Con
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

Reports of sexual violence committed by Hamas on October 7th raised concerns about the safety of hostages.

Question

Given the reports of sexual violence committed by Hamas and the risk to hostages, will the Prime Minister raise this issue in international forums so that the international community demands strong humanitarian access for hostages in Gaza?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The reports of sexual violence by Hamas are deeply shocking. We have raised concerns with the United Nations a fortnight ago, engaging with the Israeli Government to consider further support. The UK continues to work towards ensuring safe return for all hostages, including British hostages and those linked to the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifically addressing how humanitarian access will be demanded in international forums

How: Raising Concerns With Un, Engaging With Israeli Government

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